Fifteen articles in this collection document significant events in Carl Fisher’s life. His “palimony” suit with Gertrude Hassler is an interesting example. Another important point is the Zanesville, Ohio county fair horse track accident in September 1903 that involved his teammate Earl Kiser and resulted in the death of several spectators. Also, there is Carl’s wonderful first hand account of his balloon ride when he competed in the Speedway’s first competition – the national balloon championships of June 1909.

"Skip" Fisher

Carl Fisher lived during an age of invention during the late 19th and early 20th Century that brought us the telephone, the automobile, airplanes, electrification and more - all still fundamental drivers of the global economy in the 21st Century.
Carl Fisher's Boating

Carl Fisher loved all forms of motorsports. He was an avid powerboat racer prior to founding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - during the earliest pioneering days of boat competition. These articles contain references to some of his early events in 1906 and 1907. He raced in Michigan and at Broad Ripple in Indianapolis.
1906 Russell Family Benefit Race

Before we ge started, please let me note that there is a companion entry with additional coverage of this same landmark race meet in early Indianapolis automobile history that you will want to familiarize yourself with by clicking thru. 
A.C. Webb, Premier & Russell Benefit

This race was staged on October 20, 1906 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It was one of the best examples I have found of an auto race of this early era that is interwoven with the context of the times. For the previous three weeks one of the biggest news stories in Indianapolis was the shooting of a police officer by what the Star referred to as a "Negro." The black man's name was Jesse Coe and the officer was Charles Russell.
A.C. Webb, Premier & Russell Benefit

Before we ge started, please let me note that there is a companion entry with additional coverage of this same landmark race meet in early Indianapolis automobile history that you will want to familiarize yourself with by clicking thru. 
 
A.C. (Alonzo) Webb

A.C. Webb was a respected driver star of the early 20th Century. He won the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Trophy and competed in the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup race.
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Coverage

Attached are articles from the Indianapolis Star that cover the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup won by Louis Wagner. Wagner also raced in the 1919 Indianapolis 500. Check out the files titled "VCR Drivers" for an interesting photographic image.
Hoosier Race - 1907 & 1908

In 1907 the Indiana-based automobile manufacturers were great in number and prolific. They saw the value of motorsport and wanted to show off their wares in competition at the best venue possible.
Carl Fisher's Boating

Carl Fisher loved all forms of motorsports. He was an avid powerboat racer prior to founding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - during the earliest pioneering days of boat competition. These articles contain references to some of his early events in 1906 and 1907. He raced in Michigan and at Broad Ripple in Indianapolis.

This folder contains three excellent articles on the early days of the French Grand Prix. The race was initiated in 1906 but canceled from 1909 through 1911 as the French absorbed disappointing losses in 1907 and 1908. The race returned in 1912 only to be interrupted after 1914 by World War I.

1907 French GP - Indianapolis Coverage

The first three attachments below contain articles about the second French Grand Prix that were published in the Indianapolis Star in July 1907. The fourth attachment contains an article on the same race that appeared in the Indianapolis News.