How Eddie Rickenbacker Named the Iconic Indy 500 Race
As we get ready for the 2025 Indy 500, it feels right to look back at the history and the people who’ve made this race what it is. Among them, Eddie Rickenbacker stands out—a Columbus native and one of the most recognizable Americans of the last century.
Rickenbacker played a huge role in branding the race as the “Indy 500.” But honestly, his story goes way beyond racing. He started out in Columbus, became a decorated World War I fighter pilot, and later turned into an entrepreneur with a knack for chasing new frontiers.
The Early Days: Rickenbacker’s Columbus Roots
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Eddie Rickenbacker grew up on the South Side of Columbus, Ohio, at 1334 Livingston Ave. That old house is still around, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places—a quiet reminder of his modest start.
He left school when he was just 13. Cars, which were still pretty new back then, captured his imagination. Thanks to some guidance from Columbus manufacturers, Rickenbacker quickly carved out a place for himself in racing circles.
Driving Park: The Launchpad
Driving Park, just blocks from where Rickenbacker grew up, became a turning point for him. In 1910, he drove a Firestone-Columbus car and helped Lee Frayer beat the legendary Barney Oldfield.
That win put Rickenbacker on the map and opened doors for him in the racing world.
The Birth of the Indy 500
Rickenbacker’s connection with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway really took off in 1927 when he bought the track. While he owned it, he brought in a bunch of changes that stuck around.
He introduced the Borg-Warner Trophy in 1936, which officially called the event the “Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.”
The Evolution of the Race’s Name
The story behind the name “Indy 500” is a bit tangled. According to the Indianapolis Star, the race has worn a few different names over the years:
- The International 500-Mile Sweepstakes
- The 500
- The 500-Mile Sweepstakes
- The Liberty 500-Mile Sweepstakes
- The Indianapolis 500-mile race
But it was really Rickenbacker who cemented the “Indy 500” brand in the public’s mind.
Rickenbacker’s Multifaceted Legacy
Rickenbacker’s impact stretched far past racing. During World War I, he started as General John “Blackjack” Pershing’s driver and then became a fighter pilot.
He racked up 26 confirmed kills, earning the title “Ace of Aces” along with the Congressional Medal of Honor and eight Distinguished Service Crosses.
From Racing to Aviation
After the war, Rickenbacker didn’t slow down. He tried his hand at running a car company, though that venture didn’t last.
He went on to own an aircraft-engine plant and later started Eastern Air Lines, which he ran until he retired in the 1960s. People called him “Fast Eddie” or “Captain Eddie”—nicknames he definitely earned.
The Modern Indy 500
The 2025 Indy 500 is set for 12:45 p.m. on May 25. The official name this year? “109th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.”
Sponsorships have changed hands more than a few times. PennGrade Motor Oil handed things off to Gainbridge, which feels like just another chapter in the race’s long story.
The Future of the Indy 500
Sure, the name or sponsors might shift, but the heart of the Indy 500 hasn’t budged. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway—yeah, the “Brickyard”—still stands as a symbol of racing at its best.
Rickenbacker’s introduction of the Borg-Warner Trophy back in 1936 set a standard for prestige that, honestly, still holds up today.
Eddie Rickenbacker left a mark on the Indy 500 and American history that’s hard to overstate. He grew up in Columbus and found his way from racing to aviation, always pushing boundaries.
Rickenbacker showed real grit and a knack for innovation. His story’s packed with moments of bravery and a drive for excellence that never really let up.
If you’re curious and want to dig deeper into Rickenbacker’s life, check out the full article on the Dispatch website.
