Wilbur Shaw (1937, 1939, 1940) Indy 500 Winner: The Racing Legend Who Dominated Indianapolis

Wilbur Shaw stands as one of the most remarkable figures in Indianapolis 500 history. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Shaw achieved what few racers ever could – winning the prestigious race three times in just four years. His victories in 1937, 1939, and 1940 not only cemented his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in Indy 500 history but also tied Louis Meyer’s record as the first drivers to win the race three times.

Shaw’s accomplishments become even more impressive when you consider his consistency. Between 1933 and 1940, he never finished worse than second place when he completed the race, showing remarkable skill and reliability.

His 1937 win was particularly notable, featuring one of the closest finishes in Indianapolis 500 history, beating Ralph Hepburn by just over two seconds.

The 1939 and 1940 victories showcased both Shaw’s talent and the engineering marvel of his Maserati 8CTF race car. The Italian machine proved dominant in Shaw’s capable hands, demonstrating exceptional speed, reliability over the grueling 500-mile distance, and superior handling characteristics compared to the competition. Shaw’s racing prowess extended beyond his driving career – he later became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, helping preserve the iconic venue for future generations.

Early Life and Career of Wilbur Shaw

Warren Wilbur Shaw’s journey from humble beginnings to racing greatness represents one of motorsport’s most compelling stories. His natural talent behind the wheel and mechanical aptitude laid the foundation for what would become a legendary Indianapolis career.

Rise Through Racing Ranks

Shaw’s racing story began far from the brickyard’s glamour. Born in Shelbyville, Indiana, on October 31, 1902, he developed an early fascination with automobiles and speed.

At just 16 years old, he moved to Indianapolis where he worked various automotive jobs, soaking up mechanical knowledge that would later prove invaluable.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Shaw didn’t come from wealth. He worked as a mechanic, salesman, and even a fireman to fund his racing dreams. These early experiences gave him unique insights into vehicle performance.

Shaw cut his teeth on dirt tracks across the Midwest during the 1920s. These brutal competitions forged his aggressive-yet-calculated driving style and reputation for mechanical sympathy—knowing exactly how hard to push a car without breaking it.

Notable Early Achievements

Shaw’s first Indianapolis 500 appearance came in 1927, marking the beginning of his relationship with America’s most prestigious race. Though his early attempts didn’t result in victory, they showcased his obvious talent and determination.

Throughout the early 1930s, Shaw established himself as a formidable competitor on the national racing circuit. His mechanical knowledge allowed him to extract maximum performance from often-underfunded equipment.

The breakthrough came when Shaw was named National Driving Champion in 1937—the same year as his first Indy 500 win. This victory was particularly sweet, as he beat Ralph Hepburn by just over two seconds in what would remain the closest Indy 500 finish for 45 years.

By the late 1930s, Shaw had firmly established himself as one of racing’s elite drivers, combining raw speed with mechanical finesse and strategic brilliance.

Indy 500 Triumphs

Wilbur Shaw established himself as one of the greatest Indy 500 drivers through his remarkable victories in 1937, 1939, and 1940. His racing prowess and tactical brilliance transformed him from competitor to legend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

1937 Victory

Shaw’s first Indianapolis 500 triumph came in dramatic fashion on a sweltering Memorial Day in 1937. Driving a Gilmore Special, he narrowly defeated Ralph Hepburn by just two seconds in what would remain the closest finish in the race’s history for more than four decades.

The race wasn’t just close—it was grueling. Shaw completed the 200 laps while battling exhaustion and mechanical challenges that sidelined many competitors.

His victory wasn’t just luck. Shaw demonstrated exceptional skill in managing his tires and fuel consumption, making precisely timed pit stops that kept him competitive throughout the day’s intense racing action.

Back-to-Back Wins in 1939 and 1940

Shaw made history by becoming the first driver to win consecutive Indianapolis 500 races in 1939 and 1940. His 1939 victory came at the wheel of a Maserati 8CTF, completing a 4-hour and 20-minute race at an average speed exceeding 115 mph.

The following year, Shaw returned with the same Maserati and claimed an unprecedented back-to-back victory. The 1940 triumph solidified his legacy as he joined Louis Meyer as only the second three-time winner in Indy 500 history.

What made these consecutive wins more impressive was Shaw’s consistency. Despite changing track conditions and fierce competition, he maintained composure and mechanical sympathy that kept his Maserati running when others faltered.

Race-Defining Strategies and Skills

Shaw’s success at Indianapolis wasn’t merely about speed—it was about racing intelligence. He pioneered the concept of tire management, understanding how rubber degradation affected handling over the 500-mile distance.

His communication with his pit crew, particularly chief mechanic Cotton Henning, set new standards for driver-team collaboration. They developed hand signals that conveyed detailed information about the car’s performance without requiring Shaw to slow significantly.

Shaw’s driving style featured remarkable smoothness—he rarely overdrove corners or abused his equipment. This mechanical sympathy meant his cars lasted when others broke down during the grueling 200 laps.

Perhaps most impressively, Shaw adapted to changing track conditions better than his competitors. As the Memorial Day sun baked the brick surface, creating slippery conditions, Shaw adjusted his racing line to find grip where others couldn’t.

Vehicles and Technical Evolution

Shaw’s racing career coincided with a revolutionary period in Indy 500 technology. His three victories showcased the rapid development of race car engineering, tire technology, and international influence on American motorsport.

Maserati Dominance

Shaw made racing history when he piloted the Maserati 8CTF to victory at Indianapolis in 1939. This Italian thoroughbred represented a technological leap forward with its supercharged straight-eight engine producing around 350 horsepower – monstrous for the era.

The 8CTF (the designation stood for “8 Cilindri Testa Fissa” or “Eight Cylinders Fixed Head”) featured advanced engineering for its time: dual overhead camshafts, twin superchargers, and a rigid chassis design that provided excellent handling.

Shaw’s back-to-back wins in 1939 and 1940 with the same Maserati chassis demonstrated both the car’s reliability and Shaw’s mastery of the machine. This European invasion at the Brickyard marked a significant shift from American dominance in previous decades.

The Maserati’s success also highlighted the growing internationalization of motorsport technology, even as World War II loomed on the horizon.

Miller and Duesenberg Engineering

Before his Maserati success, Shaw’s 1937 victory came at the wheel of a Gilmore Racing Special – essentially a modified Miller-Offenhauser chassis. This represented pure American engineering excellence.

The Miller designs, later evolved into Offenhauser engines, dominated Indianapolis for decades with their durability and power. Shaw’s early career was built on these foundations of American ingenuity.

Duesenberg’s influence on Shaw’s career can’t be overlooked. Though he didn’t win with a Duesenberg, the engineering principles pioneered by the Duesenberg brothers – particularly their focus on supercharging and precision engineering – influenced all race cars of Shaw’s era.

Shaw himself appreciated the mechanical brilliance of these machines. His background as a mechanic before becoming a driver gave him unique insight into what made these American-engineered racers special.

Firestone Tire Contributions

Firestone tires played a crucial role in Shaw’s three Indy 500 victories. The company’s racing division developed special compounds and construction techniques specifically for the punishing conditions at Indianapolis.

Shaw maintained a close relationship with Firestone throughout his career. This partnership wasn’t just sponsorship – it was a technical collaboration that provided him with cutting-edge tire technology.

Tire development during Shaw’s era saw dramatic improvements in grip, durability and heat resistance. A single tire failure at 115+ mph could be fatal, making this technology literally life-or-death.

After his driving career, Shaw’s role as Indianapolis Motor Speedway president included maintaining this crucial relationship with Firestone, understanding that tire technology was as important as engine development in pushing racing forward.

Key Rivalries and Contemporaries

During Wilbur Shaw’s impressive Indy 500 career, he battled against several formidable opponents who shaped the golden era of American racing. These rivalries added drama to his victories and defined motorsport in the late 1930s.

Mauri Rose Challenges

Mauri Rose emerged as one of Shaw’s most significant rivals during his championship years. Their competition intensified after Rose’s heartbreaking near-miss in the 1941 race. While Shaw dominated the late 1930s, Rose would later claim his own trio of Indy 500 victories in 1941, 1947, and 1948.

What made the Shaw-Rose rivalry compelling was their contrasting styles. Shaw was known for his smooth, calculating approach, while Rose was more aggressive and technically minded—he worked as an engineer when not racing.

Their battles often came down to strategic choices rather than pure speed. In the 1940 race, Rose pressed Shaw hard before mechanical issues forced him out, allowing Shaw to complete his historic third win. This back-and-forth competition elevated both drivers’ legacies at the Brickyard.

Rex Mays’ Consistency

Rex Mays represented a frustrating challenge to Shaw’s dominance. Despite being a four-time AAA National Champion, Mays never claimed an Indy 500 victory.

Mays qualified on pole at Indianapolis multiple times during Shaw’s era, showcasing blistering single-lap speed. His front-row starts in 1937 and 1939—both years Shaw won—highlighted their rivalry.

What made Mays dangerous was his combination of raw speed and technical skill. He often led portions of the races Shaw eventually won, making him a constant threat. Their contests represented classic racing drama: Mays’ qualifying brilliance versus Shaw’s race-day execution.

Despite never reaching Victory Lane at the Brickyard, Mays pushed Shaw to elevate his game during those championship runs.

Ralph Hepburn’s Pursuits

No rival came closer to denying Shaw victory than Ralph Hepburn in the 1937 Indianapolis 500. In what would stand as the closest Indy 500 finish for 45 years, Shaw edged Hepburn by just 2.16 seconds after 500 grueling miles.

This nail-biting finish cemented their rivalry. Hepburn, a former motorcycle champion turned race car driver, represented the old guard challenging Shaw’s rising star. The 1937 duel featured Hepburn pressuring Shaw throughout the final laps on a scorching hot day.

Hepburn continued pursuing Indianapolis glory during Shaw’s reign, but never managed to overcome his rival’s mastery of the Speedway. Their contrasting backgrounds—Shaw the Indiana native versus Hepburn the California motorcycle champion—added another layer to their competition.

Despite coming tantalizingly close, Hepburn would ultimately end his career without capturing the elusive Indy 500 victory that Shaw claimed three times.

Impact on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Wilbur Shaw’s contributions to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway extended far beyond his impressive racing career. His leadership and vision quite literally saved the historic track from destruction and transformed it into the iconic venue we know today.

World War II and the Speedway Closure

When World War II erupted, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway faced an existential crisis. The 1940 race would be Shaw’s last victory before the track closed for the duration of the war. Owner Eddie Rickenbacker, himself a World War I flying ace, shut down all racing operations as the nation focused on the war effort.

The iconic 2.5-mile oval fell into severe disrepair during this period. Weeds grew through cracks in the aging brick surface, buildings deteriorated, and the grandstands began to crumble.

By 1945, when Shaw returned to test a car at his beloved Speedway, he was shocked by what he found.

The situation was dire. Rickenbacker, who had purchased the track in 1927, seemed prepared to demolish the facility and develop the valuable land for other purposes.

Partnership with Tony Hulman

Recognizing the Speedway’s perilous situation, Shaw took decisive action. He approached his friend, Terre Haute businessman Tony Hulman, with a bold proposal to purchase and renovate the deteriorating track.

On November 14, 1945, Hulman bought the Speedway from Rickenbacker for $750,000. As part of their agreement, Shaw became the track’s president and hands-on manager, positions he would hold until his death in 1954.

This partnership proved transformative. Shaw brought racing expertise and unwavering passion, while Hulman provided the financial resources and business acumen needed to revitalize the facility. Together, they formed one of motorsport’s most consequential leadership teams.

Shaw’s credibility with drivers and manufacturers was instrumental in rebuilding the race’s prominence after the war years.

Preservation and Renovation Efforts

Shaw immediately began ambitious renovation projects to restore the Speedway’s former glory. The track surface required extensive repairs, safety features needed modernization, and the entire facility demanded upgrading to accommodate post-war crowds.

New grandstands rose from the ruins of the old. The aging brick surface received critical maintenance. Modern timing systems replaced outdated methods.

Under Shaw’s meticulous supervision, the facility experienced a renaissance.

Beyond physical improvements, Shaw worked tirelessly to promote the Indianapolis 500 nationally. His three victories gave him credibility with media outlets, and he leveraged his connections to rebuild the race’s prominence.

The 1946 race, the first under the new ownership, drew massive crowds eager to experience the revitalized American tradition. Shaw’s vision had saved not just a racetrack but a national institution.

Legacy and Influence on Auto Racing

Wilbur Shaw’s impact on auto racing extended far beyond his three Indianapolis 500 victories. His contributions both on and off the track transformed American motorsport in lasting ways.

Innovations and Contributions

Shaw wasn’t just fast—he was smart about racing technology. His collaboration with Maserati in 1939 helped introduce European engineering excellence to American oval racing. The Maserati 8CTF he piloted to victory showcased how technical innovation could translate to race success.

As a driver, Shaw pioneered racing lines and techniques that later racers studied and adopted. His mechanical sympathy—the ability to push a car to its limits without breaking it—became legendary among racing insiders.

But Shaw’s greatest contribution came after his driving career. When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway faced potential demolition after World War II, Shaw convinced Speedway owner Eddie Rickenbacker to sell the facility to Anton Hulman Jr. rather than see it turned into a housing development.

Memorial and Living Legacy

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum houses significant Shaw memorabilia, preserving his accomplishments for new generations of racing fans. His induction into numerous racing halls of fame, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, cements his status among racing royalty.

Shaw’s legacy lives on in the traditions and structures of modern IndyCar racing. As IMS president after his driving career, he established operational standards that continue today.

The annual Wilbur Shaw Memorial Trophy, awarded in various racing series, keeps his name prominent in motorsport circles. His advocacy for driver safety improvements, though primitive by today’s standards, helped start conversations that eventually led to modern safety innovations.

Many racing historians consider Shaw the savior of the Indianapolis 500, as without his intervention, America’s greatest race might have disappeared after WWII.

Historical Context of Shaw’s Wins

Wilbur Shaw’s three Indianapolis 500 victories came during a transformative period in American motorsport, shaped by economic challenges, technological innovations, and global conflicts that would forever change racing.

Economic and Technological Climate of 1930s Racing

The late 1930s represented a fascinating era for motorsport as America emerged from the Great Depression. Racing teams operated with tight budgets, making Shaw’s achievements even more remarkable.

When he won the Indianapolis 500 in 1937, teams were experimenting with new engine designs and aerodynamic concepts despite limited resources.

Technological innovation accelerated during this period. Shaw’s victories showcased the evolution of racing machinery, particularly his winning Maserati in 1939 and 1940. These years marked a transition from the front-engine roadsters to more sophisticated European-influenced designs.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself struggled financially during this era, yet the Memorial Day classic remained America’s premier racing event. Speeds increased dramatically as engineers applied aviation principles to race car design, with Shaw’s winning average climbing with each victory.

Effect of World Events on Racing

World War II loomed large over Shaw’s racing achievements. His historic back-to-back wins in 1939 and 1940 came just as global conflict was reshaping motorsport.

European manufacturers like Maserati, whose cars Shaw drove to victory, faced mounting challenges as war production took priority.

The 1940 race would be the last Indianapolis 500 until 1946, as the event was suspended during America’s involvement in WWII. Shaw’s third victory therefore marked the end of an era in American racing.

Many racing competitors and mechanics soon joined the war effort, applying their mechanical skills to military vehicles and aircraft.

The Memorial Day tradition of the Indianapolis 500 took on deeper patriotic significance during these uncertain times.

Shaw himself later served the war effort, testing aircraft and eventually becoming instrumental in saving the deteriorating Indianapolis Motor Speedway after the conflict ended.