Celebrate Racing History in Central Indiana on the Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail
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Motorsports are huge around here, especially in Brownsburg, Indiana, which is also known as the Drag Racing Capital of the World.
It seems only proper, then, that the Town of Brownsburg teamed up with the Indiana Racing Memorial Association to create the Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail in August 2023, bringing a fun new family activity to town that can be enjoyed year-round.
The Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail now takes you to seven scenic locations within Brownsburg while commemorating seven major racing figures. I'll take you through them from north to south.
Larry Rice
USAC and Cart Championship Car racer, two-time Indianapolis 500 starter, 1978 Indy 500 Co-Rookie of the Year, National Midget Racing Hall of Famer and long-time Espn racing analyst, Larry Rice is commemorated at the northernmost stop along the Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail.
It is a little bit challenging to find, but Larry Rice's marker is near the I-74 interchange. From Northfield Drive, take the first right-hand turn as if you're going to the Wal-Mart, then follow that drive all the way back to the entrance of the Super 8 by Wyndham. Veer right, and that little strip of asphalt will take you right to Larry Rice.
Bill Marvel
A charter member of the United States Auto Club (USAC), Bill Marvel had a distinguished career. He's in the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Hall of Fame and the National Association of Auto Racing Fans.
His marker was pretty challenging to find. It is located within Arbuckle Acres Park. You'll see a wooden railing as you walk north on the White Lick Greenway Trail, and at the bottom of the hill, you'll find Bill Marvel.
Dick Jordan
Alright, you've found the two most challenging markers along the Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail. Within walking distance of Bill Marvel's marker, you'll find Dick Jordan commemorated right in front of The Arbuckle apartments.
Dick Jordan worked for USAC for more than 50 years, beginning his career in media relations and later serving as the club's vice president. He was the recipient of the Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations and the Circle of Corydon Award. Additionally, he has been inducted into four racing halls of fame.
Steve Stapp
Steve "The Bopper" Stapp drove USAC sprint cars for a handful of years in his youth -- with impressive success, I might add! But the National Sprint Car Hall of Famer and USAC Hall of Famer's biggest contribution to the sport was as a sprint car owner and builder.
Stapp piled up 51 career victories as an owner, with 40 of them coming with Pancho Carter behind the wheel, along with two national championships. His marker is at 108 N. Jefferson St. in front of the shop Stapp used as his racing headquarters for over a decade. It's very easy to find, as there is a big mural commemorating the Stapp family on the side of the shop.
Howdy Bell
Howdy Bell is best known for his 42 years of broadcasting the Indianapolis 500 and his 10 years of covering the Brickyard 400 on the radio. Honoring his lengthy and illustrious career in radio, he is in the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.
His marker is easily located on the north end of the parking lot in front of Brownsburg Town Hall, just a couple blocks away from Steve Stapp's marker.
Robbie Stanley
Located at the entrance to Williams Park, the sixth marker commemorates Robbie Stanley. Born in Brownsburg, Stanley began racing quarter-midgets at age 6, and in 10 years of racing them, he won more than 200 races and the 1980 Quarter Midgets of American Grands National Championship.
At age 16, Stanley began racing sprint cars, earning numerous awards and wins, including three straight USAC titles from 1991 to 1993. Leading the Usac in points and pursuing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title in 1994, Stanley was killed in an accident during a race at the age of 26. He was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2005.
Rodger Ward
Rodger Ward served as a pilot in World War Ii before embarking on a motorsports career that spanned midget, sprint and Indy cars. His combination of technical skill and tactical intelligence made him one of the dominant drivers of his era, including victories in the Indianapolis 500 in 1959 and 1962.
Ward's greatest achievements came during the 1950s and early 1960s, when he claimed two national championships. A founding partner of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Ward designed the facility's road course and oval track.
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