The month of May in Hendricks County, Indiana and the rest of the central Indiana is all about racing! Motorsports are huge around here, especially in Brownsburg, 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 last August, bringing a fun new family activity to town that can be enjoyed year-round and especially in May.
The Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail takes you to five scenic locations within Brownsburg while commemorating five major racing figures. Three of the markers are very easy to locate, while one is a bit challenging and one was rather difficult to find. 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 once located, there is a small parking area and a couple of shaded picnic tables.
Just a tick south of the eastbound I-74 off-ramp and State Road 267, the best way to find Larry Rice's marker is to turn west onto Northfield Drive from 267. From Northfield, 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. Instead of turning left toward Super 8, 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 long and amazing career in management, public relations, media, marketing and much more. He's in the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Hall of Fame and the National Association of Auto Racing Fans, and he was bestowed with many awards and honors throughout his life.
His marker was pretty challenging to find. It is located within Arbuckle Acres Park, and the best place to park is in a parking lot directly north of Elevate Office, where Twin Street comes to an end at an entrance to White Lick Greenway Trail. You'll see wooden railing as you walk north on the 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, and now you've got smooth sailing the rest of the way. 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 then serving as the club's vice president for many years. He was USAC's longest-serving employee, was the recipient of the Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations, was honored with the Circle of Corydon Award by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, and has been inducted into four racing halls of fame.
Howdy Bell
Howdy Bell is best known for his 42 years of broadcasting the Indianapolis 500, as well as 10 years of covering the Brickyard 400 over 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.
Robbie Stanley
Located at the entrance to Williams Park, the marker commemorating Robbie Stanley is the southernmost marker on the Brownsburg Racing Memorial Trail.
Born in Brownsburg, Robbie Stanley began racing quarter-midgets at the tender age of 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.
