Tony George
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Tony George, born Anton Hulman George on December 30, 1959, is the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Born Anton Hulman George on December 30, 1959 to Elmer and Mari Hulman George - heiress to the Hulman & Co. fortune, Tony George represents the third generation of Indianapolis Motor Speedway ownership for the Hulman family of Terre Haute, Ind.
Anton “Tony” Hulman, the grandfather for whom George is named, purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from famed World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker in 1945. Hulman’s daughter, Mari Hulman George, serves as the IMS chairman of the board. Tony George was appointed IMSC president in 1989.
Following the death of Joe Cloutier in December of 1989, George became president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. In 1994, he was named president of Hulman & Co. Serving as president of Hulman & Company, established by family patriarch Hermann Hulman in 1850. Hulman & Co., the parent company to IMS, produces Clabber Girl Baking Powder and other baking products, and includes substantial interests in real estate, energy, communications, banking and investments.
After taking charge of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway he oversaw major changes and improvements including new Tower Terrace Suites, new grandstands on the north side of the track, reconstruction of the pit lane, a new control tower and the revamping of the Brickyard Crossing golf course. The International Race of Champions (IROC) raced for the first time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May of 1992.
Tony George created quite a stir when he announced in 1992 that NASCAR would race at the track. The first Brickyard 400 was held August 6, 1994 to a sell-out crowd. Jeff Gordon was the inaugural race winner.
In March of 1994, George announced plans for a new open wheel racing series whos intent would make for a more even playing field in the motorsports industry - encouraging more young drivers and smaller teams to compete. While George claimed he created the IRL for these reasons, most racing insiders saw it as a knee jerk reaction to his expulsion from the CART board of directers due to his abrasive personality. This move caused a rift between IMS and Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART). The Indy Racing League or IRL sanctioned its first race at the Indianapolis 500, May 26, 1996. It was the first race in 16 years without CART sanctioned teams and drivers competing.
On May 2, 1998, Tony George revealed plans for a Formula One race called the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis to be held September 24, 2000. A new Formula One course was built at the track. Michael Schumacher won the inaugural race.
OTHER NOTABLE PERSONAL HISTORY:
Tony is the second of four siblings. Sisters Nancy, Josie and Kathi all sit on the Speedway's board of directors. George attended Terre Haute Schulte High School and graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1983.
He married Lisa Dawn Clark April 30, 1983 and the couple had one child, Anton Hulman George Jr. During a bitter divorce and custody battle, his use of cocaine and marijuana was revealed. They were divorced May 1, 1989. Tony wed Laura Livvix, May 6, 1989, they have a daughter, Lauren. Laura has a son, Edward from a previous marriage.
George attended racing school in 1984 and made his debut in the USAC Pro-Ford championship. He was third in the Sports Car Club of America Formula Ford series in 1985 and drove the Super Vee and Formula Pacific series in 1986-87. In 1987, he competed in the American Racing Series for his godfather, A.J. Foyt's team.
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