of the Indianapolis 500. Newby's involvement with National led to his partnership with old cycling friends, who went on to form the Empire Motor Car Company. His interests in National Automobile were sold to a New York corporation in 1916 and renamed National Motor Car and Vehicle Corporation. Indianapolis Motor Speedway In 1908, Newby was approached by Carl G. Fisher, with whom he founded the Empire Motor Car Company, to invest in a new motor speedway track. Fisher believed that Indianapolis was the best location for a racing track because of its numerous automobile manufacturers. Fisher found an acceptable parcel just west of Indianapolis and together with Newby, James A. Allison, and Frank H. Wheeler they purchased the land for $72,000. The group incorporated the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company on March 20, 1909, with a capitalization of $250,000, with Fisher and James Allison each contributing $75,000 and Frank Wheeler and Arthur Newby on board for $50,000 each. In 1927, the founding group sold their interest in the Speedway to Eddie Rickenbacker. He was portrayed by local actor Matthew Allen for all the motor speedway centennial era events. Personal life Newby was a well-known philanthropist. He made large donations to Indianapolis area hospitals, in particular the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children to establish an outpatient clinic and to the Robert Long Hospital to aid in its study of gastrointestinal diseases. He provided funds to assist with the move Butler University's campus to its current location. He also contributed to Earlham College. Newby's $10,000 contribution to Turkey Run State Park ensured its safety from business interests. In retirement, he spent much of his time in Florida where he was involved in projects with Carl Fisher and James Allison. Arthur Newby died on September 11, 1933 at the age of 67. Newby never married and had no children. He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. References External links Zig Zag Cycle Club collection, Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library Note American automotive pioneers American founders of automobile manufacturers 1865 births 1933 deaths Burials at Crown Hill Cemetery Businesspeople from Indianapolis 19th-century American businesspeople 20th-century American businesspeople American male cyclists