Brownsburg in Hendricks County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rodger Ward
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
1. Rodger Ward Marker (Side 1)
Considered one of America’s greatest race drivers, Rodger Ward’s career began in earnest after his stint as a P-38 pilot in WWII. Racing midgets throughout his California home state, his success secured him rides with the prestigious AAA. In 1951, he won their Stock Car championship and made his first start in the AAA-sanctioned Indianapolis 500. He’d achieved a cream, yet a larger one compelled him. Win the 500. Chasing that goal, he struggled with inferior cars or the next several years. Yet he proved his ability by winning 7 Championship races. And then shifting circumstances changed his life.
In 1959, Rodger joined Leader Card Racers, businessman Bob Wilke, and car builder AJ Watson’s new team. He saw brilliant success. From 1959 through 1964, 4th was his worst 500 finish. He took the 1959 and 1962 500s, and the Championship both years. He won his last Championship race, his 26th, Trenton in 1966, and then retired. He loved racing and stayed active in it. He designed tracks, including IRP, served as a TV and move consultant, and as an IMS Radio Network analyst. Rodger passed away on July 5, 2004. He’ll be remembered
this page online
Erected by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Racing Memorial Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 5, 2004.
Location. 39° 48.214′ N, 86° 20.946′ W. Marker is in Brownsburg, Indiana, in Hendricks County. It is at the intersection of B&O Trail and County Road N1000E, on the right when traveling south on B&O Trail. Marker is located on the B&O Trail near the tunnel that runs under the Ronald Reagan Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brownsburg IN 46112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and specifically in Greater Indianapolis. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
2. Rodger Ward Marker (Side 2)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The B&O Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Virgil Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Robbie Stanley (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Korean War (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Vietnam War (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Revolutionary War (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Civil War (approx. 3.6 miles away); World War I (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsburg.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
3. Rodger Ward Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
4. Rodger Ward Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
