Robert Edward Weaver and Auto Racing

When not at the circus, one of Robert Edward Weaver's interests from an early age was auto racing. He attended the 1923 Indianapolis 500 at the age of 10 to see Tommy Milton win his second 500 that year. That experience started a life long love for the sport. 

Weaver visited the many dirt tracks around the midwest with his family to see some of the great drivers of the mid 20th century. The earliest example of his works dealing with this subject matter was Crash, probably painted in 1932. In later years he would develop a friendship with Tony Hulman, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Weaver would often take his Herron Art Institute students to the speedway to sketch images of the cars and drivers. Weaver would produce annual artworks for Hulman for display in his home, office, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. This friendship would eventually culminate in an annual poster design competition at the Herron School judged by Mr. Hulman who presented the winners with cash prizes. This collaboration was documented in a program produced in November, 1996 for WFYI Public Television for Indiana entitled Roar of the Grease/Paint. The program spotlighted Weaver, and was hosted by Allegra East. You can view the video on the “Videos” page of this website.

*Unless noted, all works of REW racing art is available and represented solely for purchase by Autocurio.