Bronze plaque with an engraved portrait of Carl Marchese wearing goggles, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The plaque provides a brief biography highlighting his achievements as an innovative mechanical specialist in auto racing, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 17, 1905, and elected in 1977.

Carl Marchese

Inducted in 1977

Carl Marchese dominated auto racing in Wisconsin as a driver, but had a lasting impact on the sport as a car owner and race official.

Marchese won numerous state races and finished fourth in the 1929 Indianapolis 500. That would be Marchese's only Indy 500.


As a midget car owner and designer, Marchese was credited with many innovations, including the tube frame and supercharged engine. Marchese also was the first president of the Wisconsin Racing Association.