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GREENSBURG — Big Wheels were a big deal in downtown Greensburg Sunday. Nine teams of sweat-dripping, rubber-burning, corner-sliding racers on iconic Big Wheels fought through laughter, sweat and maybe a tear or two in the Fisher 5 Big Wheel Race around the Decatur County Courthouse Square.

The event was organized by Main Street Greensburg Executive Director Wendy Blake who called the Fisher 5, “The Greatest Spectacle in Greensburg, Indiana Racing.”

The victorious Decatur County Memorial Hospital Big Wheel Team consisted of: Doug Watson, Ashley Kieffer, Sam Ruf, Bryan Robbins, Vinny Polito and Dan Slaven. Robbins, director of the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County with Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) said, “It was a hard-fought victory against some mighty competitive teams. Wendy and Main Street Greensburg did a great job of organizing the Fisher 5 this year, and I think everyone, young and old alike, had a great time watching the race and taking spins on the big wheels. This just happened to be our day, and we gladly join the competitive camaraderie of all who’ve taken part in the race… which mostly consists of the “jelly legs” one gets after riding. The race isn’t for the faint of heart, or quads.”

The DCMH team even gave a celebratory kiss to the “bricks” following their victory before sprinting off to join in the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay which arrived shortly after the race ended Sunday. The bricks however, were in the middle of the sidewalk but, the winning team was undaunted and fulfilled the tradition. Teams throughout the race worked together as riders took at least two laps before passing the big wheel onto the next rider. A friendly shove out of the pits helped keep the wheels turning.

Nine teams took part in “burning rubber” for 20 laps (five miles) around the Decatur County Courthouse. Most racers would tell you it’s a lot further than it looks based on the grunts, groans, sweat and laughter that kept the crowd cheering and jeering their team favorites. The race commemorates Indianapolis Motor Speedway co-founder and Greensburg native Carl Fisher. Following the first place DCMH team across the finish line were team contenders: The Community Church of Greensburg, Little Frogs & Fairies, the Nobbe/Schutte Family, Decatur County Young Republicans, Greensburg Tennis, John Pratt’s Greensburg team, the Greensburg Band, and the YMCA.

Miss Decatur County Renae Kramer began the day’s race with the waving of the green flag and stayed on hand to cheer on racers until she pulled out the checkered flag as DCMH crossed the finish line.

Although the big wheel race is reserved for adults, children were able to participate in the Razor Wheel Drag Race area. Josh and Erica Gunn brought their 7-year-old triplets to race each other on the razor wheels. Triplets, Arden, Harper and Emmy raced, spun and smiled as they enjoyed their rides nearby with maybe a little sibling rivalry pushing them on.

In the past, the Fisher 5 took place during the month of May, but the Hoosier State’s Bicentennial Torch Relay provided a unique opportunity to hold the race and celebrate one of Indiana’s most renowned activities — racing. This was Blake’s first year organizing a Fisher 5 with Main Street Greensburg and the gathered crowds and smiling faces were their own endorsement of the fun-filled day.

Carl Fisher’s legacy was preserved with an Indiana state historical marker dedication on the courthouse square in 2014. Fisher was born in Greensburg on Jan. 12, 1874, moving to Indianapolis with his mother and numerous siblings in 1886, when his parents separated. In 1891, he and two of his brothers opened a bicycle repair shop in Indianapolis, specializing in flat-tire repair. That dealership eventually branched into bicycle racing and then, into car sales.

The Fisher Automobile Company, considered by many to be the United States’ first car dealership, specialized in Oldsmobile, Reo, Packard, Stutz and Stoddard-Dayton models. Fisher would also become involved in the burgeoning sport of motor-vehicle racing, and, in 1904, would found the Prest-O-Lite automobile headlamp company.

In 1909, Fisher formed a partnership with a handful of other Indianapolis businessmen in developing and building the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, which also opened that year.

The first Indianapolis 500 was held on Memorial Day 1911, with Fisher himself driving the inaugural event’s pace car – a Stoddard Dayton.

Fisher is also credited as the driving force behind the Lincoln Highway and the Dixie Highway. Lincoln was the country’s first transcontinental roadway, stretching more than 3,000 uninterrupted miles between New York and Los Angeles. Dixie, meanwhile, was constructed a few years after Lincoln and ran between Canada and Florida.

Last year’s Fisher 5 was cancelled due to numerous activities taking place on the scheduled date, as well as the possibility of thunderstorms. This year’s successful Fisher 5 Race, gives every indication that teams will be gearing up for the next one – after resting their legs for a bit.

Main Street Greensburg Executive Director Wendy Blake can be reached at execdirector@mainstreetgreensburg.com or 812-222-0037. Main Street Greensburg is a non-profit organization that creates a better community by focusing on the downtown district through promotion, design, economic development, and historic preservation.

Contact: Melissa Conrad, melissa.conrad@greensburgdailynews.com; 812-663-3111 ext. 7010.