On a visit to England working with the British Sunbeam Motor Company, he was exposed to the mobilization of aircraft for war and tales of high-flying aerial maneuvering reminded him of his experience as a racer. He was a relief driver in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and competed in subsequent races prior to U.S. After being introduced to the nascent world of competitive racing, Rickenbacker was hooked. After several factory jobs, he began working at a repair garage and became fascinated by the automobile.

National Medal of Honor Museum - As we celebrate the start of the Indy 500 we want to remember Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker.