U.S. entry in WWI spurred rapid aviation expansion in the country, and because of the city’s strategic location near military airfields, railroads, and industry, the U.S. Army opened an aviation repair depot here in early 1918. The 809th, 810th, 811th, and 821st Aero Squadrons repaired, modified, and tested training aircraft and engines, while the Speedway provided hangars and a flight test field. During WWI, the Speedway area became an innovative aviation hub, and work at the depot increased pilot safety and aircraft structural integrity. Italian Pomilio Bros. Corp. developed aircraft here for the Liberty engine produced by Nordyke and Marmon with parts by Allison Experimental Co. In 1918, the depot repaired 313 planes and 350 engines, and by fall 1920 it ceased operations.