The United States Auto Club, one of auto racing’s premier sanctioning bodies, held its first race in Fort Wayne at the historic Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. USAC had been formed urgently on September 16, 1955, when racing unexpectedly found itself without a governing body. While the organization was in the midst of frenzied efforts to sign drivers, car owners, and officials, Fort Wayne promoter Bill Lipkey requested a race. He was awarded a January 6, 1956, date, though USAC officials had grave concerns about whether they could assemble a viable event so quickly. Racers responded, and 36 cars were entered. The setting was especially fitting because many of the drivers were veterans representing all branches of military service. Of the six race winners that evening, five had served in the military, including feature race winner Gene Hartley of Allen County, a Korean War Army veteran. Attendance set a Coliseum record, and USAC was launched spectacularly.