The original Indianapolis plant dates to the September 14, 1915 founding of the Indianapolis Speedway Team Company by James A. Allison. Changing its name in 1918 to the Allison Experimental Company, the company contributed to the United States' buildup to fight World War I. In 1909, James Allison started the Indianapolis 500 race to prove the automobile components they manufactured. Now known as the Allison Engineering Company, Allison produced bearings for the Liberty engine. Various Companies fit them to some or offer the option in their product range of specifying Allison Transmissions.