There’s always something new to discover at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Here’s a look at some of our most recent installations.
Don Panoz began his motorsports journey at 62 and over the next 20 years changed the sport in ways few have ever done, building cars that won at Sebring, Daytona, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On display are two of his greatest innovations, his radical DeltaWing — called “the 21st Century’s most daring race car — and front-engine LMP-1 Roadster S.
Anchored by what is believed to be the set of flags used by NASCAR’s then-official starter in the inaugural DAYTONA 500 in February 1959, this exhibit describes the history and meaning of iconic flags unfurled from starters’ stands.
It was the first Pontiac GTO, which set major racing history right here at Daytona International Speedway. This near-perfect recreation is now permanently housed at the MSHFA. The original, long-lost 1963 Pontiac Tempest was a surprise victor over favored Ferraris and Corvettes in the February 1963 American Challenge Cup at DIS.
Iconic team owner, track executive and industry captain Roger Penske (thus his longtime nickname) is a 1995 inductee who began his ownership journey with this snappy red Corvette. It replicates the Penske Racing dynasty’s very first race car, which won the 1966 Rolex 24 at DAYTONA with flashlights replacing its wreck-damaged headlights.
Our newest exhibit highlights MSHFA inductees who also are U.S. veterans. The list is long and illustrious — Red Byron, Tiny Lund, Bud Moore and Raymond Parks Jr., to highlight a few. Photographs, infographics and artifacts on loan from the families of these veterans-turned-racers all combine to depict compelling and honorable personal histories.