IMS Museum Adds 14 Iconic Chip Ganassi Racing Cars

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has made a monumental leap forward with its latest acquisition. The museum has secured a collection of cars that will captivate racing enthusiasts for generations.

This marks the museum’s largest acquisition since 2011. It adds significant depth and modernity to its already impressive collection.

The museum has acquired five Indianapolis 500-winning cars from Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). This brings its total number of Indy 500 winners to 49.

This acquisition fills a crucial gap in the museum’s collection. It also broadens its appeal to a younger audience.

The Largest Collection of Indy 500 Winners

With these five iconic cars, the IMS Museum now has the largest collection of Indianapolis 500-winning vehicles in the world. Before this, the museum owned 34 Indy 500-winning cars, 28 of which were on display.

The new additions include:

• Juan Pablo Montoya’s 2000 Indianapolis 500 Winner, Target G-force GF05
• Scott Dixon’s 2008 Indianapolis 500 Winner, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara IR6
• Dario Franchitti’s 2010 Indianapolis 500 Winner, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara IR6
• Dario Franchitti’s 2012 Indianapolis 500 Winner, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara IR12
• Marcus Ericsson’s 2022 Indianapolis 500 Winner, Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara IR18

These cars represent some of the most thrilling moments in recent Indy 500 history. Visitors of all ages can connect with the museum’s exhibits.

A Strategic Move for the Future

The decision to acquire these vehicles was part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the museum’s collection. Museum president Joe Hale emphasized the importance of having cars that resonate with visitors who are in their 30s and 40s.

By acquiring cars from the last 30-plus years, the museum keeps its collection relevant and engaging.

This acquisition was made possible through a significant endowment generated by the sale of 11 non-mission cars from the museum’s collection. These sales, conducted with RM Sotheby’s, raised nearly $125 million.

Some of the notable sales included:

• 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Streamliner – $53,917,370
• 1964 Ferrari 250 LM – $36,344,960
• 1966 Ford GT40 MK II – $13,205,000
• 1908 Mercedes 17.3-liter 150 HP Brookland Semmering Rennwagen – $8,255,000
• 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64 – $7,705,000

Expanding the Collection Beyond Indy 500 Winners

The museum also acquired other significant vehicles from CGR. These include:

• Jamie McMurray’s 2010 Brickyard 400-winning car, Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet Impala SS
• Scott Dixon’s 2022 Indianapolis 500 Pole Winner, PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara DW12
• Michael Andretti’s 1994 Target/Scotch Video Reynard 94I
• Greg Moore’s 1996 Player’s/Indeck Reynard 96I
• Alex Zanardi’s 1998 CART Championship-winning car, Reynard 98I
• Scott Dixon’s 2015 IndyCar Championship-winning car, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet Dallara DW12
• Delta Wing, one of three chassis proposals for the 2012 IndyCar season
• Juan Pablo Montoya’s Target Lola B2K/00, which won the 2000 Michigan 500
• Tomas Scheckter’s Target Chip Ganassi Racing G-Force GF09, in which he placed fourth at the 2003 500

These acquisitions provide a broader view of the history and evolution of racing.

Planning for the Future

With the endowment from the car sales, the IMS Museum plans to take a strategic approach to future acquisitions. Joe Hale mentioned that the museum would focus on filling gaps in its collection and might not always acquire cars.

Future additions could include helmets, race suits, or trophies with historical value. The museum will use interest revenue from the endowment to fund these acquisitions.

Conclusion: A New Era for the IMS Museum

The recent acquisitions mark a new era for the IMS Museum. These changes promise to engage and inspire visitors for years to come.

The addition of modern Indy 500-winning cars from Chip Ganassi Racing enhances the museum’s collection. It also helps the museum connect with a younger audience.

For more details, you can read the full article on IndyStar.