IMS Museum Expands Collection with Chip Ganassi Racing Cars

As the countdown to the 108th running of *The Greatest Spectacle in Racing* enters its final weeks, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has made a historic acquisition. On April 25, the museum announced its largest vehicle acquisition in over a decade, securing 14 cars from Chip Ganassi Racing.

This addition includes five Indianapolis 500-winning machines and several modern-era Indy cars. It marks a significant milestone in the museum’s mission to preserve the legacy of the iconic 500.

The Historic Acquisition

The IMS Museum’s latest acquisition is remarkable. The collection features five Indianapolis 500 champions spanning more than two decades of racing history.

Among the noteworthy inclusions are:

• Juan Pablo Montoya’s 2000 victory in the Target G-Force GF05
• Scott Dixon’s 2008 triumph in the Target Dallara IR6
• Dario Franchitti’s back-to-back wins in 2010 and 2012 with the Target Dallara IR6 and IR12
• Marcus Ericsson’s 2022 victory in the Huski Chocolate Honda Dallara IR18

These cars carry the sweat, strategy, and speed that have shaped the Indianapolis 500.

Expanding the Museum’s Narrative

The acquisition also includes other significant vehicles that broaden the museum’s narrative of American motorsports. These include:

• Tomas Scheckter’s 2003 Indianapolis 500 fourth-place G-Force GF09
• Scott Dixon’s 2015 IndyCar championship Dallara DW12
• The experimental Delta Wing prototype, a contender for IndyCar’s 2012 chassis design unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

The Mission Behind the Acquisition

The IMS Museum’s mission is to preserve the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and American motorsports. According to Joe Hale, president of the IMS Museum, the decision to sell 11 vehicles from their collection this year was made to create a fund for future acquisitions and care for the existing collection.

This move has allowed the museum to make additions that align with its mission.

Chip Ganassi’s Contribution

Chip Ganassi, whose team has earned 15 Indianapolis 500 poles and six victories since 1982, expressed his honor in having his cars on display at the IMS Museum. He believes these cars belong at the heart of racing history, surrounded by legends and moments that define *The Greatest Spectacle in Racing*.

The Museum’s Growth

Since its opening in 1956 with only 12 cars, the IMS Museum has grown significantly. It now houses more than 150 vehicles and 55,000 artifacts.

The recent acquisition aligns with the anticipation for this year’s Indianapolis 500, set for May 30.

The Role of Storytelling

Jason Vansickle, vice president of curation and education at the IMS Museum, emphasized that the new additions are more than just a display of machinery. These cars carry the essence of the race, from the sweat and strategy to the speed and innovation that have defined the Indianapolis 500 over the years.

Conclusion

The IMS Museum’s recent acquisition from Chip Ganassi Racing is a significant addition to its collection. This new piece adds to the story of American motorsports.

As the 108th running of *The Greatest Spectacle in Racing* approaches, the museum highlights the legacy of the Indianapolis 500. For more information, visit the Indianapolis Recorder’s article on the IMS Museum.