Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Expands Collection with Iconic Indy 500 Cars
In an exciting development for racing fans and history enthusiasts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced a major expansion of its collection. The museum, which recently completed a renovation, will add 14 new cars, including five Indianapolis 500 winners.
This is the largest vehicle acquisition by the museum since 2011 and the first time modern-era cars have been included. These additions will give visitors a deeper look into the world of racing.
IMS Museum’s Largest Acquisition in Over a Decade
Contents
The IMS Museum’s new cars come from Chip Ganassi Racing, a well-known name in motorsports. This collection of 14 cars marks a significant milestone for the museum due to their number and historical importance.
The newly acquired cars 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 vehicles are more than just cars; each one has contributed to the legacy of the Indianapolis 500.
Other Noteworthy Additions
Along with the five Indianapolis 500 winners, the IMS Museum has also added several other important vehicles:
- Scott Dixon’s 2022 Indianapolis 500 pole winner – PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara DW12
- Jamie McMurray’s 2010 NASCAR Brickyard 400 winner – Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet Impala SS
- Michael Andretti’s 1994 Target/Scotch Video Reynard 94I
- 1996 Player’s/Indeck Reynard 96
- 1998 Reynard 98I – the 1998 CART Championship-winning car
- Juan Pablo Montoya’s Target Lola B2K/00 – winner of the 2000 Michigan 500
- Tomas Scheckter’s Target Chip Ganassi Racing G-Force GF09
- 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
These cars highlight a broad range of racing history and achievements.
A Modernized Museum Experience
The renovated IMS Museum reopened this month with a modern and interactive experience. It now features new exhibits, interactive play areas, and over 55,000 artifacts.
The renovation aims to engage visitors of all ages and provide a better understanding of racing history and evolution.
Interactive Exhibits and Artifacts
The museum’s interactive exhibits let visitors experience racing history in a hands-on way. Virtual reality experiences and interactive displays offer new ways to explore motorsports.
The museum’s extensive collection of artifacts gives a detailed look at the history of the Indianapolis 500 and other major racing events.
Looking Ahead
Joe Hale, the museum’s president, said the acquisition was possible after selling 11 vehicles from the collection earlier this year. This created funds to care for current cars and bring in new ones that fit the museum’s mission.
The new cars are expected to be on display within a year, allowing guests to see these historic vehicles up close.
Chip Ganassi’s Contribution
Chip Ganassi, president and CEO of Chip Ganassi Racing, expressed pride in having his team’s cars at the IMS Museum. He believes these cars belong at the heart of racing history, surrounded by the legends and moments of the Indianapolis 500.
For more information about the museum and its new acquisitions, you can visit the official announcement here.
Conclusion
The addition of these 14 cars to the IMS Museum’s collection is a major event for racing fans and history enthusiasts. The newly renovated museum features interactive exhibits and a large artifact collection.
Visitors can experience the history of the Indianapolis 500 and other major racing events in new ways. The IMS Museum offers a unique look into the world of motorsports.
