Indianapolis Museum Expands Collection with 14 Iconic Ganassi Racing Cars

In a monumental acquisition for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, 14 iconic race cars from Chip Ganassi Racing have found a new home.

This historic handover was attended by Ganassi and three of his Indy-winning drivers—Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Marcus Ericsson.

It marks the first time modern-era IndyCars have been added to the museum’s collection.

This purchase, the largest since 2011, signifies a new chapter for the museum, which recently reopened after a $60.5 million renovation.

The addition of these cars enriches the museum’s collection and gives fans a unique opportunity to appreciate IndyCar racing history.

The Significance of the Acquisition

The acquisition of these 14 cars is a major milestone for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

As Ganassi said, *It’s great just to have these cars at the heart of motor racing.*

For years, these cars were housed at Ganassi’s facility, but now they are where they truly belong, among other legendary winners at the museum.

This move allows more fans to witness the history and achievements of these remarkable vehicles.

The Largest Purchase Since 2011

This acquisition is the museum’s largest since 2011.

The museum is an independent entity within the speedway and was not part of the venue’s sale to Roger Penske in 2020.

Its recent $60.5 million renovation shows its dedication to enhancing the visitor experience and preserving motorsport history.

A Strategic Decision

The museum decided to focus on Indy-related machinery, leading to the sale of 11 vehicles from its collection earlier this year.

This move aimed to raise over $100 million, creating a fund for future acquisitions and the care of the existing collection.

Joe Hale, IMS Museum President, said this strategy enabled the purchase of the Ganassi cars, adding significant value to the museum’s offerings.

A Swift and Unexpected Opportunity

The opportunity to acquire the Ganassi cars came sooner than expected.

This swift addition shows the museum’s proactive approach to enhancing its collection and giving visitors a comprehensive look at IndyCar racing history.

The Crown Jewels: Indianapolis 500 Winning Cars

Among the 14 cars acquired, five are Indianapolis 500 winners, each with its own story:

• 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

Other Notable Additions

In addition to the Indianapolis 500 winners, the museum acquired several other significant 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, which won 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, each with their own history and achievements, further enhance the museum’s collection.

The Future of the Museum

With the addition of the Ganassi cars, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum continues to build its reputation as a top destination for motorsport enthusiasts.

The museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing IndyCar history ensures that future generations will appreciate the sport’s rich legacy.

A Year of Transformation

The museum’s recent renovation and new acquisitions mark a year of growth.

The addition of the Ganassi cars shows the museum’s dedication to enhancing its collection and providing an exceptional visitor experience.

Conclusion

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has acquired 14 Chip Ganassi Racing cars. This event is significant in the world of motorsport.

The cars will enrich the museum’s collection. Fans now have a new chance to see these historic vehicles up close.

For more details on this acquisition, visit the original article on Speedcafe.