American Speed
Wednesday, July 07, 2010 to Sunday, October 31, 2010
"When was the first automobile race? Just after the second one was built." –Henry Ford
The automobile has been, since its inception, synonymous with speed. The event that first captured people’s attention and introduced the automobile to the American public was a race in 1895. From that time until today, with the enduring popularity of NASCAR, Americans have been both fascinated by and enthusiastic supporters of automobile racing.
The vehicles featured in the exhibit include three vehicles loaned to the museum - a 1908 Alco, a 1953 Allard J2X, a 1957 Corvette - and three vehicles in the museum’s collection, the 1912 Mercer, the 1912 Autocrat and the 1915 Stutz.
Auto racing has served as a means of demonstrating a car’s worthiness to the American public. An enduring NASCAR motto from the 1960s, “what wins on Sunday, sells on Monday,” is a testament to the importance of racing for auto sales. The heightened performance developed for racing cars has had benefits beyond simple entertainment. More powerful engines, stronger brakes, shock absorbers, safety features and even improved fuel economy measures were all pioneered for racing automobiles, proving that racing has improved lives as well as sparked imaginations.
Make sure to zoom into the Auto Museum between July 1 and October to feel the excitement of early auto racing! Ready. Set. Go!