Unser Racing Museum and Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed Merge to Create the Ultimate Racing Destination for Car Enthusiasts
The Unser Racing Museum and the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed are merging to create an exciting and historical exhibit of four generations of Unser racing history, spanning 100 years of motorsports, and to inspire the next generation of car enthusiasts.
(Lincoln, Neb. May 19) The Unser Racing Museum and the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed announced today their plans for a merger.
“The Unser family is one of the most storied families in automotive and racing history,” said Carson Smith, Director, of Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. “We’ve had racing partnerships with members of the Unser family for over 38 years and are honored to welcome the Unser collection to our museum.”
Located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, N.M., the Unser Racing Museum was founded in 2003 by Al and Susan Unser and has operated these past 18 years as a public, non-profit, 501(c)3. Designed as a multi-dimensional museum experience utilizing modern technologies to educate and immerse the visitor in the exciting world of racing, the museum showcases Unser racing history and spans the early days of racing from Pikes Peak (Unser Mountain) and Indianapolis to the latest technology, with interactive kiosks for young and old to learn more about racing in a fun, educational environment. Displaying over 40 race, pace, and Pikes Peak cars, original racing art, trophies, and memorabilia the Museum was created to honor the legendary history of one family in American motorsports.
The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is currently home to the Johnny Lightning Special and Viceroy VPJ Special driven by Al Unser, the 1971 Gurney Eagle driven by Bobby Unser, along with other vehicles and engines significant to Unser’s racing history. Recently named the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice awards, the museum, located in Lincoln, Neb., is home to over 240,000 square feet of display space over three levels, presenting a continuous chronology of automotive racing engines and speed equipment development.
“In motorsports, the Unser name is recognized worldwide, and we believe merging with the #1 nationally ranked Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed will provide not only a larger national but also international, platform for this collection of the Unser’s iconic racing legacy,” said Susan Unser speaking on behalf of the Board of the Unser Racing Museum. “We look forward to collaborating with the Museum of American Speed to create exciting, historical, and educational exhibits to highlight the Unser Collection. From racing up Pikes Peak in 1916, USAC Stock Car, IROC and IndyCar championships, 9 Indianapolis 500 wins and this year a fourth generation racing again up Pikes Peak, the Unser Collection spans four generations and over 100 years of motorsports history.”
“As a family business, Speedway Motors knows the importance of inspiring the next generation of car enthusiasts,” said Smith. “That’s why we are so excited to bring this collection and its hands-on, interactive learning experience to our community.”
The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed will be honoring existing Unser Racing Museum memberships and is pleased to continue to showcase engraved brick sponsors in the new location. New Unser and Pikes Peak displays are slated to be available for viewing in 2024.
About Unser Racing Museum
The Unser Racing Museum, located in Albuquerque, N.M., celebrates the accomplishments of New Mexico’s native racing family, the Unsers. The museum celebrates four generations of Unser racing history, from patriarch Jerry Unser opening his garage on Rt.66 in 1936 to 4th generation Loni Unser
“racing to the clouds” at Pikes Peak this year. The museum will close to the public on May 29, 2023, to prepare for the next chapter of recognizing these daring and decorated Unser men and women.
For more information about the Unser Racing Museum, visit unserracingmuseum.com.
About Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is a federally recognized 501 (c) (3) private foundation located in Lincoln, Neb. Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive Racing Engine and Speed Equipment development and to preserve, interpret and display items significant in racing and automotive history.
For more information about Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, museum hours, or displays, visit museumofamericanspeed.com.
Among the cars featured in the museum is this experimental, 1957 Corvette: one of the three Nassau-Daytona-Sebring Corvettes. It is an amazing fact that this one-of-a-kind vehicle is still around. It made its mark in the history of racing by collaborating with prominent racers of the 1950s in the Rochester fuel injection project. From setting records on the race track, it then went on to being put on sale in a used car lot, eventually disappearing in Chicago for four decades.
About Speedway Motors Inc
Speedway Motors is a proud supporter of the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. Known as America’s Oldest Speed Shop, Speedway Motors was founded in 1952 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith.
Speedway Motors is a manufacturer, retailer, and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products. Since 1952, Speedway Motors has been committed to providing a broad selection of high-quality, affordable automotive parts—delivered quickly, efficiently, and without any hassles. Their products and expert advice are available to customers by calling 1.800.979.0122, online, or at retail stores in Lincoln, Neb. and Tolleson, Ariz.
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