The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has significantly bolstered its automotive collection by acquiring 14 vehicles from Chip Ganassi Racing. Among these acquisitions are five cars that achieved victory at the prestigious Indianapolis 500, marking a major milestone for the museum since its last large-scale acquisition in 2011. This addition represents the first time modern-era Indy cars have been integrated into the museum's renowned collection. The new additions include notable race winners driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Marcus Ericsson, alongside other significant vehicles from various racing series.
This remarkable expansion encompasses not only iconic Indianapolis 500 champions but also a diverse array of historically relevant machines. For instance, Scott Dixon’s pole-winning car from the 2022 Indianapolis 500 is included, where he surpassed Al Unser's record for most laps led. Jamie McMurray’s 2010 NASCAR Brickyard 400 winner adds further depth to the collection. Additionally, there are cars representing pivotal moments in Chip Ganassi Racing's history, such as Michael Andretti’s Reynard 94I, which marked the team's inaugural victory. Other highlights include Greg Moore’s rookie-year car, Alex Zanardi’s 1998 CART Championship-winning vehicle, and Tomas Scheckter’s G-Force GF09 from his best Indianapolis finish.
The decision to acquire these vehicles was influenced by the IMS Museum’s strategic initiative to enhance its preservation efforts while filling gaps within its existing collection. According to Joe Hale, President of the IMS Museum, funds generated from de-accessioning 11 vehicles earlier this year were redirected towards these acquisitions. "We aimed to enrich our collection with items that align closely with our mission," Hale explained, emphasizing the unexpected rapidity of securing such meaningful additions.
As part of an ongoing transformation project, the museum is set to reopen on April 2, offering visitors a chance to admire several of these newly acquired cars within the next year. Chip Ganassi, president and CEO of Chip Ganassi Racing, expressed pride in having his team's legacy showcased at the museum. He stated that it is fitting for these vehicles to reside among the legends of racing history, underscoring their significance in defining the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'
With this latest acquisition, the IMS Museum continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. By integrating these contemporary yet historically important vehicles, the museum enhances its narrative of racing evolution, ensuring future generations can appreciate both past triumphs and current achievements in the sport. Guests will soon enjoy viewing these legendary machines up close, experiencing firsthand the craftsmanship and competition that define them.