The Legendary Pilot-Racer: Paul Goldsmith's Remarkable Dual Careers

Paul Goldsmith was a true renaissance man of the racing world, excelling as both a renowned flight instructor and a Hall of Fame race car driver. While his friends and students at Griffith/Merrillville Airport knew him as a master of the skies, the broader public recognized him as one of the greatest drivers in motorsports history. Goldsmith's remarkable life and achievements spanned the realms of aviation and auto racing, leaving an indelible mark on both industries.

A Trailblazer in the Air and on the Track

Mastering the Skies as a Flight Instructor

Paul Goldsmith's passion for aviation was evident from an early age, and he honed his skills as a pilot and flight instructor over the course of his remarkable career. Described by his longtime colleague Jim Butts as "the best flight instructor you could get anywhere," Goldsmith's expertise and teaching abilities made him a revered figure among the thousands of students he trained at the Griffith/Merrillville Airport. His unwavering commitment to aviation and his ability to impart his knowledge to aspiring pilots cemented his legacy as a true master of the skies.Goldsmith's dedication to aviation was not merely a hobby; it was a practical necessity in his early racing days. As he became increasingly involved in testing for auto manufacturers and tire companies, he found it more efficient to use his own plane to travel between various locations, rather than relying on ground transportation. This versatility and adaptability allowed Goldsmith to excel in both his racing and aviation pursuits, seamlessly integrating the two disciplines to maximize his productivity and success.

A Legendary Race Car Driver

While Goldsmith's prowess as a flight instructor was widely recognized, his true claim to fame was as a Hall of Fame race car driver. Beginning his motorsports career on motorcycles, Goldsmith quickly established himself as a dominant force, winning the American Motorcycle Race in 1952 on a one-mile track in Milwaukee. This victory was the first of many racing triumphs that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest drivers of his era.Goldsmith's transition to stock car racing in the late 1950s marked the beginning of a remarkable run of success. Teaming up with legendary Indy 500 mechanic Ray Nichels, Goldsmith quickly rose to the top of the sport, winning the United States Auto Club (USAC) Stock Car Championships in 1961 and 1962. During this dominant stretch, Goldsmith amassed an incredible 26 USAC stock car race victories in just 85 starts, with an additional 44 top-three finishes. His prowess extended beyond USAC, as he also claimed nine victories in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) competition.Goldsmith's racing exploits were not limited to stock cars; he also made a name for himself in the prestigious Indianapolis 500, where he competed from 1958 to 1963. His best finishes were a third-place result in 1960 and a fifth-place finish in 1959, further solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers of his era.

A Humble Trailblazer

Despite his remarkable achievements, Goldsmith remained a humble and unassuming figure, often preferring to focus on his aviation career rather than seeking the limelight. It was only in the last 15 years of his life that he began to open up about his racing accomplishments, recognizing the importance of accurately documenting his legacy for future generations.Goldsmith's impact on the racing world was far-reaching, as evidenced by the numerous accolades and Hall of Fame inductions he received. He was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the USAC Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame, among others. His contributions to the sport were so significant that racing journalist William LaDow believes Goldsmith should be included in every major racing Hall of Fame in North America.Goldsmith's humility and dedication to his craft were hallmarks of his character. As LaDow noted, Goldsmith and his longtime collaborator Ray Nichels were "local legends" who were always seeking new challenges and innovations, quietly shaping the sport in profound ways. Goldsmith's impact on racing, both as a driver and a behind-the-scenes innovator, is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of motorsports.