The Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee has unveiled a new temporary exhibit — Sun, Sand, and Speed–Florida Auto Racing — that will remain on display until July 4. The exhibit explores Florida’s long history in the sport of auto racing, from the first racing tournaments on Ormond Beach in 1903 to today’s Daytona 500, widely known as “The Great American Race.”
Exhibit topics include beach racing pioneers, NASCAR and stock car racing, Sebring and sports car endurance racing, open-wheel racing and drag racing, as well as salutes to the champions of the sport. Visitors can experience Florida’s racing culture in exhibits featuring racecars, memorabilia, photographic images, videos and games.
Among the cars on display are: a Cunningham C-4R sports car; Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2008 NASCAR Chevrolet Impala; a dragster constructed by locally based legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits (center above); and a recreation of a 1906 Stanley Steamer Rocket that raced and won on Ormond Beach.
The Museum will host numerous programs and events for people of all ages during the exhibit’s run, all of which will interpret the various types of racing and significant periods in Florida’s racing history. For more information please visit www.museumoffloridahistory.com, or call (850) 245-6400.
