Photos courtesy of David Imanaka
The museum built to house over a century of American auto culture celebrates its first birthday this June with a gala, and an in-depth look at a sporting event that defines American auto racing for many.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) opened last June after several years of dedicated fundraising and planning with the aim of celebrating America’s relationship with the automobile. The museum is housed on a nine-acre campus in Tacoma, WA, and features a collection of cars, trucks and motorcycles donated from private owners, as well as the LeMay collection.
In addition to the other rotating and permanent exhibits, ACM will open the “Legends of Motorsport: The NASCAR story” on Sunday, June 2, 2013. The exhibit will spotlight the 55-year history of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, focusing on the evolution of the sport, including drivers, speedways, cars and fans, as well as day-long musical entertainment during the debut weekend.
“Legends of Motorsport will feature the likes of NASCAR co-founder Bill France Sr., ‘King’ Richard Petty and ‘The Intimidator’ Dale Earnhardt,” says Thom Bryant, acclaimed automotive journalist and ACM guest curator. “We have something for all fans –NASCAR rookies and veterans alike – including rare memorabilia, famous vehicles and amazing floor to ceiling visuals.”
It will include, amongst other things:
- David Pearson Team’s 1989 Buick Chattanooga Chew driven by Larry Pearson
-1965 Chevrolet Impala driven by Roy Mayne
- Jimmie Johnson's driver suit
- Richard Petty's driver suit
LeMay - America's Car Museum is open 10am.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.
A display of vintage automobilia in the museum's main gallery.