NASCAR HALL OF FAME OPENS “GLORY ROAD: 75 YEARS”
The fifth generation of the iconic exhibit features an eclectic mix of 19 cars and trucks celebrating NASCAR’s 75-year history
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 17, 2023) – Every three years, the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Glory Road undergoes a transformation to honor the evolving history of the sport. The signature exhibit opens its fifth generation, titled “Glory Road: 75 Years,” spotlighting different themes that have woven their way through the first 75 years of the sport. The cars draw attention to the people, technology, tracks and other innovations that have made NASCAR one of the most popular spectator sports. This is the first year the exhibit will have 19 vehicles – one more than the usual 18 cars and trucks in place year-round. The 19th car, Austin Cindric’s 2022 Daytona 500-winning Team Penske Next Gen Ford Mustang, will be added in mid-March 2023 after it is returned to Team Penske following the traditional year on display at Daytona International Speedway.
“We are excited to present a robust reflection of NASCAR’s history through the dynamic storytelling and unique variety of the cars and trucks and the people and stories that make them worthy of our latest Glory Road exhibit,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “These cars help tell the story of the incredible depth and breadth of NASCAR’s celebrated heritage, history and traditions of the sport’s 75 years.”
A wide range of cars were assembled from different eras and series to tell the various facets of NASCAR’s 75-year history, creating one of the most eclectic collections ever placed on Glory Road. While some cars represent the constant competition evolution of the sport, including tracks and car innovation and the expansion of NASCAR to an international stage, other cars highlight the people who make it all come together, including driver and owner career arcs, family traditions, owners and crew chiefs. The exhibit celebrates the formation of NASCAR, which took place on December 14, 1947.
“Glory Road: 75 Years is an extension of our commitment to continually rotate artifacts and exhibits to keep the guest experience fresh and to celebrate the sport's iconic history and people,” said Kevin Schlesier, Senior Director, Museum and Industry Affairs, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “We are honored and privileged to work throughout the NASCAR industry and with private collectors to be able to bring these cars together in one memorable, must-visit experience. The exhibit will allow guests to take a deeper dive into each car through engaging digital interactives featuring archival and multimedia content.”
The full list of themes and cars for “Glory Road: 75 Years” now on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame is as follows:
- Car Innovation: Austin Cindric’s 2022 Cup Series Ford
- Track Advancement: Buck Baker’s 1950 Cup Series Oldsmobile
- Diverse Divisions: Curtis Turner’s 1961 Ford Convertible
- NASCAR’s King: Richard Petty’s 1972 Cup Series Dodge
- Successful Transition: Richard Childress’ 1976 Cup Series Chevrolet
- NASCAR’s Roots: Jerry Cook’s 1977 Modified Division Ford
- Brand Connections: Dale Earnhardt’s 1981 Cup Series Pontiac
- Through the Ranks: Bobby Labonte’s 1991 Busch Series Oldsmobile
- Youth Movement: Jeff Gordon’s 1995 Cup Series Chevrolet
- The NASCAR Family: Darrell Waltrip’s 1998 Cup Series Chevrolet
- Family Traditions: Adam Petty’s 2000 Busch Series Chevrolet
- Driver Development: Greg Biffle’s 2000 Truck Series Ford
- Skill and Strategy: Jimmie Johnson’s 2003 Cup Series Chevrolet
- Manufacturer Growth: Robert Huffman’s 2003 Goody’s Dash Toyota
- Multifaceted Career: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2013 Cup Series Chevrolet
- Trailblazers: Bubba Wallace’s 2014 Truck Series Toyota
- “It’s About the People”: Kyle Busch’s 2019 Cup Series Toyota
- Perseverance Pays Off: Josh Berry’s 2020 Late Model Chevrolet
- International Stage: L.P. Dumoulin’s 2021 Pinty’s Series Dodge
Since the NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in 2010, the Glory Road exhibit has changed out every three years. Following the Glory Road exhibit debut, the second installation featured the technical evolution of the first six generations of stock cars; the third version, “Glory Road: Icons,” honored iconic moments, drivers, and cars; the fourth generation of the exhibit introduced the first-ever guest curator, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who helped to develop, “Dale Jr.: Glory Road Champions.” The exhibit displays cars in race formation as though they are on a curved track, representing various banking to demonstrate what it’s like at NASCAR’s active national series and select historic tracks.
To view images of the new "Glory Road: 75 Years" exhibit, please click here. For more information about the NASCAR Hall of Fame, visit nascarhall.com.
About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop. Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.
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