Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16, for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

48 Items

Driven to Win

  • Starting a drag race at the first NHRA national championship meet
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    Coming Soon to The Henry Ford — Driven to Win: Racing in America

    Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation will soon be home to our newest exhibit, Driven to Win: Racing in America, among the most comprehensive looks at automobile racing in the United States.
  • THF144849 Parnelli Jones Signing Autographs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 1967
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    Remembering Parnelli Jones (1933-2024)

    Auto racing lost a legend, and The Henry Ford lost a friend, when Parnelli Jones passed away on June 4, 2024. Rufus Parnell Jones (an aunt gave him his lifelong nickname, “Parnelli”) was born August 12, 1933, in Texarkana, Texas.
  • Sarah Fisher with Lyn St. James. Photo courtesy Lyn St. James.
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    Fast Lap: Sarah Fisher

    Sarah Fisher raced quarter midgets and go-karts before age 10, and became only the third woman — and the youngest — to compete in the Indy 500 in 2000. Get a quick look at her career and accomplishments on our blog.
  • Henry Ford drives a car while another man crouches beside him
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    Capturing a Moment: How We Created a Display for Henry Ford’s “Sweepstakes”

    On October 10, 1901, Henry Ford made history by overcoming the favored Alexander Winton in his first-ever automobile race. Learn how we translated that event into the introductory display for our exhibition Driven to Win: Racing in America.
  • Janet Guthrie at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 1979 / detail from THF140173
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    Janet Guthrie: Breaking Indy's Glass Ceiling

    Explore the inspiring story of Janet Guthrie, the first woman race car driver to qualify and compete in both the Indy 500 and Daytona 500.
  • The Goldenrod being moved
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    "How Are We Going to Do That?": Driven to Win Vehicle Installation

    Go behind the scenes to learn how we applied expertise and creativity to move several historic and significant race cars into our newest exhibit, Driven to Win: Racing in America.
  • Wendell Scott, NASCAR’s first full-time Black driver, used this 1966 Ford Galaxie, currently on exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, during the 1967–68 seasons.
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    Wendell Scott: Breaking NASCAR’s Color Barrier

    Wendell Scott overcame obstacles, including the insidious challenge of racism, to become the first African American driver to compete full-time in NASCAR’s top-level Cup Series. Learn his story on our blog.
  • THF114611 Dan Gurney at the 1963 Indianapolis 500, May 1963
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    Remembering Dan Gurney (1931-2018)

    Race car driver and friend of The Henry Ford Dan Gurney leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy. His spirit, determination, and accomplishments will continue to inspire generations to come.
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    Exceptional Engines

    Take a fascinating look at the machines that move us with Curator of Transportation Matt Anderson. Explore some of the more unusual automobile engines in The Henry Ford’s collection, like Franklin’s air-cooled crosshead of 1905 or Chrysler’s experimental gas turbine of 1963. The heart of any car is its engine, and through the evolution of engine design and technology, we discover the importance of how innovation and diversity shape the automotive landscape.
  • Mo Rocca and Jeanine Head-Miller with quilts in Lovett Hall Ballroom
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    Innovation Nation, Season 3

    The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, which aired for 10 seasons on CBS, showcased present-day change-makers from all over the world alongside innovators of the past whose stories are told through the archives and experiences at The Henry Ford. In Season 3, Mo Rocca explores topics on Susana Hunter Quilts, Pioneering Female Aviators, Locomotive Parts, and more!