NASCAR Legend Sadly Passes Away, Aged 98

NASCAR legend Paul Goldsmith has sadly passed away at the age of 98.

Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Goldsmith’s journey in racing began in Detroit, where he moved during his teenage years and took up motorcycle racing. His transition from motorcycles to auto racing and subsequent success in both realms left an indelible mark on the history of American motorsports.

Goldsmith won the prestigious Daytona 200 motorcycle race in 1953, ending Harley-Davidson’s 13-year win drought. Throughout his motorcycle career, he secured five American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) national victories, with his first coming at the Milwaukee Mile in 1952.

In 1956, Goldsmith transitioned to auto racing, a move that would begin his illustrious NASCAR career. He earned nine wins and eight pole positions in the NASCAR Cup Series. Among his achievements, Goldsmith was the last winner of a NASCAR premier-series race on the iconic Daytona Beach and road course in 1958.

That same year, he delivered a stellar performance by leading all 39 laps from pole position. His association with legendary car owners like Smokey Yunick and Ray Nichels was instrumental to his success.

Goldsmith’s versatility was further showcased in his participation in the Indianapolis 500, where he competed six times and secured a career-best third-place finish in 1960.

Additionally, his impressed in the United States Auto Club (USAC) Stock Car Championship. He claimed 26 victories and was the champion in consecutive years, 1961-1962.

Goldsmith’s impact was not confined to his racing statistics. His innovative spirit led him to develop water-circulating technology, a precursor to the now-common cool-suit technology for drivers. He also experimented with a flashing caution light warning system inside his race car to enhance safety during races.

After a grueling and well-decorated career, Goldsmith began phasing out of racing in 1969, officially retiring on January 11, 1970.

Throughout his lifetime, Goldsmith was recognized for his contributions to motorsport. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 2016.

Paul Goldsmith leaves behind a profound legacy in the racing world.

“Paul Goldsmith, a six-time #Indy500 starter with a best finish of third in 1960, has died at age 98. He was the oldest Indianapolis 500 starter at the time of his passing. Godspeed, Racer.”

“Sorry to hear of Paul Goldsmith’s passing at 98, the only man to win on Daytona’s beach/road course on two wheels as well as four. 2x USAC stock car champ, 2x Indy 500 top 5 finisher, 9x Nascar Cup winner. Named to several Halls of Fame. A very full life.”