World of Speed Launches Heroes and History Exhibit

World of Speed, an educational and interactive motorsports museum, announces its new exhibit celebrating the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Heroes and History, which opens Friday, June 10, will feature IndyCars from seven decades, spanning the race’s early era to modern cars that run today. Featured cars include Al Unser Sr.’s 1967 Lola and Mario Andretti’s 1981 WildCat. Interactive exhibits will tell the stories of the race and its drivers, all displayed with a replica of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway “Brick Yard.” This exhibit marks the museum’s first major exhibit addition since opening in 2015. 

“We are thrilled with the incredible collection of Indy cars and memorabilia curated for Heroes and History,” said David Schaeffer, World of Speed executive director. “The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 is a huge milestone and gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the race. The exhibit will fill our entire main gallery and tell the amazing stories of the cars and racers who have made Indy what it is today. We look forward to our unveiling on June 10.”

The exhibit will celebrate international drivers, as well as those from the Northwest, with memorabilia from Art Pollard, Len Sutton, Rolla Vollstedt and Parker Johnstone. Display pieces will include a unique collection of racing suits, helmets, shoes, gloves, models and photos, allowing visitors to experience all Indy has to offer.

“As a racecar driver, the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 represents the wonderful stories told by each of these drivers and their cars throughout the last 105 years,” said Ron Huegli, curator for the World of Speed. “As we prepare for the opening of this exhibit, I could not be more honored to have the history of Indy on display at World of Speed.”

A partial list of the cars on display at “Heroes & History” includes:

The exhibit will also feature the 1966 LOLA, originally driven by 1959 and 1962 winner Rodger Ward, which will be driven by his son Rick Ward at the Legends event during this year’s Indianapolis 500.