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- Paul Goldsmith, Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR icon, dies at 98 (newsbreak.com)
Paul Goldsmith, an esteemed figure in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR, has passed away at the age of 98. His passing was confirmed by both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR.
Goldsmith, originally from West Virginia, grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Post-World War II, he began racing motorcycles as a teenager and quickly rose to prominence, becoming an American Motorcyclist Association expert on Harley-Davidson bikes. His notable victory at the Daytona 200 marked a significant triumph for Harley-Davidson, ending a long drought for the brand, as noted in a NASCAR news release.
While excelling in motorcycle racing and working full-time at a Chrysler factory in Detroit, Goldsmith ventured into stock car racing. In 1953, he clinched a win at a 250-mile race at the Detroit Fairgrounds.
By 1956, Goldsmith transitioned fully to stock car racing, making his final motorcycle race that year. His first NASCAR victory came in a 300-mile race at Langhorne, winning with a team led by legendary car owner Smokey Yunick.
Yunick praised Goldsmith’s natural talent and quick reflexes, describing him as one of the best drivers he had ever encountered, as documented in Peter Golenbock’s book, “American Zoom.”
Goldsmith made history by becoming the last NASCAR Grand National winner on Daytona Beach’s old beach course in 1958, just before the new 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway opened in 1959. Teaming up with another iconic car owner, Ray Nichels, Goldsmith dominated the U.S. Auto Club Stock Car circuit, securing 26 victories in 85 starts.
In 1964, Goldsmith returned to NASCAR, where he won nine races and secured 59 top-10 finishes in 127 starts. His final NASCAR win came in 1966 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Goldsmith also competed in the Indianapolis 500 six times, with his best finish being third place in 1960.
Goldsmith retired from competitive racing in 1960 and contributed to advancements in racing technology, including the development of water-circulating systems that paved the way for modern cool-suit technology used by race car drivers.
Honored for his achievements, Goldsmith was inducted into several Halls of Fame: 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.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Goldsmith-Slifer. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and his son, Greg.
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- Paul Goldsmith, Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR icon, dies at 98 (newsbreak.com)