Driven to Win at the Henry Ford

Venue Reviews  |  Posted by: Tedd Long  |  07/11/2021

As a racing fan and an admirer of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, I've always known the museum has one of the most significant motorsports collections in the world. Over the years, my visits have always included time to admire the racing cars sprinkled throughout the Driving America exhibit. However, my visits to the Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn, Michigan, have been kicked up several notches with the opening of Driven to Win: Racing in America Presented by GM, a new permanent exhibition dedicated to the thrills, chills, and spills of American auto racing.

Organized automobile racing began in the U.S. with a 54-mile race from Chicago to Evanston, Illinois, and back on Thanksgiving Day in 1895. No one could have known then what uniquely American forms of motorsports would follow, but this comprehensive exhibition covers it all. You'll learn about the evolution of speed and safety in racing machines, the history of several major race venues, and the development of the American racer.

One of the first vehicles you see as you enter the 24,000 square-foot exhibition is Henry Ford's 1901 Sweepstakes racer. Ford himself raced this car to victory, helping him finance his second automotive venture. But this exhibit covers more than just historic race cars. You'll also learn the stories of people like Barney Oldfield, Wendell Scott, Lyn St. James, A.J. Foyt, and Dan Gurney, all racers who "invented their way into the winner's circle" and changed the world in the process. You can also go interactive with driving simulators and a multisensory theatre presentation.

Plan on spending no less than a few hours here. To give you an idea of the breadth of the experience, Driven to Win includes more than fifty racing personalities, twenty-four interactive exhibits, six driving simulators (for an extra fee), and twenty-two race cars. Regardless of what your interest might be, Driven to Win will clearly illustrate how competitive passion leads to innovation.

NOTE: Tickets to Henry Ford Museum are currently limited to a reduced daily capacity. Tickets are valid only on the date for which they are purchased. A one-time exchange of dates due to illness may be granted via theirContact Center with at least 24-hour notice; otherwise, all tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable. 

More information for planning your visit is available at the Henry Ford website.

Plan Your Visit

What: Driven to Win: Racing in America 

Where: Henry Ford Museum of American innovation | 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124

Hours: Daily: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For the Kids: There is plenty to do to keep the kids engaged.  

Cost: Admission is $25.00 for Adults ($22.50 for Seniors) and $18.75 for youth 5-11 (4 and under are free).

Parking: Parking Fee $6 per vehicle. Service Fee $3 per transaction. Fees will automatically be added to the total charge.

For more local history, check out my history blog at www.holytoledohistory.com.