Penske Racing Museum Scottsdale, AZ

Thanks to Roger Penske, the Penske name is synonymous with cars and racing. After emerging on the racing scene in the 1950s, he was honored with the title of “Driver of the Year” by Sports Illustrated Magazine in 1961.

Even after he retired from driving in 1965, Penske remained one of the most successful and recognized names in the industry. As owner of Team Penske, with more than 50 years of racing experience and a record-breaking 18 Indianapolis 500 wins as team owner, his legacy to this day remains unrivalled.

His teams now reach beyond the IndyCar Series to include NASCAR. The Penske Racing Museum is well worth a visit for all racing enthusiasts while in Scottsdale, Arizona.   

Tucked inside the Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection, which is owned by the Penske Automotive Group, the museum brings racing history to life and gives visitors an up-close look at the cars, trophies and memories of Penske's career.

"Even if you're not a race fan, we tend to catch the eye of any car person," said Patrick Hozza, motorsports specialist at the Penske Racing Museum.

The Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection houses several high-end car dealerships, including such marques as BMW, Audi, Lamborghini, Jaguar and Porsche. Having the museum on site often attracts visitors from the car dealerships who enjoy the opportunity to spend an afternoon looking at these racing relics.

Racing Through History

There's no charge to enter the museum, and once inside, visitors can see race cars from various eras on display. The vehicles show the diversity and scope of Penske's racing history – you can even look at a replica of the 1963 Pontiac Catalina that took Penske to victory in the 1963 Riverside 250.

Other popular cars are the 2009 Dallara Honda, which Hélio Castroneves piloted for the win in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, and the car driven by Brad Keselowski in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Of all the cars, though, Hozza said the Porsche RS Spyder is a favorite attraction.

"I would say it is very popular because it is a beautifully engineered race car and it won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2008. It was the first time in many years that Porsche won overall at the Sebring race."

Evidence of the many Team Penske victories is housed in a massive trophy display on the second floor alongside a collection of racing helmets worn during actual races.

"These are some of the most historical cars of Team Penske, and we are glad to be able to display them to the public," Hozza said.

Guests' eyes are immediately drawn to the well-maintained, historic racers, but the engines on display throughout the museum may also impress auto aficionados. The displays include facts about the engine's back story — races, drivers and more.

Make a Pit Stop

The cars occupy the first floor while, upstairs — along with viewing trophies and memorabilia — visitors can shop for souvenirs or enjoy an auto-themed lunch break at the cafe.

The Turn 4 Cáfe offers delicious breakfast and lunch options to help you refuel as you explore the museum. While grabbing a bite, you can enjoy the open balcony and catch a great view of the many luxury cars on display at the surrounding dealerships. Also in your view is the Land Rover Test Track, which can be an entertaining sight when drivers are trying out their potential new purchases.

Your last stop at the Penske Racing Museum should be at the boutique, where you can pick up some fun automotive merchandise, such as diecast cars and coffee table books. True enthusiasts will appreciate the one-of-a-kind car parts that have been signed by Team Penske drivers, as well as souvenirs like T-shirts and pens.

Even if you've already visited the Penske Racing Museum, it's worth making another stop, as the exhibits rotate regularly to create a fresh experience for visitors.

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