The Automobile in Competition

Driven to Win:

Discover

the Crucible

of Racing

Visit the Petersen and witness the most legendary and exhilarating race cars in history for a limited time.

Buy Tickets

2nd Floor

Nearburg Gallery

Vehicles are subject to change within the exhibit without notice.

Exhibit Sponsored By

Exhibit Synopsis:

The Drive to Compete

Henry Ford is claimed to have said that “auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built.” This is undoubtedly an exaggeration, but there is truth in the sentiment—motorsport has been an essential part of the automotive landscape since the invention of the automobile over a century ago. While numerous disciplines of motor racing have come and gone, the desire of drivers and manufacturers to push the performance limits of their vehicles has remained constant.

Win on Sunday. Sell on Monday.

Motor racing is a source of thrilling spectacle and drama for fans; while for drivers, it is a way to test their mettle and compete for glory. For manufacturers of race vehicles, success in racing boosts their companies’ profiles and can increase sales of their road-going production cars. Motorsport is also a significant driver of technological innovation and an integral part of automotive development, ushering in improvements in safety, reliability, efficiency, and performance.