Paul Goldsmith, a motorsport legend known for his achievements in both Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR racing, passed away at the age of 98, CBS News reports.
His death was confirmed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR, closing the chapter on a career that defined motorsports for decades.
Goldsmith's career spanned two wheels and four, leaving an indelible mark on both motorcycle racing and stock car racing.
Goldsmith's life began in West Virginia, though he spent most of his childhood in Detroit, Michigan. Following World War II, he found his way into racing by competing on motorcycles, riding Harley-Davidson bikes. His exceptional skill on two wheels earned him recognition as an American Motorcyclist Association expert, a title that showcased his early promise in the sport.
Goldsmith's most notable triumph on a motorcycle came when he broke a Harley-Davidson drought by winning the Daytona 200. At the same time, he balanced his passion for racing with full-time work at a Chrysler factory in Detroit. His determination and work ethic defined him as he transitioned from motorcycles to stock car racing.
In 1953, Goldsmith took part in a 250-mile stock car race at the Detroit Fairgrounds, where he claimed his first significant victory on four wheels. That success marked a pivotal moment in his career as he began to shift his focus from motorcycles to stock car racing.
In 1956, after stepping away from motorcycle racing, Goldsmith earned his first NASCAR victory at a 300-mile race in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. This triumph came while driving for legendary car owner Smokey Yunick. Yunick, who had a deep respect for Goldsmith's abilities, later praised him as having "more natural talent than any driver" he had ever worked with.
Yunick also described Goldsmith as a "quiet, likable guy" with quick reflexes and impeccable manners. According to Yunick, within just a few races, Goldsmith had established himself as one of the best in the field, earning a reputation for being both fast and composed behind the wheel.
One of the highlights of Goldsmith's NASCAR career came in 1958 when he won the final Grand National race on the historic Daytona Beach course. This marked the end of an era as the Daytona International Speedway opened the following year, transforming the sport.
By 1959, Goldsmith teamed up with car owner Ray Nichels and quickly became a dominant force in the U.S. Auto Club Stock Car circuit. Over the course of just 85 starts, Goldsmith secured an impressive 26 victories, further cementing his place as a top-tier driver.
In 1964, Goldsmith returned to NASCAR, where he continued to build on his legacy. Throughout his time in the series, he accumulated nine wins and 59 top-10 finishes across 127 starts. His final NASCAR victory came in 1966 at the Bristol Motor Speedway, capping off an illustrious career in stock car racing.
Although Goldsmith was also a regular competitor at the Indianapolis 500, he never claimed victory at the prestigious event. His best finish came in 1960 when he placed third, demonstrating his versatility and skill across multiple forms of motorsport.
After retiring from competitive racing in 1960, Goldsmith shifted his focus toward innovation. He was instrumental in developing water-circulating technology that later evolved into the cool-suit technology widely used by modern race car drivers. This contribution to safety and comfort in motorsports is a testament to his forward-thinking approach and dedication to the sport.
Goldsmith's numerous accomplishments did not go unnoticed. Over the years, he was inducted into several prestigious halls of fame, including 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. These honors reflect the lasting impact he made in both motorcycle and car racing, as well as his role as a pioneer in the industry.
