Paul Goldsmith, a career veteran of Indycar, NASCAR, and the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), passed away in Munster, Indiana, at 98. Goldsmith’s versatile ability to race from any angle made him an icon and undoubtedly left him with a legacy that will never be matched.
He began his motorcycle career running the barnstorming county fair motorcycle circuit in Detroit, Michigan, where he moved with his family as a teen. Eventually, however, he would rise to the top once he began racing for the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and won a cash prize of $25 in 1947 with a borrowed helmet.
Goldsmith’s Early Career
Paul Goldsmith wouldn’t be formally thrust into the spotlight until 1952 with his first national-level win as a racer for the AMA at the famed 1-mile oval Milwaukee Mile. Shortly after his success in motorcycle racing, he became interested in stock car racing and tried it amateurishly before moving to NASCAR. He couldn’t get enough once he tried his hand at racing professionally. He would clinch his 1958 victory at the former Daytona 500 Beach course as the Grand National Winner. He could not relinquish his passion for racing even as he got older, leading him to IndyCar.
Paul Goldsmith’s NASCAR Career
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Paul Goldsmith began his NASCAR career in 1956 with legendary team owner Smokey Yunick, who was esteemed for his precision in engineering stock and IndyCar vehicles. Goldsmith’s career would be nothing short of successful, and it wouldn’t be long before Yunick’s expertise would rub off. Goldsmith would make his way to victory lane the very same year, securing his first cup victory on September 23 at Langhorne Speedway in Pennsylvania.
The win was nothing short of miraculous since this was considered a dangerous speedway and was known at the time for the deaths of 23 fellow competitors. Ironically, three years prior, he was on the same track during his motorcycle career for Harley Davidson and secured a career-boosting win. This success undoubtedly led him to join the AMA Hall of Fame, drawing interest and support from the stock car racing community, particularly the United States Autoclub (USAC).
USAC Career
While racing with the USAC in a Pontiac for Ray Nichels, Paul Goldsmith hammered down 44 finishes in the top 3 and 26 wins with 85 starts. Impressively, he also continued to run for NASCAR, winning nine races total and nearly 60 top finishes out of 127 starts with the franchise. His career with the franchise ended in 1966 after his final win at short track Bristol Motor Speedway. With his NASCAR career at a temporary standstill, he became interested in IndyCar under the direction of team owner and engineer Smokey Yunick.
Successful Stint In IndyCar
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Just as sure as his success in AMA, NASCAR, and USAC Stock Car racing, Paul Goldsmith wouldn’t disappoint in IndyCar. Starting his career with the NTT Series as Firestone’s chief test driver, he was the only driver within the organization to have six starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the home of the famed Indianapolis 500. But, it wouldn’t be long before the IndyCar racing community began to take notice. Goldsmith’s tenacity and inability to stay out of the driver’s seat ultimately drove him to success in this sport.
Paul Goldsmith was the oldest in the business in 1960, starting six times, placing third in the Indy 500, and securing two top fives. Even though the versatile racer was past his glory days, he didn’t let this stop him from living out his dream and leaving a lasting legacy in the racing community. In 1961, he’d prove this again by competing in a 24-hour race at a newly paved Indianapolis Motor Speedway alongside fellow drivers Sutton, Roberts, Ward, Panch, and Weatherly. Goldsmith and fellow racers were among the first to test out the revamped Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a track that circles 2.5 miles.
Goldsmith’s Retirement
In 1969 Paul Goldsmith made plans to retire from racing and marked of the end of a highly successful career on January 11, 1970. Upon retirement, he decided to pursue aviation full-time as it had always been a deep passion within him. During this time, he also opened and owned many midwestern Burger King restaurants and even owned a few ranches. He was the only racer in history to fly himself and fellow drivers during his racing career, train airline pilots, and work as an engine mechanic. For Paul Goldsmith, this was a way to connect the two things he loved like never before and he enjoyed every second of it.
Final Thoughts
Paul Goldsmith was one of the most versatile racers in history successfully winning titles with the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), winning the Milwaukee Mile and the Daytona 200, securing 26 wins with the USAC, three NASCAR cup series wins in 1966, with nine wins total, and eight pole positions. He would go on to win the last-ever title at the Daytona Shores track before it was replaced with Daytona International Speedway and placed third in the famed Indy-500.
It’s clear that Goldsmith’s career was nothing short of incredible some may even say no matter what he set out to do he was able to reach success. Paul Goldsmith was considered one of the fastest drivers on the track and the most unique due to his ability to perform at any angle. The combination of wins, versatility, and perseverance is something the racing world will certainly miss.
This is no doubt what thrust him into the 1999 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Hall of Fame and his 2016 induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living Indy 500 starter. Paul Goldsmith’s memory will live on in the hearts of race fans and drivers alike and he leaves a legacy that’s a sure testament to hard work and dedication.
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