Car Collectors

In November, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum temporarily closed its doors in preparation for an $89 million renovation that will bring the expansive collection and exhibit space up to speed. But it’s not the first time the westside landmark has changed out its wheels. Fritz Frommeyer was an IMS new hire when the museum’s first incarnation, located outside of the Turn 1 grandstands, debuted in 1956 (it relocated to its current spot in 1976). For the next six runnings of the Indianapolis 500, Frommeyer worked in the track’s publicity department as the original museum came to life, witnessing both the beginning and the end of an era. Here is his trackside report.