Racing Through History

Inside the Penske Racing Museum, where history, horsepower and high-speed thrills collide

By Michelle Jacoby

You may not realize it, but tucked away in the reaches of North Scottsdale is a car lover’s dream: the Penske Racing Museum. 

While many people drive past the sleek glass structure every day, few realize the treasure trove within it. Packed with racing history that even non-car enthusiasts will find fascinating, it showcases iconic cars and glistening trophies, offering a front-row seat to Team Penske’s incredible legacy.

The museum opened in late 2002 as part of the Penske Automotive Group’s Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection. “When they were envisioning the complex, they wanted it to be the crown jewel of the Penske Automotive Group,” said Patrick Hozza, the museum’s director. “At that time, we didn’t have a dedicated space for our racing collection, so they decided to add the museum right here.”

Since then, more than half a million visitors have stepped inside, diving into nearly 60 years of racing history. Founded by Roger Penske in 1966, Team Penske has become one of the most successful teams in motorsports, with over 640 major race wins and 47 national championships under their belt. And let’s not forget their record-breaking 20 Indianapolis 500 victories and three Daytona 500 wins, solidifying Penske’s spot at the very top of the racing world.

The museum’s two-story layout is compact yet packed with history. The ground floor has 16 race cars from Penske’s collection, all kept in mint condition — and they’re not just for show. “These aren’t just display pieces — every car in our collection is functional and race-ready,” Hozza said.

One of the highlights? The 1963 Pontiac Catalina, a replica of the car that Roger Penske drove to victory in Riverside, California. There’s also the first car to qualify a single lap at over 200 mph at the Indianapolis 500, a testament to how much racing technology has evolved. You can literally see the transition from the aluminum and fiberglass frames of the 60’s to today’s sleek carbon fiber and Kevlar designs that prioritize speed and safety.

Head upstairs, and you’ll find the trophy room, a gleaming display of hundreds of awards that tell the story of Team Penske’s success. The second floor also doubles as a high-end event space, perfect for private dinners or corporate events with a side of racing history.

Sure, car enthusiasts and racing fans will love the museum, but Hozza said the crowd is more diverse than you might expect. “We get locals who’ve lived here for years and are just discovering us, as well as out-of-town visitors on their way to places like Sedona or the Grand Canyon,” he said. “It’s not unusual to see a dad totally into the cars, while the rest of the family explores.”

The museum sees the most visitors during big events in the Valley, like Barrett-Jackson Auction week, NASCAR races and Cactus League spring training. “March is actually our busiest month, thanks to all the baseball fans in town,” Hozza said.

Most visitors spend about 30 to 60 minutes touring the museum, but if you’re a hardcore racing fan, you might hang around longer to soak in every detail. Best of all? Admission is free. The museum’s cozy size also makes it an easy stop if you’re out and about exploring Scottsdale.

If you get hungry, there’s an on-site café open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., perfect for a quick lunch. Plus, the museum’s location means you’re just steps away from some of the most luxurious car dealerships in the area — think Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti.

Beyond the cars and trophies, the Penske Racing Museum is a tribute to the man behind it all. At 87, Roger Penske is still deeply involved with both his automotive empire and racing team. His vision and dedication not only shaped Team Penske’s success, but also brought a unique cultural landmark to Scottsdale.

So whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a cool, off-the-beaten-path spot, the Penske Racing Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of motorsports — right in the heart of the Valley. 

To learn more, visit penskeracingmuseum.com.