Historic photo of Roger Penske driving a Pontiac Catalina to victory in the 1963 NASCAR race at Riverside. A replica of the car is on display in the museum ( below left ). 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 Courtesy Penske Racing Museum Courtesy Team Penske 12 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

The 2022 INDYCAR SERIES championship-winning car, driven by Will Power, is on display in the museum. CREATING CULTURE Courtesy LAT USA FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 13