Legends of American motorsports congregated in Daytona Beach recently for the 30th Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction Ceremony presented by Bridgestone. Tallying 244 total members, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America recognizes influential people who worked with or drove cars, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, powerboats and airplanes.
In total, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America welcomed seven new members to its hall at the ceremony. Among the 2018 inductees was legendary Indy car team owner U.E. "Pat" Patrick.
Patrick and Firestone partnered together in 1994 to test tires for the Firestone brand's return to Indy car racing in 1995 following a 20-year hiatus. In 1995, Scott Pruett drove the No. 20 Firestone car full time. While behind the wheel, he racked up six top-5 finishes, including a win at the Michigan 500, which marked the first Indy car victory on Firestone race tires since 1974. The 1994 test car is on permanent display in the Bridgestone Tower lobby.
"We are proud to support the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and its mission to honor and recognize those who have made contributions across the full spectrum of American motorsports," said Lisa Boggs, Director, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. "This year was particularly special as inductee Pat Patrick was instrumental in the Firestone brand's return to Indy car racing." Other inductees included drag racing car builder John Buttera, Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl Fisher, stock car driver Jeff Gordon, aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, motorcycle great Fred Merkel and sports car great Bob Tullius.
