The Winston Cup Museum, an iconic institution in NASCAR’s history, faces an unfortunate fate with its imminent closure on December 16th. However, this bittersweet turn has unexpectedly opened doors for NASCAR aficionados to possess a piece of this storied legacy. In light of the museum’s financial struggles, a significant portion of its collection is set to be auctioned off at the Mecum Auto Auctions.
This auction, slated in Kissimmee, Florida, running from January 2 to January 14, 2024, presents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire iconic NASCAR cars and coveted race-used collectibles. Registration for the event is open on the Mecum official website, offering enthusiasts a chance to vie for cherished memorabilia from their favorite drivers.
Owning one of the auctioned cars represents the pinnacle of any NASCAR devotee’s aspirations. The lineup features revered machines like Dick Trickle’s 1997 Ford Thunderbird from the 1998 Talladega race and the illustrious 2002 Budweiser promotional car. To partake in this bidding extravaganza, potential buyers can secure a MyMecum profile, facilitating registration and access to sale outcomes.
Marked as lot U143, the auction debuts with the 25th Anniversary Car, initiating The Rise of NASCAR’s Modern Era Museum collection on January 14th. Commencing on January 2, the auctions also promise additional treasures such as pit crew components, car gear, and authentic firesuits.
The initial auction days will showcase a range of supercars and luxury vehicles. Hosted at Osceola Heritage Park, the event ensures an inclusive experience with RV camping provisions. Moreover, the venue caters to attendees’ needs through food and beverage services spread across the location.
Doors open at 8:00 AM on January 2nd, welcoming attendees for an hour before the start of activities. The Mecum Merchandise Shop remains accessible until 9:00, followed by the showcase of Road Art at the Road Art Starters Auction arena. Additionally, a Thrill Ride awaits from 9:00 to 17:00.
At 10:00, the auctions commence as the day’s primary event, a pattern maintained until January 14th, culminating in the sale of NASCAR cars. The final stretch encompasses the auctioning of twenty-four race-driven vehicles from lot U143 to lot U168. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to engage in the bidding for these historic NASCAR gems.
For those unable to attend physically, alternate bidding methods are available. Alongside in-person participation, individuals can opt for telephonic bidding with expert assistance. The online bidding option via the Mecum platform allows remote participation, ensuring widespread engagement and accessibility.
ALSO READ: Ken Squier Health Challenges: A NASCAR Legend’s Struggle
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did the Winston Cup museum close?
In 2005, the Winston Cup Museum made its grand debut. However, due to financial struggles and a legal battle with ITG regarding branding, the museum was forced to close its doors. This news was met with mixed emotions from both the founders and fans. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, NASCAR enthusiast Matthew Oliver expressed gratitude for having been a part of the museum’s history.
How much does it cost to go to the Winston Cup Museum?
Come and explore the Winston Cup Museum! We’re open from Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children aged 6 to 12. If you have a military ID, you can enjoy the museum for free. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit us before our final day on Saturday, Dec.
Who owns Winston Cup Museum?
After a successful 19-year run, the Winston Cup Museum has officially closed its doors on Dec. 16. Unfortunately, the closure was due to the ongoing legal battle between owner William Spencer and ITG Brands, the company that holds the rights to the Winston brand. Despite its popularity, the museum was unable to continue operating under these circumstances. It’s a sad end to a beloved institution, but hopefully, a resolution can be reached in the future.
What replaced the Winston Cup?
In 2004, NASCAR struck a deal with Nextel, a telecom company, to take over from Winston as the series sponsor. This led to the rebranding of the series as the Nextel Cup. However, in 2006, Sprint merged with Nextel, leading to another name change for the series. From 2008 onwards, it became known as the Sprint Cup.