H
HardScrabble
Guest
Born October 2, 1927 (some sources say 1925, but most 1927)
Paul Goldsmith was one of the leading motorcycle racers during the late 1940s through the mid-1950s. The Michigan rider’s most famous of five AMA national victories came at the Daytona 200 in 1953 aboard a Harley-Davidson. After retiring from motorcycle racing, Goldsmith went on to a very successful automobile racing career. He won the final NASCAR race run on the beach at Daytona Beach in 1958. He also competed several times in the Indianapolis 500, finishing third in 1960.
Goldsmith became one of the stars of the NASCAR circuit, driving for Pontiac and later Chrysler. Goldsmith was one of the few men ever to compete in the Daytona 200, the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500. While in NASCAR, Goldsmith became one of the first to fly to all the races. His flying hobby would eventually become a thriving business.
The Golden boy competed in 127 NASCAR races from 1956 - 1969. He scored 9 Grand National wins and 9 Pole positions, but never made a run for the championship, driving in premiere events for Ray Nichels.
His 9 wins came on 9 different tracks, Langhorne Speedway, Greensboro Agricultural Fairgrounds, Rural Exposition Fairgrounds, Lancaster Speedway, Raleigh Speedway, Daytona Beach and Road Course, Daytona International Speedway, North Carolina Motor Speedway, and Bristol International Speedway
After retiring from racing altogether in 1969, Goldsmith concentrated on building his aviation engine business. When inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1999, Goldsmith’s aviation concern in Northern Indiana employed 40 people. He also owns a number of Burger King restaurants in the Midwest and has two thoroughbred race horse ranches in Ocala, Florida.
While Goldsmith certainly has the resources to retire, he said he tried it once and couldn’t stand it. At 74 years of age, he still flies over 600 hours per year. He has one son and daughter. His son is a commercial pilot.
Happy Birthday Paul!
Paul Goldsmith was one of the leading motorcycle racers during the late 1940s through the mid-1950s. The Michigan rider’s most famous of five AMA national victories came at the Daytona 200 in 1953 aboard a Harley-Davidson. After retiring from motorcycle racing, Goldsmith went on to a very successful automobile racing career. He won the final NASCAR race run on the beach at Daytona Beach in 1958. He also competed several times in the Indianapolis 500, finishing third in 1960.
Goldsmith became one of the stars of the NASCAR circuit, driving for Pontiac and later Chrysler. Goldsmith was one of the few men ever to compete in the Daytona 200, the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500. While in NASCAR, Goldsmith became one of the first to fly to all the races. His flying hobby would eventually become a thriving business.
The Golden boy competed in 127 NASCAR races from 1956 - 1969. He scored 9 Grand National wins and 9 Pole positions, but never made a run for the championship, driving in premiere events for Ray Nichels.
His 9 wins came on 9 different tracks, Langhorne Speedway, Greensboro Agricultural Fairgrounds, Rural Exposition Fairgrounds, Lancaster Speedway, Raleigh Speedway, Daytona Beach and Road Course, Daytona International Speedway, North Carolina Motor Speedway, and Bristol International Speedway
After retiring from racing altogether in 1969, Goldsmith concentrated on building his aviation engine business. When inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1999, Goldsmith’s aviation concern in Northern Indiana employed 40 people. He also owns a number of Burger King restaurants in the Midwest and has two thoroughbred race horse ranches in Ocala, Florida.
While Goldsmith certainly has the resources to retire, he said he tried it once and couldn’t stand it. At 74 years of age, he still flies over 600 hours per year. He has one son and daughter. His son is a commercial pilot.
Happy Birthday Paul!