Paul Goldsmith, a legendary and versatile figure in motorsports, passed away on Friday, September 6, at the age of 98 according to The Indy Star
Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, on October 2, 1925, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Goldsmith’s impact on the world of racing stretched across multiple disciplines, including motorcycle racing, NASCAR, and open-wheel racing.
His career achievements, marked by victories, championships, and post-racing ventures, cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the sport.
Goldsmith began his racing journey after serving in the Merchant Marine during World War II. Following his service, he entered the world of amateur motorcycle racing.
His unexpected start came in Marshall, Michigan, where he raced to a third-place finish in a local event. Just a few years later, in 1952, Goldsmith secured his first major win at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) series.
Goldsmith’s success on motorcycles reached new heights in 1953 when he delivered Harley-Davidson its first victory on the famed Daytona Beach Course.
This victory marked a turning point in his career, and just three years later, in 1956, he retired from motorcycle racing to shift his focus to the world of NASCAR.
With his transition to stock car racing, Goldsmith wasted no time making an impact. He secured his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Langhorne Speedway in 1956, just as his motorcycle career was coming to an end. Over the span of his NASCAR career, he won a total of nine Cup Series races, competing in 127 events.
His final NASCAR Cup Series victory came in 1966 at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
In addition to his NASCAR achievements, Goldsmith also found success in the NASCAR Convertible Series, where he earned a win at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
He further expanded his dominance in stock car racing through his participation in the United States Auto Club (USAC) Stock Car Series. Between 1961 and 1962, he won two championships and claimed 26 wins in 85 starts, making him one of the most accomplished drivers in USAC history.
Goldsmith’s versatility extended beyond stock cars. From 1958 to 1963, he competed in the prestigious Indianapolis 500, where he raced in six consecutive events. His best finish at the Indy 500 came in 1960, when he achieved a third-place result. Goldsmith’s ability to excel in both stock car and open-wheel racing underscored his unique talent and adaptability as a driver.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Goldsmith’s contributions to motorsports were widely recognized.
He was inducted into several prestigious halls of fame, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the USAC Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame. These honors reflected his status as one of the most respected figures in racing history.
After retiring from racing in 1969, Goldsmith’s passion for speed and mechanics continued to influence his professional life. He owned and operated an aviation engine repair business and ran an airport in Indiana.
His entrepreneurial endeavors extended beyond aviation, as he also owned restaurants and a ranch, demonstrating his multifaceted interests outside the world of racing.
In his personal life, Goldsmith was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and his son, Greg. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Goldsmith-Slifer. His death marks the end of an era for motorsports, as he leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of racers.
Goldsmith’s contributions to motorsports will be remembered not only for his victories on the track but also for his lasting influence across various racing series. His ability to excel in different forms of racing made him a true icon in the world of motorsports.
Paul Goldsmith’s passing at the age of 98 marks the conclusion of a life defined by speed, competition, and innovation.
His influence on motorcycle racing, stock car racing, and open-wheel racing left an indelible mark on the sport. Goldsmith’s pioneering spirit, combined with his ability to adapt to different racing disciplines, solidified his place among the greatest figures in motorsports history.
