NASCAR museum in North Carolina will close after a lengthy court battle with ITG Brands
From 1971-2003, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company severed as the primary sponsor for the NASCAR Cup Series. It was known as the NASCAR Winston Cup era.
A museum in North Carolina preserves this era of the sport. Cars and memorabilia fill the floor of the Winston Cup Museum.
Earlier this year, the museum closed as they battled court cases with ITG Brands regarding the use of the Winston Cup name. They have since reopened.
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The museum owners Will and Christy Spencer considered renaming the museum in Winston Salem, NC. However, they have stated the cost to do so would be too much.
Now, the museum is set to close once again, this time it’s going to close for good. The assets of the museum are heading to auction.
The final day of operations at the brick and mortar will be December 16th.
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Winston Cup Museum: Statement
Over the past seven weeks you all have provided us with some great renaming ideas, showed your support and given us quite a few chuckles along the way with your suggestions and creativity,” the statement from Will and Christy Spencer opened.
“We are forever grateful! The name that received the most votes was ‘The Ralph Seagraves Memorial Museum,’ which we believe would be a great name and a way to honor a man who was absolutely integral to the relationship between RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and NASCAR.”
“However, after assessing the museum’s current financial condition and the significant expense required to completely re-brand the museum, we have decided to close the brick and mortar version of the museum permanently on December 16th, 2023.”
“This is not a decision we have come to lightly, but it is the necessary end of 19 wonderful years preserving racing history. The end of the brick and mortar museum does not mean an end to preserving great racing history and stories. So stay tuned to learn more about our future plans and how we will move forward into 2024.”
“If you have not been to the museum before, this will be your last chance to see the collection we have amassed all under one roof and intact. So please come visit us at The Winston Cup Museum before December 16th!”
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Auction
“For those of you that are hardcore race fans and collectors you will have your chance to own a part of racing history as we are auctioning off the mass majority of the collection with Mecum Auto Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida—January 2nd through January 14th, 2024.”
“Join us there or online for what we believe will be a record-breaking day for the largest personal collection of racing memorabilia ever sold at auction.”
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