Custom-painted NASCAR show car unveiled at Museum of Science and Industry

Blake Lenoir fondly remembers his childhood Sundays spent bonding with his great-grandfather over NASCAR races. Those moments ignited his passion for racing, fueling his dreams of becoming a racer or engineer. On Friday morning, as a Chicago artist and now a father, Lenoir felt a sense of completion as he held his 3-year-old son, Brayson, at the unveiling of a new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibit features a custom-painted NASCAR Chicago Street Race show car, a project Lenoir contributed to.

Lenoir expressed his excitement, stating, “My heart is still pounding out of my chest right now. I can’t stop thinking about my grandfather’s face, picturing him smiling at the realization of this opportunity. This day has become about him.”

The collaboration between Paint the City, a nonprofit organization led by artists, and NASCAR Chicago Street Race resulted in the creation of this car to honor Chicago’s history and showcase the science and mechanics behind street racing. The car will be on display until NASCAR’s next Chicago street race in July. The design incorporates elements that represent Chicago’s culture, paying tribute to the city’s flag and capturing the essence of speed and the racing experience. Additionally, a model NASCAR Next Gen 2023 Ford Mustang, also painted by artists from Paint the City, is now exhibited at the Museum of Science and Industry. Each artist contributed elements of their own culture to the design, such as Mario Mena, who incorporated a monarch butterfly representing his Mexican heritage.

To further support their mission, the artists painted three replica helmets and three canvases that will be auctioned on the NASCAR Foundation’s website. The proceeds will contribute to the efforts of both the NASCAR Foundation and Paint the City to create impactful murals in schools and communities in need.

Chevy Humphrey, the President of the Museum, highlighted the educational aspect of the exhibit, stating, “The kids really get excited about understanding the mechanics of this car and how it works. It goes beyond just speed; they want to know how it was done.”

Humphrey emphasized that science is present in everyday life, and the exhibit serves as a representation of all cultures, allowing visitors to learn about racing, Chicago’s history, and its diverse communities. Missy Perkins, co-founder of Paint the City, mentioned the organization’s commitment to collaborating with local artists of color. She shared that the NASCAR project was completed in just two days.

Julie Giese, President of NASCAR Chicago Street Race, expressed her admiration for the car, noting the vibrancy of its colors and its intentional depiction of Chicago’s uniqueness. Giese hopes that the exhibit will inspire future generations of racers and engineers, considering it a “love letter” to the city’s shared history with NASCAR.

Already, the exhibit has begun to inspire young visitors. Humphrey revealed, “Every time people come, they stop, ponder, and discover new things when viewing the car. Kids are so captivated; they try to climb over the glass wall.”

The Museum of Science and Industry provides a racing simulator for visitors to engage with, adding to the immersive experience. The model NASCAR Next Gen 2023 Ford Mustang, the painted helmets by Mario Mena, and other captivating features within the exhibit can be viewed at the Museum of Science and Industry.

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Olivia Carter

Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.