Sports & Leisure

Tennis Racket

The nation's passion for sports is obvious every day—at NASCAR races, kiddie soccer matches, and countless other contests. From a handball used by Abraham Lincoln to Chris Evert's tennis racket to a baseball signed by Jackie Robinson, the roughly 6.000 objects in the Museum's sports collections bear witness to the vital place of sports in the nation's history. Paper sports objects in the collections, such as souvenir programs and baseball cards, number in the hundreds of thousands.

Leisure collections encompass a different range of objects, including camping vehicles and gear, video games, playing cards, sportswear, exercise equipment, and Currier and Ives prints of fishing, hunting, and horseracing. Some 4,000 toys dating from the colonial period to the present are a special strength of the collections.

Culture: African Americans

Black American Racers Association membership t-shirt

Black American Racers Association membership t-shirt was issued to thousands of BARA members across America. The logo was designed as an embroidered patch for members too.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers Association membership t-shirt was issued to thousands of BARA members across America. The logo was designed as an embroidered patch for members too. BARA was the support group and a national networking association for the Black American Racers Formula Super Vee and Formula 5000 endeavors on the race track and other African American auto racing campaigns in various classes throughout America.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.19
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.19

San Diego Padres Jersey worn by Tony Gwynn

San Diego Padres baseball jersey worn by Tony Gwynn.Outfielder Anthony Tony Gwynn (1960-2014) played Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres from 1960-2014.
Description
San Diego Padres baseball jersey worn by Tony Gwynn.
Outfielder Anthony Tony Gwynn (1960-2014) played Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres from 1960-2014. One of the greatest hitters of all-time, Gwynn, an 8-time National League batting champion, finishing his career with a lifetime.338 batting average and 3,141 hits.
The left hander was a 15 time All-Star and 1999's Roberto Clemente award recipient. After retiring, he became coach of the San Diego State University baseball team, leading the Aztecs to a 363-363 record from 2003-2014.
Known as Mr. Padre, Gwynn has had his number 19 retired by San Diego. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987-1990
Associated Name
Gwynn, Tony
San Diego Padres
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0334.04
catalog number
2017.0334.04
accession number
2017.0334

Black American Racers Enterprise race car decal

Black American Racers Enterprise race car decal. B.A.R.E. was an offshoot of Black American Racers, Inc and was created with the sole purpose to develop African American driver, Coyle Peek in the British Formula Ford Series. B.A.R.E was owned by Leonard W.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers Enterprise race car decal. B.A.R.E. was an offshoot of Black American Racers, Inc and was created with the sole purpose to develop African American driver, Coyle Peek in the British Formula Ford Series. B.A.R.E was owned by Leonard W. Miller and managed from the same offices as BAR. Miller was challenged by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation and other potential sponsors to retain an African American backup driver ready to replace BAR's driver, Benny Scott in the event Scott was incapable of racing. Peek was never needed at BAR but Miller was the first African American in the United States to deploy an African American race car driver to England with his own means.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
ID Number
2016.3189.01
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.01

Shirt worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Under shirt worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott.
Description (Brief)
Under shirt worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.03.1
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.03.1

Special Olympics medal won by Ricardo Thornton

Special Olympics Unified sports medal with a red and white ribbon won by Ricardo Thornton. The front is embossed with "Play Unified to Live Unified," and the back has the Special Olympics logo embossed in the center with "Unified Sports," underneath.
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics Unified sports medal with a red and white ribbon won by Ricardo Thornton. The front is embossed with "Play Unified to Live Unified," and the back has the Special Olympics logo embossed in the center with "Unified Sports," underneath. Unified sports was introduced to the Special Olympics in the 1980s and pairs non disabled athletes with Special Olympics athletes. Ricardo Thornton (b. 1959) lived for 20 years in an institution, placed there by his family in the early 1960s. He learned to play sports and met his future wife, Donna, there. He and Donna, both wards of the District of Columbia, had to fight to get married in 1984. After they married, they left the institution, had a son, and now have grandchildren. Thornton has worked most of his adult life while continuing to compete in sports.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2017.0331.15.2
accession number
2017.0331
catalog number
2017.0331.15.2

Miller Racing Group, Inc. team owner shirt worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller

Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team owner shirt worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller is a white, short sleeve polo shirt with red trim and the collar and cuffs. This shirt was worn at public relation events around the country from 2003-2006.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team owner shirt worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller is a white, short sleeve polo shirt with red trim and the collar and cuffs. This shirt was worn at public relation events around the country from 2003-2006. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
user
Miller, Leonard T.
ID Number
2016.0308.03
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.03

Miller Racing Group Inc. brand/logo decal

Miller Racing Group Inc.'s brand/logo decal identification for NASCAR Late Model Stock competition in the southeast from 1994-2006. This decal/logo was affixed on all of the race cars and the race shop front door.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group Inc.'s brand/logo decal identification for NASCAR Late Model Stock competition in the southeast from 1994-2006. This decal/logo was affixed on all of the race cars and the race shop front door. The patch graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.0308.09
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.09

Special Olympics sports card featuring Daniel J. Fletcher in floor hockey

Special Olympics sports card featuring Daniel J.
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics sports card featuring Daniel J. Fletcher of New York in floor hockey.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2018.3010.358
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.358

Basketball card of Rebecca Lobo while playing for the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team

Basketball card of Rebecca Lobo while playing for the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team. Lobo was a member of the University of Connecticut basketball team when they won the National Championships in 1995.
Description (Brief)
Basketball card of Rebecca Lobo while playing for the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team. Lobo was a member of the University of Connecticut basketball team when they won the National Championships in 1995. After her Olympic appearance she became of member of the WNBA team New York Liberty and went on to play for the Houston Comets and Conneticut Suns.
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, Georgia and marked the first time since 1984 that the United States topped the medal count. These Games saw over 10,000 athletes, from 197 countries, competing in 26 sports, including the debuts of beach volleyball, mountain biking, softball and women’s soccer. This was also the first Games in which American women, who had taken full advantage of Title IX legislation, competed and excelled in Olympic competition. The women’s gymnastics, soccer, softball and basketball teams all won gold, propelling the US women athletes into the global spotlight and beginning their dominance in Olympic competition. Atlanta benefitted from the Games as Centennial Olympic Park led to the revitalization of the downtown area and the Olympic Village became residence housing for area universities.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
depicted
Rushin, Rebecca
maker
Upper Deck
ID Number
2004.0164.05
accession number
2004.0164
catalog number
2004.0164.05

"Everybody" magazine featuring an article about the Black American Racers

"Everybody" magazine featuring an article about the Black American Racers, 1975. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast.
Description (Brief)
"Everybody" magazine featuring an article about the Black American Racers, 1975. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
ID Number
2016.3189.17
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.17

Baseball, signed by Louis Gossett and Satchell Paige

Baseball signed by actor Louis Gossett Jr. (b.1936) and former Negro and Major League pitcher Satchel Paige (1906-19182). The ball was signed at the filming of the television movie "Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy 'Satchel' Paige," released in 1981.
Description
Baseball signed by actor Louis Gossett Jr. (b.1936) and former Negro and Major League pitcher Satchel Paige (1906-19182). The ball was signed at the filming of the television movie "Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy 'Satchel' Paige," released in 1981. In the film, Gosset portrayed the baseball legend.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
signer
Paige, Satchel
Gossett, Louis
maker
Wilson
ID Number
1990.0005.01
catalog number
1990.0005.01
accession number
1990.0005

Miller Racing Group, Inc. team crew t-shirt worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller

Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team crew t-shirt worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller is a white, short sleeve t-shirt with the Miller Racing Group logo on the front. The t-shirt graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team crew t-shirt worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller is a white, short sleeve t-shirt with the Miller Racing Group logo on the front. The t-shirt graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
user
Miller, Leonard T.
ID Number
2016.0308.05
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.05

Miller Racing Group Inc. brand/logo patch

Miller Racing Group Inc.'s brand/logo patch for NASCAR Late Model Stock competition in the southeast from 1994-2006. The patch graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group Inc.'s brand/logo patch for NASCAR Late Model Stock competition in the southeast from 1994-2006. The patch graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.0308.10
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.10

Black American Racers jacket worn by Leonard W. Miller, 1976-1977

Black American Racers jacket worn by Leonard W. Miller in the 1976-1977 racing season.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers jacket worn by Leonard W. Miller in the 1976-1977 racing season. This was worn while Tommy Thompson was the driver in the Formula Super Vee class for the Black American Racers team.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.17
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.17

Daily News Vol. 46. No. 207

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028

Special Olympics sports card featuring Lynette Foeman in basketball

Special Olympics sports card featuring Lynette Foeman of Vrginia in basketball.From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the oppo
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics sports card featuring Lynette Foeman of Vrginia in basketball.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2018.3010.359
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.359

Autographs from the Harlem Globetrotters team of 1954

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
referenced
Harlem Globetrotters
ID Number
2016.0324.03
accession number
2016.0324
catalog number
2016.0324.03

Leonard W. Miller's license plate from his 1940 Ford Club Coupe Convertible hot rod, 1953

Leonard W. Miller's license plate from his 1940 Ford Club Coupe Convertible hot rod which he owned at West Chester State Teacher's College in 1953.
Description (Brief)
Leonard W. Miller's license plate from his 1940 Ford Club Coupe Convertible hot rod which he owned at West Chester State Teacher's College in 1953. The hot rod was the genesis of his interest in fielding a professional African American auto racing team.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.3189.29
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.29

HoodWood Skates Hellcat skateboard sticker

Skateboard sticker is white with a green and black hellcat design in the center. The hellcat was created by Raith Grimes of HoodWood Skates. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde.
Description (Brief)
Skateboard sticker is white with a green and black hellcat design in the center. The hellcat was created by Raith Grimes of HoodWood Skates. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde. In 1976, after the Del Mar Nationals, Jay Adams got Marty onto the EZ Ryder team that Jay’s stepfather had started after Jay left the Zephyr team. EZ Ryder then turned into Z Flex and Grimes was the first African American to have a pro model deck.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2022.0064.04.1
accession number
2022.0064
catalog number
2022.0064.04.1

Auto racing gloves worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Auto racing gloves worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott.
Description (Brief)
Auto racing gloves worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.02
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.02

Formula Super Vee 30th Anniversary "Tommy Thompson Memorial Trophy" in honor of Black American Racer driver, Tommy Thompson

Formula Super Vee 30th Anniversary "Tommy Thompson Memorial Trophy" in honor of Black American Racer driver, Tommy Thompson, who died as a result of a fatal crash at the Trenton Speedway, Trenton, NJ in September 1978.
Description (Brief)
Formula Super Vee 30th Anniversary "Tommy Thompson Memorial Trophy" in honor of Black American Racer driver, Tommy Thompson, who died as a result of a fatal crash at the Trenton Speedway, Trenton, NJ in September 1978. The trophy was presented to the winner of the reunion Formula Super Vee race at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, NY on June 2, 2001. BAR driver Benny Scott and principal Leonard W. Miller were present at the historical race.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2001
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.09
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.09

Nomex hood worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Nomex hood worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The nomex hood with flared neck is white with a face opening with reinforced stitching and is to be worn under the driver's helmet. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc.
Description (Brief)
Nomex hood worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The nomex hood with flared neck is white with a face opening with reinforced stitching and is to be worn under the driver's helmet. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.04.2
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.04.2

Miller Racing Group shirt worn by co-owner Leonard W. Miller

Miller Racing Group shirt worn by co-owner Leonard W. Miller. The Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son, Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. This shirt was worn at public relation events around the country from 2003-2006.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group shirt worn by co-owner Leonard W. Miller. The Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son, Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. This shirt was worn at public relation events around the country from 2003-2006. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.20
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.20

Black American Racers Association Certificate of Charter Membership to Dexter Miller

Black American Racers Association Certificate of Charter Membership to Dexter Miller. BARA was a support group for racing development in the black auto racing community.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers Association Certificate of Charter Membership to Dexter Miller. BARA was a support group for racing development in the black auto racing community. The certificate has the original signatures of secretary, Ronald Hines, president, Malcolm Durham and chairman, Leonard W. Miller. Miller was the owner and president of Black American Racers Inc. that fielded African American driver Benny Scott in Formula Super Vee auto racing from 1973-1975 and Formula 5000 auto racing competition in 1975, including the inaugural Long Beach Grand Prix. Hines was also the Formula Super Vee team engineer for BAR throughout the 1970s.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
ID Number
2016.3189.13
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.13

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.