The 1996 Ford Thunderbird, which Dale Jarrett drove to victory at the Daytona 500, has found a new home at the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This car, a significant piece of NASCAR history, showcases the battle scars from its 200-lap journey to victory, including tire markings and bird strike damage, preserving the raw intensity of the race.

Dale Jarrett, son of NASCAR champion Ned Jarrett, solidified his place in motorsports history with this win, his second at the Daytona 500, following a thrilling showdown with Dale Earnhardt. The strategic decision by Jarrett’s team to opt for four fresh tires over Earnhardt’s two proved decisive, granting Jarrett the grip needed to secure the win.

After its victory, the car was displayed at the Victory Lane exhibit in Daytona and later at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega for over 15 years. Team owner Robert Yates notes the car remains ‘untouched’ since its win, offering an authentic snapshot of NASCAR’s golden era.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasizes the car’s historical significance, stating, ‘This isn’t a replica or a tribute—it’s the car that won Daytona.’ The inclusion of Jarrett’s Thunderbird in the Ron Sturgeon Collection not only celebrates Jarrett’s legacy but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of NASCAR’s rich history.

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