After a large-scale renovation, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum reopened with eight new and renovated galleries in the west wing of its building in Washington, D.C. on Oct 14

Brand-new exhibits include Nation of Speed, covering America’s fascination with being the fastest on land, sea, and space. Integral to this update is the museum’s dedication to presenting more stories about people and their incredible achievements.

“We showcase Wendell Scott, the first African-American race car driver. We cannot say how much Wendell’s story has inspired us and how happy we are to include him in the story of speed in America. “Our goal is that our visitors see themselves,” Jeremy Kinney, Associate Director at the National Air and Space Museum, says.

Wendell smashed social constraints with the first NASCAR victory by an African American.

“I’m glad his achievements are getting the recognition they deserve,” says Warrick Scott, CEO of the Wendell Scott Foundation. “It was a fantastic opportunity to work with the Smithsonian to help curate this exhibit and bestow such an honor upon my grandfather.”

Entry into the museum is free, though timed-entry passes, available on the website, are required through 2023.