Paul Goldsmith, NASCAR and Indy 500 icon, dead at 98 [Video]

Paul Goldsmith, an iconic figure in American stock car racing, has died. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway confirmed Goldsmith’s death on Friday. He was 98.

Goldsmith was born in West Virginia. After initially racing motorcycles, he eventually made the switch to auto racing, but he had success in both domains.

Goldsmith finished in first place in the Daytona 200 motorcycles race in 1953. He is credited with five American Motorcyclist Association wins during his time as a professional motorcycle competitor.

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Goldsmith then moved over to the auto racing side in 1956, when he entered his first NASCAR races. He went on to earn nine wins and eight pole positions in the NASCAR Grand National Series, which is now known as the NASCAR Cup Series.

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Goldsmith will also be remembered for being the final winner of the NASCAR premier-series race on the seminal Daytona Beach and road course in 1958. His success …