Philadelphia Race Car Museum Nominated for International Award

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia – a collection of 65 rare and significant racing sports cars – has been selected as one of five finalists for the International Historic Motoring Awards' "Museum of the Year." The judging panel includes such noted figures as TV host Jay Leno, vintage car racer and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Pebble Beach Chief Judge Ed Gilbertson, five times Le Mans winner Derek Bell and Lady Susie Moss, wife of racing icon Sir Stirling Moss, among others.

The other museums nominated are the National Motor Museum of England and the Jaguar Heritage Museum in the UK, the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles, and the Auto Museum Prototyp in Germany.

"We are honored to be considered for this prestigious award," said Fred Simeone, executive director of the Simeone Museum. "The International Historic Motoring Awards will become the Oscar® of historic worldwide motoring and we are humbled to be included along with these other great museums on the short list for 'Museum of the Year.' "

The results will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at London's Renaissance Hotel at St. Pancras on November 16th.

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, located near the Philadelphia international Airport, is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and encompasses many of the most significant racing sports cars ever built. It has been in operation for just over three years during which time it has been internationally recognized for the quality of the collection's automobiles, and the instructive nature of the displays. All of the cars have important historic meaning in the development of sports car road racing, from its beginnings to the 1970s. Recognition of the significance of some of the cars has recently been acknowledged in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and a variety of automotive publications.

Other notables on the judging committee include, Horst Bruning, president of the International Federation of Veteran Automobiles, Ian Callum, design director of Jaguar Cars, Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of Motor Racing Legends, Robert Coucher, international editor of Octane magazine, Peter Stevens, designer of McLaren F1, and Simon Kidston, international car consultant and commentator.

More information on the Museum displays, hours of operation, and directions, can be found on www.simeonemuseum.org,  or by calling 215-365-7233.

SOURCE Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum