Henry Ford’s name is synonymous with automotive innovation, but few know that his road to success involved a pivotal—and surprising—moment in racing history. NASCAR team owner Brad Keselowski recently shared a fascinating story about how a single race changed Ford’s fortunes forever, despite his initial disinterest in racing.
The race that turned the tide
In 1901, Henry Ford wasn’t yet a household name. His first automotive venture, the Detroit Automobile Company, had collapsed. Meanwhile, Alexander Winton, a dominant figure in racing, was expected to win the 10-lap Sweepstakes Car Race in Michigan.
Ford entered the race with a self-built car named “Sweepstakes,” despite claiming, “I never thought anything of racing.” His motivation wasn’t personal glory—it was survival. At the time, the public saw automobiles as toys for the wealthy, and racing was the proving ground for performance and reliability.
Against all odds, Ford defeated Winton. The victory not only earned him credibility but also attracted investors, enabling him to establish the Ford Motor Company in 1903.
The lost trophy
The race’s prize—a stunning crystal punch bowl set—became a household item in the Ford family. Brad Keselowski revealed on Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s podcast that the bowl’s true significance was lost over time:
“Henry Ford wins the race, and the trophy was this beautiful Crystal Punch Bowl Set. You don’t know it’s a trophy, so that punch bowl set sat in his house until the day Henry Ford and his wife Clara passed away. They went through his house and cleaned it out… they got rid of the punch bowl set because they just thought it was like a household item.”
The punch bowl, likely worth over $1 million today, symbolizes Ford’s unlikely victory and its impact on automotive history.
From reluctant racer to global icon
Ford’s victory was more than a one-time achievement. It marked the beginning of a dynasty. The success of his “Sweepstakes” car demonstrated that his vehicles were not only competitive but superior—a critical factor in securing financial backing.
His later innovations, including the affordable Model T, transformed transportation and cemented his legacy.
How Ford made it to NASCAR
Though Ford initially dismissed racing, his company embraced motorsports as a vital part of its identity. Racing provided a platform to showcase performance, push engineering limits, and connect with consumers.
By the mid-20th century, Ford became a key player in NASCAR, where its engines and cars have powered some of the sport’s most iconic moments. Today, Ford remains a cornerstone of NASCAR, with teams like Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing carrying the banner.
The legacy of the “Sweepstakes” race
The 1901 Sweepstakes Car Race wasn’t just a victory for Henry Ford; it was a turning point for the automotive industry. Ford’s decision to race, despite his personal indifference, proved that success often requires stepping outside of comfort zones.
For Keselowski, the story serves as a reminder of the grit and determination needed to succeed in motorsports—and business. It’s not just about winning; it’s about proving your worth when the stakes are highest.
A priceless legacy
While the crystal punch bowl may be lost to history, its legacy endures. The race it commemorated laid the foundation for one of the greatest automotive empires the world has ever seen.
