In the Curator’s Words is an occasional series that takes a critical look at current exhibitions through the eyes of curators.
With NASCAR coming to San Diego this year — a racing event is scheduled June 19-21 at Naval Base Coronado — the San Diego Automotive Museum knew interest in race cars would be high.
That’s why last summer, curator Jacqueline Goldstein began putting together a series of four exhibits called “A Year of Racing.” The third in the series — “Formula One Stories” — recently opened and will be on display through mid-June.
Goldstein took some time to talk about “Formula One Stories.”
2008 Dallara T08, part of the “Formula One Stories” exhibition at the San Diego Automotive Museum. (Greg Smith)
Q: What was the inspiration for this show?
A: This past August, I began curating a series of four exhibits called “A Year of Racing.” The first, on display from August to October 2025, was “Street to Track: The Evolution of Speed,” the second that just closed was “NASCAR: Design and Innovation,” and the third is “Formula One Stories,” currently on exhibit.
Throughout my career working in museums, I found that a specific demographic gets hives when asked to go to a museum. I know this is a generalization, but bear with me. Can you guess which? If you guessed more or less ages 14 to 28, then you are correct. After joining the San Diego Automotive Museum in March of 2025, I made it my mission to get that demographic into the museum in one way or another.
Challenge accepted! I began researching what pulls that age group in, what excites them, what could hold their attention long enough to put down their phones or back away from their Xbox or PS5.
The verdict I got was: Speed! Racing! And there it was.
Q: As you were curating this exhibition, what were you hoping to accomplish?
A: As I curated “Formula One Stories,” I kept “challenge accepted” in the back of my mind at all times. In order for me to continue with my quest to bring in ages 14 to 28, I needed to dig deeper into speed and racing. For a museum to excel, there needs to be something for everyone, within the context of the museum’s mission. In the case of speed and racing, I needed to make sure I diversify as much as possible. I only have four exhibits, so I needed to choose wisely. I already accomplished the evolution of speed, meaning what makes a car go from fast to faster to well, maybe you should let the pros handle that car! Then on to NASCAR, and now the global phenomenon that is Formula 1 (F1).
2003 Tatuus Formula Renault Red Bull, part of the “Formula One Stories” exhibition at the San Diego Automotive Museum. (Greg Smith)
Q: What’s one of your favorite parts of this exhibition?
A: My favorite part of “Formula One Stories” is the fact that it is not a long-winded overview of the history of F1, but what makes F1 so exciting and watched all over the world: the stories. Stories of famous racers, thrilling races and, of course, the cars themselves. I narrowed it down to 15 racers and 15 races that have left an indelible mark on the sport. As to the specifics, you will have to come in and see for yourselves!
Q: What do you hope the viewer takes away from seeing this exhibition?
A: First and foremost, my hope is that I get that demographic to keep coming into the museum! So far, so good with “Street to Track” and “NASCAR.” Second to that, what I want most is for visitors to enjoy the exhibition — enjoy the stories, see the cars on the floor. And get this: I created a spot where visitors can literally be immersed in F1. There is a life-size image of an F1 pitstop, with an F1 prototype car from the collection of the San Diego Automotive Museum that they can interact with, along with racing suits, helmets and jackets that they can try on and take pictures with.
1977 BRM P207, part of the “Formula One Stories” exhibition at the San Diego Automotive Museum. (Greg Smith)
San Diego Automotive Museum presents “Formula One Stories”
When: Through June 14
Where: San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
Admission: $19.50 general admission, $17 seniors 65 and up, $17 students and military with I.D., $15 youth ages 3 to 15.
Phone: 619-398-0306
Online: sdautomuseum.org