Carroll Shelby and the Number 98
Carroll Shelby was famous for many things — a successful race car driver, a visionary in automotive design, and a philanthropist — but he was also known for emblazoning the number 98 on many of his cars. Whether it's superstition to have a lucky number or not, the number 98 became Shelby’s calling card and saw him through the many successes in his storied career.
The Origins of the Number 98 in Shelby’s Racing Career
As many Carroll Shelby fans know, the number 98 held significance to the late innovator. The origins of Shelby’s signature number started early in his career as a young racer.
Shelby’s Early Career
The number 98 first appeared in connection with Shelby during a 1952 race at Norman, Oklahoma. Carroll Shelby painted the number onto a race-prepped MG-TC that he drove during that race, which is considered the start of his illustrious racing career. It was the first competitive event where he branded his car with a 98. In a vibrant British Racing Green with a white 98 on its side, that MG-TC would be remembered as a symbol of his early racing days.
Significance in Early Races
While that 1952 race signified the start of a long tradition with the number 98, Shelby’s most notable early success came in 1954. That was the year he clinched several wins in an Austin-Healey 100S. A key victory during that year was the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) event in Fort Worth, Texas. His wins that year helped build his reputation as a formidable driver, known for his dominant driving style, his unmatched ability to push the cars he raced to their limits, and his signature number 98.
The Number 98 and Shelby's Iconic WinsThough his racing career was cut short due to health concerns, it was one marked by iconic wins, legendary driving, and an unwavering determination to aim higher. He was nationally recognized thanks to impressive victories on the track, including the 1954 SCCA races and the 1956 SCCA National Championship.
1955 Sebring International Raceway — 12 Hours of Sebring
A significant achievement in his racing career, the challenging 12 Hours of Sebring race of 1955 set the standard for endurance and skill that would continue to solidify Shelby as a worthy rival on the track.
- Car: Aston Martin DB3S (numbered 98 during the race)
- Result: Shelby and co-driver Phil Hill
Shelby and co-driver Phil Hill finished in second place overall after a strong performance.
1956 SCCA National Championship
The 1956 SCCA season was marked by Shelby’s repeated victories. Winning the 1956 SCCA National Championship cemented Shelby as one of the top drivers in the country. His signature 98 added to the number’s iconic status as well.
- Car: Ferrari 500 TR (98 was used in key races)
- Victories: Shelby secured several victories during the 1956 SCCA season, which contributed to him winning the SCCA National Championship.
1959 Le Mans 24 Hours
While Shelby did not paint the number 98 on his car during the 1959 Le Mans race, his use of the number in earlier races did play a role in being selected as a driver for Aston Martin. Carroll Shelby’s success in earlier races with his signature number helped boost his driving reputation and made him a sought-after driver. The 1959 race was his first Le Mans victory.
- Car: Aston Martin DBR1/300 (Chassis number: DBR1/300)
- Result: Shelby secured his first Le Mans victory with F1 team driver Roy Salvadori.
1960s Shelby Cobra Racing
Carroll Shelby entered the Shelby Cobra Racing era of his career in the 1960s. By this time, the number 98 had become a widely recognized symbol of racing success and American engineering excellence. Shelby’s driving force to create cars that could compete against — and defeat — European powerhouses was put to the test.
- Car: Shelby Cobra (various models often used the number 98)
- Victories: Shelby's Cobra cars became dominant forces in both American and European racing circuits. Most notable of these victories was the FIA World Sportscar Championship. This was a pivotal moment in Shelby Cobra's racing history, as the Cobra challenged and often defeated its European competitors on the track.
The Number 98 in Shelby's Legacy
Carroll Shelby’s number 98 has had a lasting impact that matches the late trailblazer’s legacy. The number, which has come to symbolize excellence, tenacity, and American racing ingenuity, continues to inspire fans and racers over half a century later.
Iconic Merchandise
The Shelby Store offers fans a chance to celebrate Shelby’s iconic contributions to racing and automotive history with a variety of Number 98 Memorabilia and Merchandise, including:
Long-Term Impact
The number 98 has been associated with Carroll Shelby’s personal brand and legacy for over 70 years. It has become a symbol of not only his early achievements and competitive spirit, but his unwavering vision and dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the automotive and racing world.
The Legacy of Carroll Shelby and the Number 98
Carroll Shelby’s racing successes, marked by the number 98, set the stage for the innovator to transition to car manufacturing, where he would go on to revolutionize the world of automotive manufacturing for decades to come. Shelby’s number 98 had become an iconic symbol of his success, competitive spirit, and lasting legacy. His signature number helped shape his career as a highly regarded racer and manufacturer. Shelby’s number 98 has steadfastly remained a part of his brand, living on through his memorabilia and fans.
For more insights into Carroll Shelby and his iconic racing legacy, visit Shelby Store to explore exclusive “98” memorabilia and celebrate the legend.
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