The Murphy Auto Museum hosted "Race Day" with the master of ceremonies being Mr. 500 himself, Andy Granatelli.

Granatelli was on hand to meet his fans, sign autographs and speak. This was followed by a question-and-answer session from the audience. Topics discussed ranged from his life as a race car driver and engine builder to the Studebaker days, STP, Indianapolis, Daytona and much more.

Granatelli was born on March 18, 1923, and was one of three Granatelli boys (Joe and Vince being the others) that all shared the same gift — the ability to talk to engines.

"This is one of the best days we've had since we opened," said Dr. Dan Murphy just prior to introducing Granatelli.

Granatelli didn't disappoint his fans. He spoke for more than an hour and, if given the opportunity, he could have kept at it for several more hours. At times, with his straight-shooter style, he had the audience in stitches.

Prior to his speech, Granatelli was presented with a plaque for Automotive Personality of the Year Award for 2007. Inscribed with "A Big Man with No Limits to His Imagination or Accomplishments," the plaque was from the Murphy Auto Museum and presented to Grantelli by Jim Naylor of the Ventura Raceway.

Granatelli opened his speech to several minutes of applause.

He spoke of how he's been inducted into the hall of fame of 22 organizations, including the Hot Rod Hall of Fame, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Studebaker Hall of Fame.

A museum is being built in Indiana to honor his achievements and store his vast amount of memorabilia. When announced, one could see he was quite touched. "I don't think I've accomplished much at all," he said. "I've never reached a goal. Whenever I come close, I move the bar higher."

Granatelli said he's not very proud of the fact he only attended high school for two years, but it was during the Depression and he had to go to work instead of attending school.

"There are four things you need in life to be successful," he said. "These four are desire, extra effort, positive mental attitude and opportunity.

"I never give up. Don't ever let go of your piece of the rope."

He had the audience laughing hysterically when he told the story of the contract he and his brother signed during World War II. They were contracted to deliver trailers from Chicago to California. In order to make this endeavor extra profitable, the boys ran an ad in the local paper offering rides to anyone headed to California. The passengers would be charged a fee of $30. Once en route, the Granatellis would drive their cars with the trailers attached at breakneck speeds, petrifying the passengers traveling with them.

"By the time we got to St. Louis, we didn't have a single passenger left. Some would even leave their luggage," said Granatelli.

One time they picked up a soldier who needed to get to California in a hurry or risk being AWOL. He got out at the first opportunity. "If I'm court-marshaled, at least I will be alive," he was overheard saying as he hurried away from the vehicle.

Then there was Granatelli the race promoter. His first attempt at promoting a race, at Chicago's Soldier Field, nearly 25,000 people attended. In 1948, there were 89,560 in attendance. Typically, in other states, an event similar to this would attract maybe 6,000 fans.

The interesting and enlightening speech ended with a long standing ovation for the man whose name is synonymous with auto racing.

Granatelli then signed autographs and spoke to everyone. He was in no hurry to leave.

After his speech, Granatelli was asked how he was impacted by the 1969 death of his friend and boxing legend, Rocky Marciano.

He said Marciano had been at his house in Chicago and Granatelli's wife cooked them a great dinner. While at the Granatelli home, Marciano taught Granatelli's son some boxing moves to protect him from a bully at school.

Marciano told Granatelli that while on his way to Chicago, the small plane had experienced problems with the fuel pump.

Marciano was scheduled to make a speech later that evening, but never showed up. His small plane had crashed near Des Moines, Iowa, killing him, the pilot and another passenger.

"He was a great man," said Granatelli. He then became quiet and reserved and whispered, "I was very saddened by his passing."

The Murphy Auto Museum is at 2230 Statham Blvd. in Oxnard. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information call 487-4333 or visit MurphyAutoMuseum.com.