In this Pitstop Mini-sode host Rick Hughey from the International Motor Racing Research Center interviews legendary racing driver Hurley Haywood. Hurley details his early family background and upbringing in Illinois, where he developed a passion for driving. His formal education took him to Boston, Vermont, and Florida, where he met Peter Gregg, sparking his racing career.
After transitioning from motorcycles to AutoCrossing with a Corvette, Hurley impressed Gregg and joined his racing crew. With support from his father, Hurley pursued professional racing, leading to significant accomplishments such as winning multiple IMSA Championships. He shares experiences including his time during the Can-Am series, racing a Porsche 917 and highlights the transition to driving for other teams and the disciplined environments they provided. He reflects on notable races, including his three Le Mans victories and his involvement in the International Race of Champions (IROC). Hurley emphasizes the evolution of racing into a marketing tool and provides insight into the strategic planning behind modern racing series.
This episode was originally recorded in August 2004 at Watkins Glen International and has been remastered for this podcast.
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00:00 Early Life and Racing Beginnings
01:58 Meeting Peter Gregg and Early Racing Career
03:37 First Major Wins and Military Service
04:23 IMSA Championships and Can Am Series
05:19 Challenges and Triumphs in Racing
05:54 The Can Am Experience
07:50 Racing with Brumos and Prototype Cars
15:56 Marketing and Evolution of Racing
20:01 Le Mans and Daytona Comparisons
22:14 International Race of Champions
23:55 Conclusion and Credits
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The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net
This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.
