The NASCAR-owned IMSA circuit has given rise to some once-in-a-lifetime drivers. Even among them, a name that stands out is Hurley Haywood. A pioneer and juggernaut in the endurance sports car racing industry, Haywood is a motorsports legend in the truest sense. The Chicago-born driver was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005 and, surprisingly, later to the IMSA Hall of Fame in 2023.

To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon no ordinary personality. The latest accolade in his glittering repertoire is his induction into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. On Monday, the NMPA announced it’d award this prestige to the 75-year-old racing legend. Congratulating Hurley Haywood on yet another achievement, IMSA President John Doonan has sent out a heartwarming congratulatory message.

Another HoF induction for Hurley Haywood

At the NMPA annual convention in Charlotte, the NMPA panel decided the recipients of its annual awards. When it came to the Hall of Fame inductions, NHRA legend Don Garlits, IndyCar legend Johnny Rutherford, and celebrated journalist Deb Williams accompanied Hurley Haywood. Haywood received 73.12% of the votes from the NMPA members to secure his induction.

Being one of the winningest road course drivers in motorsports history, Hurley Haywood’s induction was only a matter of time. IMSA president John Doonan understood it well. Congratulating the septuagenarian, Doonan stated, “Congratulations Hurley. Everyone in the IMSA family is super proud of yet another Hall of Fame induction, and well deserved at that.”

“After 5 overall victories at the Rolex 24 and three overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nearly a dozen IMSA victories, you’ve accomplished a lot in this sport, and I know how proud you are of all those wins and championships. I also know that this particular Hall of Fame induction means possibly the most to you. To be recognized by the press, the media, the journalists who’ve covered our sport for decades and told the stories of those championships and wins.”

NASCAR founder Bill France Sr once claimed that Haywood was a superhero for the motorsports industry and did things “no one had ever done before.” These words testify to Haywood’s role in the growth of IMSA and sports car racing.

Besides 8 wins in the Rolex 24 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Haywood also earned two wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring. His career took flight in 1973 when he won at Daytona and Sebring in back-to-back outings. Since then, his legend has grown through word of mouth, newspapers, and more. Commenting on the press’ importance in spreading Hurley Haywood’s legacy, Doonan added,

“Mostly, they’ve told stories about the people and you’re certainly one of the people that has etched your name in the history books of endurance sports car racing. You are someone that has accomplished a lot but never lost individual personality, which represents who you are and the professionalism representing so many auto manufacturers over time.”

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“Obviously, the Porsche brand being the absolute foundation of your career, but all of us in the endurance sports car racing paddock are so proud of you and the way you have represented us and the sport to this day.” Doonan’s message encompasses the gratitude the IMSA circuit has for Hurley Haywood. Being one of the competition’s first superstars, he has earned his rightful place in sports car racing history.

Haywood boasted some unreal statistics throughout his career

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In endurance racing, longevity sets a driver apart from most colleagues. And Hurley Haywood very well understood that. Guided by Peter Gregg’s knowledge, Haywood was lured to Porsche’s garage in the early years of his career. What followed the alliance was one of the most historic and rewarding partnerships in endurance sports car racing. He raked in successive IMSA GT championships in 1971 and 1972. Five years later, he became the first driver to win at Daytona and Le Mans in the same year.

Later in 1988, Hurley Haywood showcased his prowess in a different competition and claimed the SCCA Trans-AM championship. He reclaimed his IMSA crown three years later with a SuperCar title win. Hurley didn’t turn down chances to race in IndyCar either. However, in 18 IndyCar starts, his most noticeable achievement was being the fastest rookie in the 1991 Indy 500.

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Three Norelco Cup championships also followed, making him one of the most decorated road course drivers ever. Looking at these statistics, one would realize that Hurley Haywood is still among the IMSA’s greatest assets. The NMPA Hall of Fame induction might have arrived late, but better late than never.