Roar Notebook: Pruett will retire after Daytona Rolex 24 run

Friday
Jan 5, 2018 at 6:43 PM Jan 5, 2018 at 7:16 PM

Godwin Kelly @godwinkelly

Scott Pruett surprised the sports-car racing community Friday by announcing his retirement immediately after competing in the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona race at Daytona International Speedway.

This year marks Pruett’s 50th year in racing after beginning his career in 1968, when he first competed in go-karts as an 8-year-old. Pruett will step away from racing with a record 60 wins in American sports car competition, including a record-tying five overall victories in the Rolex 24.

He is a five-time Rolex Grand-Am Champion (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012) and two-time IMSA champion (1986 and 1988).

“I have met a lot of wonderful people and have had some amazing experiences because of my motorsports career,” Pruett said. “I am humbled and grateful for all of my accomplishments and to all of those who have helped me along the way.

"I’m excited and ready to open the next chapter. I might slow down a little, but I won’t stop for fear I’d rust.”

Pruett, who will turn 58 in March, is set to compete for 3GT Racing in the No. 15 Lexus RC F GT3 in the 24-hour endurance event on Jan. 27-28 before retiring. Pruett will team up with co-drivers Dominik Farnbacher, Jack Hawksworth and David Heinemeier Hansson in the No. 15 Lexus.

Hall of Fame inductees announced

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which is located at the Speedway, announced the Class of 2018 on Friday.

The milestone 30th Annual Induction Ceremony is set for March 13 at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores.

The honorees include drag racing car builder John Buttera; Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl G. Fisher; four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon; record-setting pilot and world-famous billionaire Howard Hughes (for airplane contributions); motorcycle great Fred Merkel; three-time Indianapolis 500 champion owner U.E. Pat Patrick; and sports car legend Bob Tullius, who now calls Port Orange home.

“Our inductee classes are always intriguing but this year is even more so,” MSHFA president Ron Watson said. “Howard Hughes and Jeff Gordon in the same class; that is probably the best example we’ve ever had to illustrate the breadth of our inductee roll.”

Ganassi to be Rolex grand marshal

Car owner Chip Ganassi will serve as grand marshal for the Rolex 24. Chip Ganassi Racing has seven victories in the race.

Friday
Jan 5, 2018 at 6:43 PM Jan 5, 2018 at 7:16 PM

Godwin Kelly @godwinkelly

Scott Pruett surprised the sports-car racing community Friday by announcing his retirement immediately after competing in the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona race at Daytona International Speedway.

This year marks Pruett’s 50th year in racing after beginning his career in 1968, when he first competed in go-karts as an 8-year-old. Pruett will step away from racing with a record 60 wins in American sports car competition, including a record-tying five overall victories in the Rolex 24.

He is a five-time Rolex Grand-Am Champion (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012) and two-time IMSA champion (1986 and 1988).

“I have met a lot of wonderful people and have had some amazing experiences because of my motorsports career,” Pruett said. “I am humbled and grateful for all of my accomplishments and to all of those who have helped me along the way.

"I’m excited and ready to open the next chapter. I might slow down a little, but I won’t stop for fear I’d rust.”

Pruett, who will turn 58 in March, is set to compete for 3GT Racing in the No. 15 Lexus RC F GT3 in the 24-hour endurance event on Jan. 27-28 before retiring. Pruett will team up with co-drivers Dominik Farnbacher, Jack Hawksworth and David Heinemeier Hansson in the No. 15 Lexus.

Hall of Fame inductees announced

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which is located at the Speedway, announced the Class of 2018 on Friday.

The milestone 30th Annual Induction Ceremony is set for March 13 at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores.

The honorees include drag racing car builder John Buttera; Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl G. Fisher; four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon; record-setting pilot and world-famous billionaire Howard Hughes (for airplane contributions); motorcycle great Fred Merkel; three-time Indianapolis 500 champion owner U.E. Pat Patrick; and sports car legend Bob Tullius, who now calls Port Orange home.

“Our inductee classes are always intriguing but this year is even more so,” MSHFA president Ron Watson said. “Howard Hughes and Jeff Gordon in the same class; that is probably the best example we’ve ever had to illustrate the breadth of our inductee roll.”

Ganassi to be Rolex grand marshal

Car owner Chip Ganassi will serve as grand marshal for the Rolex 24. Chip Ganassi Racing has seven victories in the race.

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