24h Le Mans
Over the course of three successive decades during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, American driver Hurley Haywood accumulated eight total victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona.
Photo : D.R. - Archives ACO
All these achievements are closely linked to Porsche. For his first start – and his first victory, associated with Jacky Ickx and Jürgen Barth – at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he was the factory Porsche driver of a 936 prototype. Haywood retained his status with two other successes in la Sarthe in 1983 (in a 956, with Al Holbert and Vern Schuppan) and in 1994 (in a Dauer Porsche 962 LM, with Yannick Dalmas and Mauro Baldi). Even prior to arriving for the first time in Le Mans, he had a solid reputation in the U.S., also with Porsche, and already had three victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the Carrera RSR (1973, 75, 77). He earned a fourth win in 1979 in the 935 and a fifth and final in the 962 C prototype. Among his teammates were two French drivers: Henri Pescarolo and Bob Wollek.
In short, Hurley Haywood is to the 24 Hours of Daytona what Jacky Ickx is to the 24 Hours of Le Mans: an inescapable historical reference. But as of last year, compatriot Scott Pruett – winner in 1994, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2013 – may surpass Haywood. Next Sunday, he could well become the new record-holder for Daytona victories.
The 24 Hours of Daytona, the first round of the new American endurance series TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, will take place January 25th and 26th. Click for the race presentation, race program and the entry list.
Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO - Translated by Rainier Ehrhardt / ACO
The 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place June 14-15, 2014 (ticket information here).
Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JUNE 18-19, 1994, RACE. Almost exactly twenty years ago, Hurley Haywood claimed his third and final victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – associated with Frenchman Yannick Dalmas and the Italian, Mauro Baldi.
