Scott Pruett has announced his retirement from racing

The Hall of Fame driver is scheduled to compete in final event following 50-year racing career

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After 50 years behind the wheel of a race car, and with many championships and wins on his resume in all forms of motorsports, Scott Pruett announced today at Daytona International Speedway that he will retire from racing following the Rolex 24 at Daytona later this month.

This year marks Pruett’s 50th year racing after beginning his career in 1968, when he first competed in go-karts as an eight-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 at Daytona.

He is also 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,” said Pruett.

He continued, “I am humbled and grateful for all of my accomplishments and to all of those who have helped me along the way. At the end of the day, the good Lord has blessed me with a great career and a wonderful, supportive family. 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.”

Scott Pruett announces retirement
Scott Pruett announces retirement

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 January 27-28 before retiring from racing. Pruett will team up with co-drivers Dominik Farnbacher, Jack Hawksworth and David Heinemeier Hansson in the No. 15 Lexus.

“Daytona is a magical place for me and I love it,” said Pruett.

He continued, “I’ve always said the Rolex 24 at Daytona is like the Super Bowl of Motorsports because you’re bringing the best of the best from all over the world and the challenge of both man and machine is fierce. What better way to say goodbye to the sport I love than at this revered place, surrounded by my respected peers and die-hard fans.”

Lexus 3GT Racing
Lexus 3GT Racing

While Pruett is best known for his successful sports car career, what makes his racing legacy even more impressive is how many racing disciplines he has competed in over 50 years, collecting 88 combined wins. Pruett raced professionally in Indy Car (formerly CART) for 10 seasons from 1988 to 1999 where he earned two wins, five poles, 15 podium positions and was the 1989 Indianapolis 500 co-rookie of the year.

In three seasons competing SCCA Trans Am series he amassed 24 wins en route to three championships (1987, 1994 and 2003). While racing part-time in NASCAR from 2000 to 2008, he earned three poles as well as a second and third place finish in the Cup Series. Pruett also raced in IROC competition for eight seasons, earning two victories.

Pruett was also a class winner in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001.

The Northern California native has been honored with the Phil Hill Award of Excellence in 2016 and was inducted into two Halls of Fame in 2017 – the Motorsports Hall of Fame and the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame.

He was previously named the King of Karting, and inducted into the World Karting Hall of Fame in 1991 following 10 professional karting championships. Additionally, he is a 10-time recipient of the AARWBA (American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association) award.

Pruett’s accomplishments off the track are equally impressive. He and his wife, Judy, have written and published four children’s books about racing and they own and operate Pruett Vineyard, where Pruett enjoys making ultra-premium wines, consistently garnering high ratings from Wine Spectator. The father of three children also looks forward to spending more time with his wife Judy and children Lauren, Taylor and Cameron.

3GT Racing - Lucas RC F
3GT Racing – Lucas RC F

Pruett will also continue his partnership with Lexus moving forward. He was a part of the launch of the Lexus F performance brand in 2008, assisting in the development and promotion of the Lexus IS F performance sedan and Lexus LFA supercar.

“Instead of retirement, I prefer to call it transitioning into my next phase,” added Pruett. “I’ll be refocusing all of that energy and passion towards other areas of my life. Spending more time with my wife and kids will be the first thing on my list. I am very excited and honored to continue my partnership with Lexus. I am also honored to be an Ambassador for Rolex and of course Pruett Vineyard keeps me busy.”

His successful racing career has also generated some incredible life experiences, including going to the Persian Gulf to support the troops, carrying the Olympic torch for the 2000 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and working with charities such as Give Kids the World and Make-a-Wish Foundation for many years, just to name a few.

Fans interested in coming out to watch Pruett’s last race at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona can purchase tickets on www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Contact:
Pam Jansen, Lexus Racing, 386-631-2489, [email protected]

Links

Scott Pruett | Lexus | 3GT Racing | IMSA

Categories

Tags