After 50 years of racing, Scott Pruett will retire from motorsports following this month’s Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, in which he will drive the #15 3GT Racing Lexus RCF GT3 with Jack Hawksworth, Dominik Farnbacher and David Heinemeier Hansson.
Pruett’s 50-year career began in 1968, when he first competed in go-karts as an eight-year-old. After the 24, he 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 also has five Rolex Grand-Am Championships and two IMSA championships to his name.
“I have met a lot of wonderful people and have had some amazing experiences because of my motorsports career,” said Pruett. “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.
“Daytona is a magical place for me and I love it,” 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.”
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.
He 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.
After retiring, Pruett will 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,” he said. “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.”
