Lexus Race Car Driver Scott Pruett to Retire This Month

Posted by Kevin on January 7th, 2018

Veteran race car driver and frequent Lexus collaborator Scott Pruett will retire from racing following this month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona:

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 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. “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 will compete late this month for 3GT Racing in the #15 Lexus RC F GT3 at Rolex 24 with co-drivers Dominik Farnbacher, Jack Hawksworth and David Heinemeier Hansson.

Following his racing retirement, Scott will remain a brand ambassador for Lexus, and will assist with product testing and development and Lexus Performance Driving School events.

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Comments
krew
3GT Racing has announced a new driver for the 2018 season -- David Heinemeier Hansson. I don't know if any of you are in the tech/computer industry, but DHH is the creator of Ruby on Rails and co-founder of Basecamp/37 Signals. Super nerdy signing, I like it!

Some coverage:

https://www.imsa.com/press-releases/122017/3gt-racing-announces-2018-driver-david-heinemeier-hansson

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/3gt-signs-heinemeier-hansson-for-lexus-gtd-effort/
GSCT
Another good addition to the site. Thanks!
krew
krew

Lexus Race Car Driver Scott Pruett to Retire This Month
[​IMG]

Rolex 24 at Daytona will be his final race.
View the original article post
Faisal Sheikh
Scott Pruett is my hero. A true legend in the sport. A fierce competitor who does everything to win while being an extraordinary gentleman to everyone who talks to him. I have seen him in countless LFA videos where he explains everything meticulously and with so much poise (considering he had to do it all day long while giving hot laps). Hope his next chapter in life is just as successful as he was in racing (I am sure it would be his vineyard which was his second passion).
F1 Silver Arrows
Hey all, new member here. As a huge fan of motor sport, cars, and everything in the automotive industry, I had a question. What do you guys think of Lexus entering Formula 1? We had Toyota (one of my favorite teams) give it a shot (and it failed unfortunately), but what about Lexus?
R
  • R
    RAL
  • January 8, 2018
Welcome new member! @F1 Silver Arrows
F1 Silver Arrows
Thank you @RAL :)
krew
Faisal Sheikh
Scott Pruett is my hero. A true legend in the sport. A fierce competitor who does everything to win while being an extraordinary gentleman to everyone who talks to him.
Absolutely correct -- I've been lucky enough to spend significant time with Scott over the years, and he's absolutely one of a kind. First time I ever rode in an LFA, he was the driver:

krew
F1 Silver Arrows
Hey all, new member here. As a huge fan of motor sport, cars, and everything in the automotive industry, I had a question. What do you guys think of Lexus entering Formula 1? We had Toyota (one of my favorite teams) give it a shot (and it failed unfortunately), but what about Lexus?
Welcome @F1 Silver Arrows!

I don't know about Lexus entering into F1, as I think their focus now is more grassroots and focused on GT3. Anything's possible, of course, but I don't imagine Lexus will be in F1 any time soon. Would love to be wrong on that, though!
PeterF
krew
Absolutely correct -- I've been lucky enough to spend significant time with Scott over the years, and he's absolutely one of a kind. First time I ever rode in an LFA, he was the driver:

Krew, I can only imagine the grin on your face as you drove in the LFA with Scott! great video!

Scott Pruett is a fine human being. You can tell from his commentary and the various causes he supports. Thanks Scott!
F1 Silver Arrows
Thanks @krew ! I believe they should. I do realize it is a enterprise worth easily more than million dollars. However, I have reasons why they should!

1. Lexus (Toyota too) have executives and engineers who are huge fans of motor sport.
2. Lexus (Toyota too) have enough cash for R&D, and to compete.
3. Participating in F1 allows Lexus to bask in the world's stage, get more known to people who are not entirely familiar with Lexus and spread their F brand. It will also help for the pursuit of their electric/hybrid program (alongside Toyota with their WEC program), as F1 cars currently use trick electric systems for their cars.
4. F1 management currently would like more teams to participate in their sport and expand the sport even further.
5. I really do think Lexus will be able to do better than many teams like Renault, Williams, Force India, and go toe-to-toe with constructors like Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.
6. Whats also weird was that Toyota pulled out of F1 because of "financial reasons/economic times" and "the lack of a single win in 8 seasons" in 2009. However, with the teaser of the "racy" GR concept released by Toyota. In the Press Release Toyota stated that they will pursue motor sport for a long time, and wont be swayed by the economy. This is promising.

It is a stretch to say that they'll make a comeback, but I dont think Super GT/GT3 racing is enough for Lexus. I know they can do more.

F