CUP: NASCAR Community Mourns Hunter

Sprint Cup

CUP: NASCAR Community Mourns Hunter

Jim Hunter was a true champion of NASCAR...

Tom Jensen | Posted October 30, 2010 Talladega, AL

Jim Hunter was highly respected by members of the media. (Photo: Getty Images)

No one loved NASCAR or the people in it more than Jim Hunter, the longtime NASCAR executive, who on Friday night lost a year-long battle with cancer.

Hunter was a true champion, someone who had an influence that extended far beyond the NASCAR garages and media centers across the country. Following are thoughts of those in the NASCAR community who worked with Hunter over the years.

“We are incredibly saddened by the loss of our very dear friend and legendary NASCAR executive Jim Hunter. Throughout his storied career, he not only helped bring the sport of NASCAR to a national level, he also had a profound influence on the lives of everyone he met. From his days as a PR Director at Talladega Superspeedway to his tenure as President of Darlington Raceway, Hunter was a driving force behind the sport’s growth in popularity. His charm, sharp wit and incredible sense of humor will be remembered by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. We’ll also greatly miss his warm smile and sage advice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hunter family and his extended NASCAR family.” — International Speedway Corporation Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy

“Last night the sport lost an important family member. Jim was a good friend not only to me but to so many in the NASCAR community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ann and their family.” — Seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard Petty

“The past few weeks have been some of the saddest I can remember. Quite honestly, I don't know what to say about Jim Hunter that would even begin to describe him. He was just a larger than life figure in our sport. It wasn’t because he sought the spotlight either, but because he was genuine and real. He was someone that people wanted to gravitate to, even if for only a moment. He was a great friend to Talladega dating back to before his time as our Public Relations Director. Our thoughts are with our friends at Darlington Raceway where Jim spent much of his career strengthening the bond between track and community. It's because of those experiences I know he'd want us to put our best foot forward and provide a great experience for our fans this weekend. It's going to be with incredibly heavy hearts that we move forward with our race preparations, but I know it's what Jim would want and expect. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Ann, his son Scott, daughter Amy and the entire NASCAR community as we all cope with the loss of a great man.” — Talladega Superspeedway Chairman and ISC VP of Special Projects Grant Lynch

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of Jim Hunter. He was an icon in the sport of NASCAR starting with his days as a sportswriter and most recently heading up NASCAR’s public relations efforts. Hunter was always quick to share his sharp wit and genuine smile along with his perceptive advice. He helped bring the history of NASCAR to life and his presence will be missed. On behalf of the entire staff of Kansas Speedway, I extend our deepest condolences to the Hunter family and to Jim Hunter’s extended NASCAR family.” — Kansas Speedway Development Corp. President Jeff Boerger

Jim Hunter participates in a news conference prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway on May 8, 2010. (Photo: Getty Images)

“I will miss Jim Hunter. He was instrumental in helping me with my career when he was president of Darlington Raceway. But more than that, he was a true friend and tremendous ambassador for the sport of NASCAR. He had a great deal of passion for NASCAR, for the media and for the fans, and was instrumental in bringing the sport to the forefront as one of the country’s most popular spectator events. He was a walking history book, wonderful promoter, marketer, journalist and PR man, and a true pioneer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.” — Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of Jim Hunter. Jim was a pioneer and a builder of the sport of NASCAR. From his days as a sportswriter to most recently serving as track president at Darlington Raceway and heading up the NASCAR public relations team, Jim poured his heart and soul into the sport he loved so dearly. His presence in media centers across the country will be sorely missed. The staff of Daytona International Speedway extends its deepest condolences to the Hunter family.” — Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Jensen

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