IMSA Inducts Nine New Members into Hall of Fame at WeatherTech Night of Champions
Atlanta, GA – The IMSA Hall of Fame expanded its prestigious roster on Sunday during the WeatherTech Night of Champions, inducting nine notable figures who have significantly impacted North American sports car racing.
Highlighting the event was Dan Gurney, a six-time inductee recognized for his pioneering efforts with the All American Racers team. The Toyota Eagle Mk. III, under Gurney’s leadership, achieved remarkable success in the original GTP class, claiming 21 victories from 1991 to 1993, including the revered 1993 Rolex 24 at Daytona and both the 1992 and 1993 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Gurney’s legacy extends to a successful driving career, marked by historic wins such as the 1959 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours alongside A.J. Foyt.
Dr. Don Panoz, founder of the Petit Le Mans and influential in the establishment of the American Le Mans Series, was also inducted. Following the 1999 acquisition of IMSA’s predecessor Professional SportsCar Racing, Panoz played a pivotal role in reshaping endurance racing in North America. His Panoz GT-LM was notable for its performance at both Le Mans and Sebring.
Two-time Sebring 12 Hours winner Bob Akin, recognized for nurturing emerging talent in the racing world, was included among the inductees. Similarly, Rob Dyson, founder of Dyson Racing, celebrated for two Rolex 24 victories and consistent success in IMSA GTP competition, secured a spot through his team’s various accomplishments from 1983 through his retirement.
Elliott Forbes-Robinson, a key driver during Dyson Racing’s success in the late ’90s, received induction honors alongside Bob Tullius, a ten-time IMSA race winner celebrated for his performance in Jaguar prototypes.
Additionally, the iconic Jaguar XJR-5 and XJR-7 prototypes were collectively recognized for their impactful presence in the GTP class, while the BMW 3.0 CSL, affectionately termed the “Batmobile,” was honored on the 50th anniversary of its IMSA debut and notable Sebring win.
Completing the hall’s new additions, the Lola T600, an innovative prototype that pioneered ground effect technology, was acknowledged for its five-race victory streak and championship win in 1981.
The IMSA Hall of Fame continues to celebrate both drivers and vehicles that have left indelible marks on sports car racing. For more information, visit IMSA Hall of Fame.
