Churchmen luncheon features racing legend Hurley Haywood

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Legendary endurance race car driver Hurley Haywood has lived quite an exciting life, and he’s sharing much of it through his book, and a recently released documentary.

He also recently shared his compelling history with the area Churchmen members as the featured guest speaker at the organization’s monthly lunch in October at Sawgrass Beach Club.

Haywood discussed his storied racing career and revealed some fascinating, and little-known, details about professional racing during a question-and-answer session with the members.

Haywood’s racing career began in the late 1960s along with his almost unprecedented relationship with Brumos Porsche, which lasted more than 40 years. Brumos Porsche was sold to Fields Auto Group four years ago, but Haywood was able maintain his role with the company and continue his close connection to Porsche.

And Haywood is particularly excited about the upcoming opening of The Brumos Collection, which will be showcased at a new, 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building currently under construction in Jacksonville, and slated to open to the public in January 2020.

“We’re really excited about that,” Haywood said. “Our mission is to try and get as many drivers who drove for Brumos over the years to the grand opening.”

Haywood’s relationship with Brumos led to five victories at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, three 24 Hours of Le Mans titles and two wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and he and racing partner Peter Gregg formed one of the most successful and fascinating racing teams of all time.

Much of Haywood’s life story is detailed in his book “Hurley: From the Beginning,” and is also featured in a recently released documentary “Hurley,” which was produced by actor and race car driver Patrick Dempsey and currently available on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming networks.

“So many people have commented on how positive it was,” Haywood said about the film.

Haywood also discussed the changes in racing over the years, and shared some behind-the- scenes details, like how much water weight he’d lose behind the wheel of a car due to the heat and exertion needed in those days. Without air conditioning, the cars temperatures could easily reach well into the 90s, and there were no power steering, automatic transmissions or antilock brakes, so maneuvering those machines took a physical toll.

“Racing, especially racing long distance, is all a game of strategy,” Haywood said.

Haywood said although the cars have changed a lot technologically and safety has improved greatly, the newer cars may have too much going on.

“I couldn’t drive a modern race car, with all the things you have to monitor,” he said.

But when it comes to cars, Porsche will always be No. 1 for Haywood, now and in the future.

“My favorite Porsche is next year’s,” he said.

The Churchmen is a non-denominational, all-male organization that holds monthly luncheons featuring a guest speaker as well as an annual Spring Fling.