A venerable veteran who made his last attempt at the Daytona 500 as a 74-year-old in 2009, James Hylton’s driving career in national racing series stretched from 1964-2013.
Hylton, 83, and his son were killed in an auto accident in Georgia. They were driving Hylton’s ARCA team trailer back to South Carolina after driver Brad Smith finished last in Friday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.
A statement from NASCAR and ARCA read: “Racing competitively in parts of six decades, James Hylton’s dedication, passion and longevity in motorsports is virtually unmatched. Hylton won the rookie of the year at NASCAR’s highest level, the 1972 race at Talladega Superspeedway and regularly contended for championships during the early years of his career. His racing influence continued into the ARCA series, where he competed as a driver and, most recently, a car owner. We have lost a truly special member of the racing family and a beloved figure among generations of competitors and race fans alike. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hylton family on the tragic loss of James Hylton and his son James Jr.”
The two-time Cup winner’s death triggered a wave of remembrance and sympathy from the auto racing world on social media Saturday:
Thoughts and prayers out to Hylton family and friends. James was a legend. He enjoyed his time in stock car racing and saw the sport evolve and grow over the many decades that he was involved. https://t.co/qnDQxfc31J
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 28, 2018
My heart hurts this afternoon, James Harvey Hylton one of my early hero’s and his son were killed today in a car crash, James was #48, that was my number in the late model sportsman series, tried to get him to change his number, he wouldn’t, we became great friends after that !
— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) April 28, 2018
I’m thinking of the friends and family of James Hylton. James was a true racer and loved this sport so much. It was an honor to meet him a few times over the years, he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JoG8USwQ1c
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 29, 2018
We’re all thinking about the Hylton family. James has been a staple of the racing community for, well, ever I guess, and it’s such a tragedy to have lost him.
— Wood Brothers Racing (@woodbrothers21) April 28, 2018
Just hearing the news of James Hylton and his son. I’m devastated to say the least. Everyone please say a prayer for their families. James was the nicest guy ever and I got to spend lots of time with him.
— Jeremy Clements (@JClements51) April 28, 2018
"The older I get, the more that chaplain keeps following me around, told him I ain't ready to go yet" -James Hylton to me, Iowa Speedway ARCA garage, 2009. #RIP
— Justin Marks (@JustinMarksTH) April 28, 2018
Thinking about James, Tweety and the Hylton family. @woodbrothers21 @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/rXV0qHJkgN
— Eddie Wood (@woodchopper16) April 28, 2018
Incredibly saddened to hear the news about James Hylton and his son, Tweety. James was a friend, a true gentleman and a racer who shaped the sport with character, class and an unwavering lifetime commitment. pic.twitter.com/UENKcepnyx
— Jim Cassidy (@jfcassidy) April 28, 2018
I am heart broken to learn that ARCA RACING SERIES driver James Hylton and his son Tweety have passed away...
— Jennifer Jo Cobb (@JenJoCobb) April 28, 2018
James, at 83-years old, had so much life left in him. He never walked by without giving me a hug, a kiss on... https://t.co/AtZsjXVmAr
Sad day for auto racing. James Hylton and son Tweety died in a crash retuning from Dega. My heart cries. RIP my friend. One of my favorite people.
— Glenn Jarrett (@GlennNJarrett) April 28, 2018
So sad to hear about the loss of one of the nicest guys ever in our sport, James Hylton and his son Tweety. My prayers to the family. RIP.
— Phil Parsons (@philparsons98) April 28, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of James Hylton and his son James Jr. James was a long time customer and friend, we will miss him very much! https://t.co/W8w1lC80RN
— The Joie of Seating (@JoieofSeating) April 28, 2018