By Holly Cain
The racing world has lost a pioneer. Gene Felton, a gutsy, talented sports car driver from Georgia who could race – and beat – the best, died Nov. 5 at the age of 84.
And while Felton turned heads and collected trophies on the track as a rare old-school competitor who could both build and drive his cars to major victories, he may best be remembered as a kind, friendly person, multitalented and appreciated by friend and foe.
“Sad news: Gene Felton has passed. Star @IMSA racer, teamed with Billy Hagan, Terry Labonte @Rolex24Hours, @24hoursoflemans. His Atlanta shop has restored many IMSA, Nascar cars for vintage racing. 1 of the last ‘drive it like you stole it’ road racers, he gave his all every lap,’’ longtime race broadcaster Mike Joy posted on his social media account upon hearing of Felton’s passing.
Many others posted tributes to Felton and photos of his purple No. 96 Chevrolet Nova racing around the track. It was indicative of the appreciation so many had for Felton, who amassed IMSA class trophies along the lines of sports car’s very best – from Scott Pruett to the late Al Holbert. Felton’s 45 wins in class holds its own in that very esteemed lineage.
In 1982, Felton was runner-up in the GTO class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His impressive resume also includes GTO class victories in both the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts in 1984 – a season he set 11 GTO class qualifying records.
Unfortunately, Felton was severely injured racing in the Trans-Am Series later that year but recovered to compete the next season. After retiring from professional competition, Felton founded the Historic Stock Car Race Series.
The diversity he demonstrated throughout his career was rewarded. Not only did he earn trophies on track, but in 1979, Felton received the 1979 IMSA Mechanic of the Year award.
He is a Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame member and received a nomination to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
“He is one of winningest drivers in IMSA history, but I’d say the most important thing for people to remember about him is, first and foremost, he was a U.S. Marine and very proud of it,’’ said Mark Raffauf, IMSA’s senior director of race operations.
“He was a great guy, tough competitor, great driver,” Raffauf continued. “He beat the Peter Greggs and the Hurley Haywoods. He beat a lot of really good people on a regular basis. He went to Le Mans with Cale Yarborough, so he got around a little bit more than people think he did. He was a hugely popular guy and always willing to help others out and tough as nails.
“I think he was one of the most popular people in IMSA’s history. He was one of the few that could build it, fix it, tune it and drive it. There’s not too many people you can say that about.’’