Driver, car builder

The North Tonawanda, NY native was considered one of the greatest drivers of his generation until a fiery 1964 accident left him barely able to grip a steering wheel. “Herk” won races in every major category in which he competed from 1957-1981, including USAC Champ Cars (4), USAC stock cars (3), sprint cars (18), and NASCAR stock cars (the 1966 Atlanta 500), and nearly won several sprint car titles. In 1960, Hurtubise stunned the Champ Cars community by setting fastest qualifying time at Indy on his way to Rookie of the Year honors. He started from the front row two of the next three years. He’s also known for owning, building, and driving the Mallard, IndyCar’s last front-engine roadster. He failed to qualify at the Brickyard from 1968 to 1971. In line to qualify for the ‘72 500, the Mallard’s engine compartment was found to be filled with sponsor Miller’s beer. Hurtubise was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame in 1998.