Hyde, who inspired Robert Duvall’s character Harry Hogge in the cinematic
classic Days of Thunder, enjoyed a nearly three-decade career in the NASCAR Cup Series. During that tenure, his incredible leadership skills translated to immense success – even to the greenest of drivers.
Prior to guiding Dave Marcis, Neil Bonnett and Geoff Bodine to their first career wins and harnessing the talent of Tim Richmond, Hyde laid a championship foundation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Isaac.
In 1969, Hyde called the shots for Isaac’s 17-win season, which ranks among the most prolific seasons in the history of the sport. That year, Isaac also won 19 poles, which still stands as a NASCAR Cup Series record.
Hyde’s crowning achievement came in 1970, when he won the NASCAR Cup
Series championship with Isaac, winning 11 times and capturing 32 top fives in 47 starts.
