1966 was a year of change and new beginnings in America. Ronald Reagan was elected Governor in California and began a political career that would lead to the White House; NASA began test launches for the Apollo series, thus starting a program that would result in a successful moon landing in 1969; and James Harvey Hylton was named “Rookie of the Year” in NASCAR’s Grand National Division, starting an amazing career that would span five decades.

During his career, Hylton would go on to finish second in NASCAR Grand National points in 1966, and repeat that performance during the 1967 and 1971 seasons. He would also score wins in the 1970 Richmond 400, the 1970 NASCAR Grand American Citrus 250 and the 1972 Talladega 500 along with capturing four pole positions in NASCAR Winston / NEXTEL Cup competition. During his career, Hylton recorded 140 Top-Five finishes and 301 Top-Ten finishes in NASCAR Winston / NEXTEL Cup and in 2006, he finished 18th in points in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

When asked why he has sat his sights on the 2007 Daytona 500, Hylton states “I have never been able to come to Daytona with a well-financed operation and a first-rate car. I have always wanted to be able to race the 500 and not be limited by budget constraints and even though it has taken over 40 years, I am finally at that position. At my age, the odds against me are astronomical but it’s a challenge and I love a good challenge.”

James Hylton will drive the number 58 Chevrolet Monte Carlo built and prepared by Richard Childress Racing of Welcome, North Carolina. The car was constructed on a Ronnie Hopkins chassis and is powered by engines from the RCR shop. A crew chief for the team will be named during January. Hopkins is also constructing a “Car of Tomorrow” for Hylton Motorsports, which will debut in March at Bristol.

[Hylton Motorsports PR]

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