Legends in the Spotlight: Inside the 2026 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Inductions
- Brian Cleary
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
It was close to 30 years ago that I photographed my first banquet/dinner/awards ceremony. While most photographers head for the exits when the season ends, I have always tended to stick around to cover the season-ending galas.
For one thing, many times a client has won an honor and I've always viewed it a my duty to document their celebrations and sometimes even celebrate along with them. Also, when you are the series photographer it is often part of your contract to cover these events.
But the fact remains, that I've always enjoyed awards celebrations and find them a place to interact with the stars, movers and shakers of the sport away from the racetrack in a fun and relaxed environment.
This past week, as I have for the past several years, I covered the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America induction ceremonies in Daytona Beach, Florida., putting the latest group of legends in the spotlight. Once again it was an enjoyable 2 days moving among, learning about and photographing men and women who have dedicated their lives to racing and and rose to the top of the sport in their chosen specialties.
The 6 living inductees who were able to attend in 2026 included:
Kenny Roberts Jr. : professional motorcycle road racer and 2000 MotoGP World Champion. Born July 25, 1973, he is the son of three-time world champion Kenny Roberts. Known for his smooth riding style and technical precision, Roberts Jr. achieved success primarily with Suzuki, securing the premier-class title during a highly competitive era. He competed against legends like Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi. After retiring from racing, he remained involved in motorsports and is respected for continuing his family’s influential racing legacy.
Pete Lyons : respected American motorsports journalist, author, and photographer known for his deep, firsthand coverage of international racing. Born in 1940, he is the son of noted automotive writer Denise McCluggage. Lyons built his reputation reporting on Formula One, Indianapolis 500, and sports car racing, contributing to publications like Autosport. Renowned for his insightful storytelling and photography, Lyons is considered one of the most influential voices in racing journalism.
John Morton : a celebrated American racing driver best known for his success with the Nissan/Datsun racing program in the 1970s. Born May 25, 1942, he won multiple championships in the SCCA C Production class, driving iconic cars like the Datsun 510 and 240Z. Known for his smooth, precise driving style, Morton later competed in endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He remains a respected figure in American road racing history.
Dave Villwock : a legendary American hydroplane racer, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the H1 Unlimited. Born March 26, 1954, he dominated the sport for decades, winning multiple national championships and a record 10 titles at the Seafair Cup. Known for his fearless driving and consistency at extreme speeds, Villwock became the winningest driver in hydroplane history. His achievements helped elevate the sport’s popularity, and he remains an iconic figure in American powerboat racing.
Steve Gibbs : a highly respected figure in American drag racing, best known for his long career with the National Hot Rod Association. Rather than competing as a driver, Gibbs made his mark as a race official, serving as NHRA’s Vice President of Competition for many years. He played a key role in developing rules, improving safety standards, and shaping modern drag racing operations. Known for his fairness and deep knowledge of the sport, Gibbs became a trusted authority and influential leader within the NHRA community.
Sammy Swindell : a legendary American sprint car racer known for his dominance on dirt tracks and technical mastery of race car setup. Born June 26, 1955, he won three championships in the World of Outlaws (1981, 1982, 1997) and earned hundreds of feature victories over a long career. Renowned for his precision and mechanical insight, Swindell remained competitive across multiple decades. He also competed in events like the Chili Bowl Nationals, further cementing his reputation as one of sprint car racing’s all-time greats.
As always, it was a thrill to meet, photograph and interact with a group of racing legends, some of whom I'd actually photographed in action in my own career, and experience the culmination of their spectacular careers with their induction into the Motorsport Hall of Fame of America.
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Original photography and firsthand visual history by Brian Cleary.
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