A distinct parallel can be drawn between the storied careers of James Hylton and Rockingham Motor Speedway.  Rockingham ran its first NASCAR Grand National Series event, the American 500, on October 31, 1965 with the legendary Curtis Turner taking home the victory.  The second event at the track, the Peach Blossom 500, took place on March 13, 1966. The winner of the event was Paul Goldsmith, driving a Ray Nichels Plymouth.  Finishing 19^th that day was a rookie driver from Inman, South Carolina named James Harvey Hylton.

Of the 44 Grand National Drivers that started the 1966 Peach Blossom 500, James Hylton is the only driver still active in stock car racing. Of the 1966 Peach Blossom contestants, only J. D. McDuffie and Buddy Baker had careers that continued into the nineties.  While both Hylton and Rockingham had periods of reduced activity, they are both back and at full throttle in 2008.

“Rockingham has always been one of my favorite tracks,” states James Hylton “I’ve had quite a few good finishes over the years”.  Hylton has recorded thirty-five NASCAR SPRINT CUP Series starts at the track with one Top-Five and thirteen Top-Ten finishes.  Hylton also has one Nationwide Series start at the track. Hylton’s last start at the historic North Carolina oval was the GM Goodwrench 500 in February 1993.

Hylton will attempt to qualify in this weekend’s Carolina 500 in his Rhino’s Energy Drink 2007 Dodge Charger.  The crew chief for team is Andy Kilpatrick, and engine is being provided by Ernie Elliot.  Hylton Motorsports would like to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of EM Motorsports’ John Carter and Doug Barron for their support and financial contributions.