Hurley

In the 1970s car racing scene, Hurley Haywood stood out for his composed and unflappable demeanor. He achieved remarkable success, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona five times, claiming victory at Le Mans three times, and becoming a Trans-Am champion. Haywood embodied the classic Hollywood hero: a strikingly attractive man raised by a respectable Midwestern family. However, his achievements were often eclipsed by his racing partner and fiery mentor, Peter Gregg, who was the Batman to Haywood’s Robin. Gregg’s sudden suicide in 1980 sent shockwaves through the racing community. Despite his public image, Haywood harbored secrets. Although he was frequently seen with women, including appearances with Penthouse models, he remained private about his personal life. Through skillful use of archival footage and exclusive interviews, including insights from actor and fellow racer Patrick Dempsey, the film “Hurley” delves into Haywood’s delicate balance between his career and his sexuality, while questioning whether the motorsport world is ready to embrace openly LGBT racers.