Chardon, OH – The racing world is in mourning as it bids a heartfelt farewell to a true legend, Ron Hutter, a renowned engine builder from Chardon, Ohio. Hutter’s remarkable journey through the high-speed world of motorsports has left an indelible mark, and his legacy will be cherished by racing enthusiasts for generations to come.

Ron Hutter’s passion for cars led him to establish Hut’s Dyno Shop, where he honed his skills and developed a profound love for high-performance engines. His racing career began with a 1957 Chevy and later included a Pontiac, several Camaros, and a Pro Stock Vega, which he hand-built in his own Trick Stuff Engineering shop. Alongside his performance shop, he founded Hutter Racing Engines, a powerhouse that boasts an astonishing 21 NASCAR Busch, Truck, and Modified Championships. His dedication to the sport was unwavering, but his journey faced its first hiccup when he was called to join the service, leading to the temporary closure of his original shop in 1964.

Ron Hutter was a perfectionist who took pride in his work. In an interview with Motortrend, he revealed his meticulous approach to engine building, insisting on examining “spec” parts individually and crafting custom solutions. His philosophy was simple, yet profound: “If it comes in a box, it’s probably screwed up and needs to be worked on before you can use it.”

Hutter Racing Engines, under Ron’s leadership, was not only renowned for its engine rebuilds and modifications but also for its role in propelling legendary drivers to victory. It was Ron Hutter’s engines that powered Dale Earnhardt Jr. to consecutive Busch Series crowns in 1998 and 1999. Dale Jr. himself paid homage to Ron as ardent racing fans grieved the loss of a pioneer.

Hutter’s journey in NASCAR began when he partnered with Richie Evans and together, they clinched eight National Championships. It was just the beginning of his engine-building empire, serving select clientele and race teams. Ron’s legacy endured as his team continued to chase the checkered flag, moving into the NASCAR Busch Grand National Division.

Junior took to Twitter to remember the engine builder’s contribution, posting a heartfelt tweet that read, “Ron built several insane engines for us when we won back-to-back Busch Series titles (98, 99). Those engines made it easy. RIP Ron Hutter.” The racing community echoed Junior’s sentiments, with messages of tribute and condolences pouring in.

Ron built several insane engines for us when we won back to back Busch Series titles (98,99). Those engines made it easy.
RIP Ron Hutter https://t.co/jCUTCKYrqh

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 18, 2023

Freddie Kraft, in another tweet, shared, “Legend RIP Ron Hutter.”

Today, Hutter Performance, now led by Ron’s sons, has shifted its focus to road racing formats, modifying BMWs regardless of make or model. They also provide engine support to competitive drivers in the IHRA Pro-Stock and SCCA Speed & World Challenge GT series.

Ron Hutter’s passing marks a significant loss for the racing community. He was not just a master engine builder; his passion for automobiles led him to work on various engine layouts, including powerful dragster engines and combat boat engines. Ron was a philanthropist and one of Northeastern Ohio’s most prolific pro-stock drivers. Even today, the Hutter family continues to serve the racing community. Ron’s sons, Matt and Trevor, founded Hutter Performance in 2003, catering to the growing demand for quality street and race performance. Their shared love for cars and engines carries on their father’s legacy.

As the motorsports world pays tribute to Ron Hutter, his impact on the racing community is clear, with countless fans, friends, and fellow racers expressing their respect and gratitude for his contribution.

Summit Racing Equipment paid tribute and wrote,

“Motorsports has lost another great one. We send our condolences to the family and friends of legendary engine builder Ron Hutter.”

Dragway 42 also shared on facebook, “Today is a sad day for the world of motorsports with the passing of Ron Hutter. Ron was without a doubt one of the greatest innovators in the modern racing engine world. We will miss our chats on the starting line discussing life and the next trick you had up your sleeve to test out on track. Thank you for your contributions to our industry. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. God speed Ron”.

Wilson Manifolds took facebook and wrote, “We are sad to announce the Loss of Ron Hutter one of racing’s best engine builders and innovators, he designed the ports for the first CNC heads ever created from Weld Tech. We worked with Ron on many projects together through the years. He was also the Engine builder for the Dingman Racing / Wilson Manifolds Mountain Motor Pro Stock team. He will be missed greatly! Gods Speed!”

In these difficult times, the deepest condolences go out to the Hutter family and friends as they remember a remarkable man who left an enduring legacy. The racing world will forever be grateful for Ron Hutter’s invaluable contributions and passion for the sport.

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