Hutter
Racing was started in 1970 by Ron Hutter. Ron’s father had always loved cars
and had owned a gas station while also being a drag racer who was well-known in
the area in the 60s. He passed this passion for cars on to his son. After Thalia’s , Ron’s wife, father retired
as a meat processor, they took over his building with no heat, while living at
the front of the property.
In 1977,
Hutter Racing began building engines for the NASCAR modified series. The company had great success, teaming up
with driver Richie Evans for 8 national championships as well as building the
engines for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s national championships in 1998 and 1999.
Hutter Racing
is a family business with both of Ron and Thalia’s sons, Matt and Trevor,
working at the company. According to
their parents, the boys were interested in the family business as soon as they
could walk. All total, Hutter Racing has
5 employees, two of which have been with the company for 35 and 43 years
respectively.
The company
has recently changed their focus, shifting out of NASCAR and now taking all
kinds of work: Road racing, BMWs,
Modifieds, and everything in between.
The Hutters say their clientele varies greatly, ranging from kids trying
to get more horse power to professionals with unlimited budgets. They continue to build engines for
competitive professionals including racers in the IHRA Pro-Stock and SCCA Speed
World Challenge GT series.
The Hutters
very much enjoy the experience of owning their own business, pointing
specifically to the ability to make something on their own and the involvement
of their children as great benefits. However,
they also recognize the challenges of owning a small business. The Hutters identify two major concerns: cash flow with customers and rising
healthcare costs for their employees.
Hutter
Racing appreciates the services NFIB provides to small businesses and their
owners. They particularly value the
voice NFIB gives to small business, letting their concerns be heard by elected
officials. With a client list that
includes Jimmy Spencer, Kevin Harvick, and Daryl Waltrip, Hutter Racing is
certainly in position to continue their success well into the future.
