The Leadfoot/Duntov Connection
Colby Hillman’s Leadfoot Racing is a sports car racing team based in Delaware, OH which is owned by Colby and Lynn Hillman. Colby Hillman is the 2016 West Coast VARA (Vintage Auto Racing Association) National A Production Points Champion, 2017 SVRA (Sports Vintage Racing Association) “Hawk Brake Pads Endurance Racing Series” National Points Champion, Group 6A, and the 2018 Hawk Brakes Performance Series Co-Champion.
Colby Hillman’s Leadfoot Racing is affiliated with The Duntov Motor Company out of Farmers Branch, Texas.
History of the Name
In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s drivers’ nicknames were often used in racing. These nicknames were used to connect with fans, increase racing mystique and many times served a promotional purpose by the event’s management. Names like “Dyno Don” Garlits, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen are just a few examples. Many might remember “TV Tommy” Ivo, a moniker given to one of the original Mouseketeers, later turned racer.
The name Leadfoot originated from Colby Hillman’s go-kart racing days. For Christmas in 1959 Colby’s father, Howard, purchased for him a Dart Kart. Being somewhat younger and smaller than his fellow competitors, but usually faster, Colby earned the nickname “Little Leadfoot”. Later Colby trademarked the name and incorporated Leadfoot Racing and Leadfoot Racing Products followed by adopting the moniker “Heart of Steel, Will of Iron and Foot of Lead”.
The “Leadfoot” handle stuck as Colby worked his way up through the ranks of go-karts and into drag racing in the mid-1960’s and then into SCCA and IMSA Road Course Racing in the early 1970’s.