Ed Hinton, a respected motorsports journalist, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76. ESPN shared the news on Saturday, featuring a tribute from K. Lee Davis, ESPN’s former motorsports editor, who honored Hinton both personally and professionally.
“Ed wasn’t just a fine writer; he was a trusted friend,” Davis expressed. “His wife, Snow, inspired him to be his best, and his son Tyler was the light of his life. Under immense pressure—a constant in racing—he thrived. Most sports writers don’t often encounter death in their careers, but Ed did, and he faced it with grace and a quest for understanding. While he might not have always been liked, he commanded respect. He was truly the best of his generation and a credit to ESPN.”
On Saturday night, many others also paid tribute to Hinton following the announcement of his passing.
The NMPA is saddened to learn of the passing of veteran motorsports writer Ed Hinton.https://t.co/qbnWxmw1V9
— National Motorsports Press Association (@NMPAonline) February 8, 2025
RIP Ed Hinton. For the longest time, he covered motorsports with high journalism standards and objectivity. Ed Hinton’s powerful profile of Wendell Scott in 1986: https://t.co/terP45sElK pic.twitter.com/2GfIgbpmvg
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) February 9, 2025
Thinking of our storytelling and incredible writing friend Ed Hinton…he passed on Thursday. Always enjoyed my time with him, and when he and Robin were together, it was like a swift ping pong match—one story after another! RIP Ed… pic.twitter.com/v6ZXMJFV53
— Steve H. Shunck (@SHUNCK) February 9, 2025
Sorry to learn of Ed Hinton’s passing. It was a privilege to be his ESPN teammate. His work often made motorsports figures uncomfortable because he prioritized honesty over feelings. https://t.co/0IafAkADHE
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 8, 2025
Sad news. Ed Hinton was as tenacious as they come. https://t.co/nFgZYEo9bN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 8, 2025
Ed Hinton was a fearless, gumshoe journalist! What an honor it was to work and laugh with him. He had a love for a good joke. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/AMTyIILTXD
— Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) February 9, 2025
So sorry to hear Ed Hinton has died. He was one of a kind, a pressbox tornado you don’t encounter anymore. His column after Dale Earnhardt’s passing remains one of the finest remembrances of that tragic day. https://t.co/3RZ0nMnofH
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) February 9, 2025
This one truly stings. Ed Hinton’s influence on my work is unmistakable, shared with anyone who reads my writing. He and Robin Miller were my guiding stars, and the racing media landscape feels less honest without them. https://t.co/sc23rvL7L6
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) February 8, 2025
Oh no. A titan of sportswriting. I recently spoke with a younger NASCAR fan about how Ed’s writing made me appreciate the sport. That guy hadn’t even heard of him. Rest in peace. https://t.co/SLfktjSz8I
— Andy Hutchins (@AndyHutchins) February 8, 2025
Ed Hinton paved a path long before it was recognized. https://t.co/wf3dS5bITt
— Armen Keteyian (@ArmenKeteyian) February 9, 2025
Throughout his nearly 50-year career, Hinton contributed to notable publications including the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel, and South Florida Sun Sentinel. From 2008 until his retirement in 2014, he was a key figure at ESPN.
