Tommy Kendall is a legend in SCCA Trans Am racing having set the record of 11 wins in a 13 race season. He’s also won some of the biggest races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. Additional championships in IMSA has made this Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee an easy choice. Besides being an expert behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars around, Kendall has delighted race fans with his commentary behind the microphone and in front of the TV cameras giving insight to Indy car race broadcasts in addition to hosting his own shows. We ran into him at the Willow Springs Reimagined event and had a Raceschool.com Podcast listener tell us that we should get his take on what’s happening at the iconic high-desert track. He was gracious to spend some time with us where he not only gives his take on the plans for the track, but we delve into what made him so successful in racing and more. Enjoy!
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2026 Larry Mason
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)
Tom Kendall is always ready with a smile and has the racing resume’ of a multi-time champion and Hall of Famer.
Casually dressed for our interview, Kendall shows off one of his favorite T-shirts. This is a tribute to his late friend and incredible racer – Dan Gurney.
This is what the new owners of Willow Springs hope that the track and surrounding areas will look like in the not-to-distant future!