Phillip Hyett
Born 1983 · Age 42
American software developer, technology entrepreneur, co‑founder of GitHub, racing driver and founder of AO Racing. Born in Naperville, Illinois; North Central College alumnus; co‑founded GitHub (2008); GitHub sold to Microsoft (2018); began professional racing and founded AO Racing (2022); Le Mans class winner and IMSA LMP2 race winner.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Naperville, Illinois
Phillip Jeffrey (P. J.) Hyett was born in Naperville, Illinois.
Earned bachelor's degree in computer science (estimated)
Hyett earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from North Central College (year not specified in sources; year here is an estimate based on typical college age).
Moved to San Francisco after graduation (estimated)
After graduating from North Central College Hyett moved to San Francisco to begin work in tech (precise year not stated; estimated).
Senior software engineer at CNET Networks (approx.)
Hyett worked as a senior software engineer at CNET Networks prior to co‑founding GitHub (exact dates not given; placed before 2008).
Partner at Error Free (approx.)
Hyett served as a partner at Error Free (sometimes referenced as Err Free) before co‑founding GitHub (exact dates not specified).
Co‑founded GitHub
Hyett co‑founded GitHub with Tom Preston‑Werner and Chris Wanstrath; GitHub is an Internet hosting service for software development and version control using Git.
Launched GitHub service (product launch, approx.)
GitHub service and platform launched to developers (founding year 2008; exact launch milestones occurred through 2008).
Assumed executive/operational role at GitHub (Co‑founder / senior operations role)
Hyett is referenced in sources as a co‑founder and in archived material as having COO responsibilities at GitHub during early years (role/title specifics varied by source).
Referenced as GitHub leadership during growth years (milestone)
During GitHub's growth phase Hyett served in leadership roles as the company scaled (general milestone; specific internal dates not public).
Hyett's GitHub stake estimated near $1B
Following the Microsoft acquisition Hyett's personal stake in GitHub was reported to be 'close to $1 billion' (Forbes/CNBC coverage).
Microsoft announced acquisition of GitHub
Microsoft announced it would acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion (USD) in June 2018.
Entered final round of Le Mans Cup (2022)
Hyett and team entered the final round of the Michelin Le Mans Cup ahead of moving into FIA WEC competition.
Founded AO Racing (auto racing team)
Hyett founded AO Racing to compete in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship; team formation announced in autumn 2022.
Racing debut at Watkins Glen (GT World Challenge America)
Hyett made his circuit racing debut at Watkins Glen in the GT World Challenge America series driving for Team Hardpoint alongside Gunnar Jeannette.
Finished 2nd in first WEC outing at Bahrain (LMGTE Am)
Hyett and Gunnar Jeannette, led by pro Ben Barnicoat, finished second on their first FIA World Endurance Championship outing at Bahrain.
AO Racing partners with Team Project 1 for 2023
AO Racing partnered with WEC outfit Team Project 1 to contest the full 2023 season (announcement and media coverage mid‑Nov 2022).
Competed in IMSA SportsCar Championship GTD (2023) with Sebastian Priaulx
Hyett raced in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driving together with Sebastian Priaulx for AO Racing in 2023.
Full season contest in FIA WEC (LMGTE Am) with Project 1–AO (2023)
Hyett competed in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship LMGTE Am class as part of Project 1–AO.
Qualifying crash and missed Spa due to back injury (2023)
Hyett suffered a crash in qualifying and missed the 6 Hours of Spa‑Francorchamps because of a back injury; Project 1–AO withdrew from Spa after the accident.
AO Racing submitted 2024 IMSA entry requests
AO Racing submitted entry requests for the 2024 IMSA season for LMP2 and GTD Pro categories (media coverage Aug 21, 2023).
Set for Proton Competition effort in Asian Le Mans Series (2023–24)
Hyett announced he would drive in the LMP2 class of the Asian Le Mans Series with Proton Competition as IMSA LMP2 preparation.
Two top‑five finishes at Sepang (Asian Le Mans Series)
Hyett produced two top‑five finishes at Sepang during the 2023–24 Asian Le Mans Series season, demonstrating improved LMP2 pace.
2024 IMSA LMP2 season performance (poles/podium)
During the 2024 IMSA LMP2 season Hyett recorded multiple pole positions and a podium; AO Racing finished the season 6th in the standings (season summary).
Proton Competition finished 8th in teams' standings (Asian Le Mans Series)
Though Hyett and teammates showed pace, Proton Competition finished 8th in the teams' standings for the series.
Full‑time switch to LMP2 in IMSA with AO Racing
Hyett and AO Racing transitioned to full‑time LMP2 competition in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for 2024.
Competed at 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMP2) with AO by TF
Hyett drove an AO Racing Oreca 07 run by TF Sport alongside Louis Delétraz and Alex Quinn at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans; finished 6th overall in LMP2 and 2nd in LMP2 Pro‑Am.
Took first LMP2 pole at Dubai Autodrome
Hyett took pole position in LMP2 at the Dubai Autodrome during the 2023–24 Asian Le Mans Series (reported Feb 3, 2024).
Won LMP2 Pro‑Am class at 24 Hours of Le Mans (2025)
Hyett and co‑drivers won the LMP2 Pro‑Am class at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished on the overall LMP2 podium (3rd overall).
Consecutive IMSA LMP2 win at Road America (2025)
Hyett followed the CTMP win with a dominant victory at Road America, part of a consecutive win streak that propelled AO Racing to the top of the LMP2 standings.
Lives in west Chicago with wife and two children (status)
Hyett is married to Kendra (works in non‑profit sector); the couple have two children and reside in west Chicago (current as of sourced biographical notes through 2025).
European Le Mans Series class win at Imola (2025)
AO Racing / AO by TF secured a European Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro‑Am class win at Imola during the 2025 campaign.
IMSA LMP2 class and overall victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Hyett and Dane Cameron drove the No. 99 ORECA LMP2 to class and overall victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP, Mosport) on July 13, 2025.
Leading Jim Trueman Award standings by 107 points (2025)
Hyett held a 107‑point lead in the Jim Trueman Award standings (IMSA Bronze‑rated LMP2 driver award) as reported in August 2025.
Seven Motul Pole Awards in 11 LMP2 attempts (through Aug 7, 2025)
As of Aug 7, 2025 Hyett had claimed the Motul Pole Award seven times in 11 LMP2 qualifying attempts since the start of 2024.
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