The Racing History of Porsche
Within the automotive racing history, Porsche is a flagship racing icon. Their production car, stock comes ready to hit the track as a serious competitor. They are race-ready with their gorgeous lines and rumble under the hood. The most common race cars are the GT2 and GT3 models. Yes, even though they are a streetcar, it is most common to see these luxury vehicles tuned and stripped, ready for the track and performance racing. You are less likely to see them with added creature comforts on the road. These cars exist for the track, and we are lucky to drive them on the road.
Porsche has a history of reliability. Did you know that over 70% of Porsches are still roadworthy and driving to this day? Comparing that to production models of the common car, the percentage of roadworthy Porsches still driving today is astronomical. With this ratio, it is no wonder that most of Porsche's titles, winnings, and trophies are from long-distance racing. With this type of success, it is no wonder that Porsche went from a small company that built race engines to the most prolific racecar manufacturer in the world.
Early Racing
In the mid-1950s, the Targa Florio began their racing successes due to their lightweight, stellar handling, aerodynamics, and reliability. These victories led Porsche to build and dedicate the Porsche 356 to the track. Over time, as their engines grew more powerful and added increased displacement, the speed of technology and mechanical improvements brought Porsche to the top to win nearly every race they entered.
24 Hours of Le Mans
The oldest endurance race in the world is 24 Hours of Le Mans, on the Circuit de la Sarthe, which requires vehicles entered to have a combination of extremely reliable, aerodynamic, and sporty, over simple speed racing. The amount of strain this race puts on each vehicle entered pushes the industry to technologically advance more than any other race. 24 hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of reliability, and Porsche emerges on the top with more wins from various models over the years than any other automobile manufacturer.
Formula One Racing
Back in 1961, the first Porsche was entered into the Formula One Circuit. The Porsche 718 RSK was not competitive and sported old racing technology, as it was designed in the late 50s for Formula Two. This car was not suited for Formula One Racing. In 1962, the Porsche 804 was entered, and the eight-cylinder engine was able to capture the only victory for Porsche. Tthey pulled from the F1circuit as their resources didn't allow them to invest in research and development. The financial strain was too great with the new Reutter factory the recently acquired.
Porsche returned to Formula One racing in the form of an engine supplier for the McLaren racing team in 1983. This was when turbo became prevalent, and their engine design had to modify due to shape and size issues. Porsche was known for their flat engines, and these new turbos created logistical problems, which is why they switch over to a V6 turbocharged engine. Even though these engines were not the most powerful on the market, they still swept 1st place in 1984 and 1985 and ended up taking 25 1st place trophies between 1984 and 1987.
Winning with Porsche
Porsche took victories in many amateur races as well as notable races throughout the globe. The list is long and impressive, including the IMSA Supercar-series and many IMSA Supercar-races, World Sportscar Championships, many European hill climbing championships, 12 hours of Sebring, the Daytona 24 Hour Race, Rallye Monte Carlo, Paris-Dakar Rally, and 11 Targa Florio.
At Bristow's, we know and love Porsches and have some of the most qualified auto mechanics in the business today. We back our work with a 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty, and our entire team focuses on creating a top-notch customer service experience. We specialize in BMW service and repair, so you'll know that your car is in the best hands. Make your appointment today!
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