Porsche Motorsports Weekly Event Notes: Monday, January 22, 2018

by Thomas Moore

This Week.

• Rolex Record. Strong Porsche Lineup will Recognize 50th Anniversary of Win. • The Works. Porsche Factory, Young Professionals and Select Contend at Daytona. • New Faces. Porsche Motorsport Makes Organizational Changes in 2018. • Continental Cayman. Porsche Looks to Defend 2017 Continental Win. • Record Holder. Porsche is the All-Time Leader in Overall Rolex 24 Wins. • Porsche Entries at Daytona International Speedway. • Where to Watch

Upcoming Porsche Motorsport Events.

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Event: 56th Running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Daytona International Speedway

Dateline: Daytona Beach, Florida

Date: Saturday - Sunday, January 27 – 28, 2018

Track Length: 3.56-miles, 12-turn

Race Duration: 24-Hours

Class: GTLM (Porsche 911 RSR)

GTD (Porsche 911 GT3 R)

Round: GTLM. 1 of 11

GTD. 1 of 11

Next Round: 66th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring, Florida, Sebring International Raceway, March 17, 2018

IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

Event: BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona

Dateline: Daytona Beach, Florida

Date: Friday, January 26, 2018

Track Length: 3.56-miles, 12-turn

Race Duration: 4-Hours

Class: GS (Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR)

Round: GS. 1 of 10

Next Round: 66th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring, Florida, Sebring International Raceway, March 16, 2018

Porsche Profile.

Event Story Lines.

Rolex Record. Strong Porsche Lineup will Recognize 50th Anniversary of Win.

Porsche celebrates a very special anniversary during the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend, January 27 – 28. It is 50 years since Vic Elford, Jochen Neerpasch, Rolf Stommelen, Jo Siffert and Hans Herrmann claimed the first of 22 overall victories for Porsche on the world-famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The quartet raced a Porsche 907 LH (long tail) for the Porsche factory team in the legendary endurance event. As the most successful manufacturer in the history of this prestigious race, Porsche will once again be strongly represented at the 56th edition with five of the iconic 911-based race cars; the 911 RSR in the GTLM class and the 911 GT3 R in the GTD category.

The Porsche GT Team will field two 911 RSR at the opening round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The number 911 and 912 cars from Weissach, Germany will face stiff opposition from BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari and Ford in what is traditionally the most fiercely contested category in international GT racing. Three 911 GT3 R will be run by Porsche customer teams in the GTD class. The No. 58 Wright Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R, the No. 59 Manthey Racing 911 GT3 R and the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche challenge in the Pro-Am style class.

The Rolex 24 is the first highlight of the 2018 motorsport year not only in North America but worldwide. Together with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 is one of the most famous endurance races in the world. 50 cars, with drivers from a wide range of global racing series, will line up at the 3.56-mile (5.729-kilometer) Daytona International Speedway – an ultra-modern motorsport arena with 12-turns that utilize much of the oval made famous by NASCAR’s Daytona 500 and an infield portion that challenges and offers significant passing opportunities.

The Porsche 911 RSR made its successful race debut in Daytona in 2017 finishing in second-place in the GTLM class. As well as set-up optimizations, the reliability of the car has been improved again for 2018. The rear-mounted engine generates about 510 hp, depending on the size of the restrictor. The particularly large rear diffuser, in combination with the rear wing, which incorporates “swan neck” mounts, creates greater aerodynamic efficiency and improved downforce.

The 911 GT3 R won the GTD class in Daytona in 2017 with Alegra Motorsports. Porsche used the 911 GT3 RS production sports car as the basis for the powerful customer sports car, which generates over 500 hp and is intended for use in global GT3 series. An evolution package is available to teams this season.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars.

“Starting the season with a 24-classic like Daytona is a very special challenge for the teams and drivers. However, we are as well prepared as possible to lay the foundation for a successful year of motorsport in 2018 at this iconic race, which attracts fans from all over the world. As the most successful manufacturer in the history of this race, Porsche has enjoyed some of its biggest wins here. Continuing this run of unforgettable victories against such impressive opposition is a very strong motivation for the Porsche GT Team with the 911 RSR, as well as for our customer teams with the 911 GT3 R.”

Pascal Zurlinden, Director GT Factory Motorsports.

“We have prepared well for the season-opener in Daytona. Even at the test, our drivers were able to take to the demanding track with another optimized set-up. After the long break from racing, we have also been able to run through the processes within the team under competitive conditions. Despite all the preparation, starting the season with a 24-hour race is still a huge challenge – but one we are looking forward to.”

Sebastian Golz, Project Manager 911 GT3 R.

“After last year’s hard-fought win in the GTD class, our customer teams travel to Daytona with high expectations. We have developed an evolution package for the 911 GT3 R for them, which will be used for the first time in Daytona. The integration of flicks on the front axle allows a more stable aerodynamic balance in the set-up. The modified air routing in the engine hood ensures better heat management within the powertrain at high temperatures.”

Patrick Pilet, Driver, No. 911 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR.

“It is always important to get the season off to a good start, particularly when the race is a classic like Daytona. Victory against strong opposition and the top drivers from a wide range of racing series is the best possible reward for all the work that the team and drivers have invested in preparations over the winter – and an incredible boost for the rest of the season. We were runner-up last year. This time, we are looking to go one better.”

Nick Tandy, Driver, No. 911 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR.

“I enjoy being back in the USA. Some of my biggest successes have come here with the 911 RSR. Daytona is a great race and the start of a season, which we go into with very high expectations. Victory in Daytona is also always a big statement to the opposition. Even with the best possible preparation, it is never easy to win at this demanding circuit. We will do our best.”

Frédéric Makowiecki, Driver, No. 911 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR.

“A 24-hour race is always rather special. It is a highlight for drivers and fans alike – exciting, exhausting, and sometimes a bit crazy. Daytona is a real classic, one of those races that every racing driver would like to win at some point in their career. We certainly have a good chance with the 911 RSR. We are hungry to take that chance.”

Earl Bamber, Driver, No. 9121 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR.

“It is fantastic to be back in the USA with Porsche. I have had a very good and successful time here in the past. Daytona is one of the most famous races in the world, an exciting start to the season, at which everyone must reveal their cards. I am looking forward to driving with Laurens for the first time this season. We have had some fierce battles as rivals in Macau and Sepang. I am sure we can achieve great things this season as teammates in the 911 RSR and with a strong team behind us. It would be nice to start with a win in Daytona.”

Laurens Vanthoor, Driver, No. 912 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR.

“When I came to Daytona for the first time last year, I was like a kid on his first day at school. I did not know the circuit, the race or the IMSA SportsCar Championship. That is all different now. I know what it takes to be among the front-runners in races in this fiercely competitive championship. I hope, with this experience, that we can put ourselves in a good position in the title race in Daytona.”

Gianmaria Bruni, Driver, No. 911 Porsche GT Team Porsche 911 RSR.

“Daytona is always one of the biggest challenges in our sport. I am looking forward to competing at this endurance classic as a Porsche works driver for the first time. There is a lot of responsibility, given the countless successes that Porsche has achieved in Daytona. We did some very good testing with the 911 RSR here, and I can hardly wait for the race to get started.”

Patrick Long, Driver, No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“I won the World Challenge with Wright Motorsports in 2017. I now hope that, with my experience, I can help the team to a good result in Daytona too. You cannot afford to get caught up in battles for position in this race. Sometimes, you have to take a step back and look after your car. It is important to be well placed as the race enters the final few hours and victory is at stake.”

Christina Nielsen, Driver, No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“Daytona is a classic 24-hour race in the sense that consistency and making it through the night are the key factors for a good result. Traditionally, the worst drama is over when the sun comes up, but as I learned last year, it’s a 24-hour race and anything can happen. This year we’re starting from scratch with a new season, a new team and a new manufacturer. I look forward to being back with the Wright Motorsports guys. I think the Roar was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other much better so that we can go into the race week as a team.”

Mathieu Jaminet, Driver, No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“I am looking forward to my first Daytona. This race is something very special. I familiarized myself with the demanding track at the test. I have been made to feel very welcome by the Wright Motorsports team and my teammates. Patrick Long, in particular, knows Daytona like the back of his hand. He has given me a few valuable tips.”

Sven Müller, Driver, No. 59 Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“Last year, I drove my first race as a Porsche works driver in Daytona. That was a very emotional moment for me. I am pleased to be returning with Manthey Racing again. We were very good and quick with our 911 GT3 R at the test. I hope we can back up that good performance in the race itself.”

Matteo Cairoli, Driver, No. 59 Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“This race, which I drove in for the first time in 2017, possesses an incredible fascination. What goes on here all week, both on and off the track, is as exciting for a young racing driver as the first visit to Disney World. We have prepared well with Manthey Racing. I can hardly wait to finally get going.”

Jörg Bergmeister, Driver, No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“Only those who are among the front-runners at the season-opener in Daytona will have a chance of winning the championship against such strong opposition. However, that will not be easy. This race has been, and remains, one of the really big challenges in our sport. I have won it three times, but still look forward to it every year. The fascination is unique.”

The Works. Porsche Factory, Young Professionals and Select Contend at Daytona.

Nine Porsche “works” drivers, two Young Professionals and a Porsche Select driver will be in action for Porsche at the 56th Running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 27 – 28. Six of the “works” drivers will be allocated to run the pair of Porsche 911 RSRs for the factory effort known as the Porsche GT Team. Three of the factory aces, the two Young Professionals and a Porsche Select will run for customer programs in the GTD class.

Driving duties in the No. 911 Porsche GT Team 911 RSR will be shared by 2017 Tequila Patrón North American Endurance GTLM Drivers Champion Patrick Pilet (France), 24 Hours of Le Mans overall winner Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and Frédéric Makowiecki (France). Two-time Le Mans overall winner and reigning LMP1 World Champion Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium) and Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) will alternate at the wheel of the Porsche GT Team’s number 912 car.

Porsche will also provide a number of drivers to support customer teams, as they take on the challenge of Daytona armed with the 911 GT3 R. Patrick Long (Manhattan Beach, California), Young Professional Mathieu Jaminet (France) and Porsche Select Driver Christina Nielsen (Denmark) will drive for Wright Motorsports in the No. 58 alongside 2016 Porsche Cup winner Robert Renauer (Germany). Sven Müller (Germany) and Young Professional Matteo Cairoli (Italy) will be in action at the wheel of the No. 59 Manthey Racing car with privateers Steve Smith (Germany), Randy Wallis (Germany) and Harald Proczyk (Austria). Factory ace Jörg Bergmeister (Germany) reprises his regular role with Patrick Lindsey (Santa Barbara, California), Timothy Pappas (Boston, Massachusetts) and Norbert Siedler (Austria) in the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports machine.

Across these 12 drivers there are six Rolex 24 Hour wins. Bergmeister has three victories in the race with an overall title in 2003 and class honors in 2002 and 2009. Pilet (2014), Tandy (2014) and Long (2009) each have one victory in the race. Makowiecki has two podium results (third-place in 2016 and second in 2017). Bamber eared a third-place finish in 2016 with “Mako”.

New Faces. Porsche Motorsport Makes Organizational Changes in 2018.

Porsche has expanded its global commitment to GT racing this season and has made organizational changes to allow this. Pascal Zurlinden (France), who worked with the Porsche LMP Team previously, takes over from Marco Ujhasi (Germany) as the new Director GT Factory Motorsports. His predecessor will work closely with Porsche Digital GmbH in the future in his role as Project Manager Digitization Motorsport. Sebastian Golz takes over project management of the 911 GT3 R, including works-assisted outings in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, Blancpain Endurance Series, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars.

“I would like to thank Marco Ujhasi for the extremely successful work he did on developing the 911 RSR works team. This success was crowned with victories at the 24-hour races in Daytona and Le Mans, as well as title wins in the WEC and IMSA – not for-getting Porsche’s first overall victory at the Petit Le Mans. I wish him all the best and every success for his new digital challenge.”

Continental Cayman. Porsche Looks to Defend 2017 Continental Win.

2018 marks the second year that the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (CTSCC) will open its season with a four-hour endurance event. Last season, the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport swept the top-four finishing positions with 2016 champions Bodymotion Racing earning the overall win in the BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona. While the four-hour race itself and the 3.56-mile track remain the same, much of everything else has changed. For the first time, GT4 class cars will be the only entries allowed in the support series GS class race and many of the teams and drivers have been shaken-up. Porsche’s international GT4, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR, contender debuted in the race one year ago.

Porsche starts the 2018 season with only four entries in the class. Bodymotion returns but with a new driver lineup and a new car, the No. 5 Bodymotion Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR of Stevan McAleer (Monticello, New York) and Joe Robillard (Short Hills, New Jersey) replaces the non-MR variant that earned them the 2016 class title.

2017 Championship winners RS1 bring a pair of the mid-engine Porsche sports car to Daytona. The No. 18, which is yet to have its driver lineup finalized and the No. 28 of defending GS Driver Champion Dillon Machavern (Burlington, Vermont) and veteran ace Spencer Pumpelly (Atlanta, Georgia).

The No. 38 BGB Motorsports shared by Rolex 24 regular David Murry (Atlanta, Georgia), his 17-year-old son Dylan Murry (Atlanta, Georgia) and James Cox (Nokomis, Florida) is the final Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR entered in the race. The younger Murry is making his Daytona and CTSCC debut on Friday, January 26.

Record Holder. Porsche is the All-Time Leader in Overall Rolex 24 Wins.

Porsche is the most success manufacturer in Daytona road racing since the inception of the first Daytona Continental race in 1962, and the first 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966.

Overall Wins. 22 (first in 1968; most recent in 2009 and 2010) (Record)

- Overall wins came in: 1968, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978 – 1987, 1989, 1991, 2003, 2009, 2010 - From 1977 to 1987, Porsche compiled 11 consecutive overall wins (Record) - 40% of the time, Porsche has won the race overall in 55 years (1962-2017). - First Overall Win: 1968 - Finished 1-2 overall in 12 Daytona 24-Hours (Record)

Class Wins. 78 (includes Daytona Continental races starting in 1962; 24 hr. races that started in 1966; most recent in GT Daytona class in 2017)

- 71% of the time, Porsche has won the race in its class in 55 years. - GT Class Wins: 27 (Record) - SGS Class wins (class ran only in 2004): 1 - GX Class wins (class ran only in 2013): 1

Porsche 911.

- Wins. 42 Overall and Class Victories (Record) - 76% of the time, a Porsche 911 wins its class. - 20 Race Winning Streak (overall or class): 1966-1987 (Record) - GT class winner finishing second overall: 2001, 2004 - GTX Series Winner: 1978-1981 - GTP Series Winner: 1982-87, 1989,1991

Race win statistics for the Rolex 24 – a majority accomplished in Porsches.

Most Overall Victories.

1. Hurley Haywood, 5 (1991, 1979, 1977, 1975, 1973)

Scott Pruett, 5 (1994, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013) 2. Peter Gregg, 4 (1978, 1976, 1975, 1973)

Rolf Stommelen, 4 (1982, 1980, 1978, 1968) Bob Wollek, 4 (1983, 1985, 1989, 1991) Pedro Rodriguez, 4 (1971, 1970, 3 hour races in 1964 and 1963) 7. Brian Redman, 3 (1981, 1976, 1970)

Derek Bell, 3 (1989, 1987, 1986) Andy Wallace, 3 (1999, 1998, 1990) Butch Leitzinger, 3 (1999, 1997, 1994) Juan Pablo Montoya, 2 (2007, 2008, 2013)

Most Consecutive Overall Victories.

1. Peter Gregg, 3 (1973, 1975, 1976 – No Event Held in 1974)

2. Al Holbert, 2 (1986, 1987)

Al Unser Jr., 2 (1986, 1987 Derek Bell, 2 (1986, 1987) Hurley Haywood, 2 (1973, 1975 – No Event Held in 1974) Pedro Rodriguez, 2 (1970, 1971) Ken Miles, 2 (1966, 327-lap race in 1965) Lloyd Ruby, 2 (1966, 327-lap race in 1965) Pedro Rodriguez, 2 (327-lap race in 1964, 3-hour race in 1963) Scott Pruett, 2 (2007, 2008) Juan Pablo Montoya, 2 (2007, 2008)

Most Class Victories.

1. Scott Pruett, 10 (1987, 1988, 1992 – 94, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013)

2. Peter Gregg, 6 (1978, 1976, 1975, 1973, 1972, 1968)

Hurley Haywood, 6 (1991, 1979, 1977, 1975, 1973, 1972) Scott Pruett, 6 (2002, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1988, 1987) 3. Hans Herrmann, 4 (1968, 1967, 1966, 1963)

Pedro Rodriguez, 4 (1971, 1970, 1964, 1963) Rolf Stommelen, 4 (1982, 1980, 1978, 1968) Amos Johnson, 4 (1988, 1987, 1986, 1985) Bob Wollek, 4 (1991, 1989, 1985, 1983) Peter Uria, 4 (1993, 1992, 1991, 1990) Robby Gordon, 4 (1993, 1992, 1991, 1990) Wally Dallenbach Jr., 4 (1993, 1992, 1991, 1985) Dick Greer, 4 (2001, 1993, 1992, 1991) Andy Wallace, 4 (2003, 1999, 1997, 1990)

Porsche Entries at Daytona International Speedway.

A total of nine (9) Porsche Motorsport-built race cars across two series – the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series and IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge – are entered to race at Daytona International Speedway this weekend.

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Total Car Count: Five (5) Porsche entries will race in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

GTLM Class – Two (2) Porsche 911 RSR.

No. 911 Porsche GT Team Patrick Pilet (France)/Nick Tandy (Great Britain)/ Frédéric Makowiecki (France)

No. 912 Porsche GT Team Earl Bamber (New Zealand)/ Laurens Vanthoor (Belgium)/ Gianmaria Bruni (Italy)

GTD Class – Three (3) Porsche 911 GT3 R.

No. 58 Wright Motorsports Patrick Long (Manhattan Beach, California)/ Christina Nielsen (Denmark)/ Mathieu Jaminet (France)/ Robert Renauer (Germany)

No. 59 Manthey Racing Sven Müller (Germany)/ Matteo Cairoli (France)/ Steve Smith (Germany)/ Harald Proczyk (Austria)/ Randy Wallis (Germany)

No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Jörg Bergmeister (Germany)/ Patrick Lindsey (Santa Barbara, California)/ Tim Pappas (Boston, Massachusetts) / Norbert Siedler (Austria)

IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.

Total Car Count: Four (4) Porsche Motorsport-produced entries will be competing in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge season-opening BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR

No. 5 Bodymotion Racing

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR Stevan McAleer (Monticello, New York)/ Joe Robillard (Short Hills, New Jersey)

No. 18 RS1

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR TBD/ TBD

No. 28 RS1

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR Dillon Machavern (Burlington, Vermont)/ Spencer Pumpelly (Atlanta, Georgia)

No. 38 BGB Motorsports

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR David Murry (Atlanta, Georgia)/ Dylan Murry (Atlanta, Georgia)/ James Cox (Nokomis, Florida)

Social Media.

Porsche Cars North America. @Porsche

Porsche GT Team (North America) @PorscheNARacing

Porsche Motorsport – GT Cars. @PorscheRaces

Porsche Racing @Porsche_Team

Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI #PorscheRennsport

Model Hashtags.

Porsche 911 RSR. #911RSR

Porsche 911 GT3 R. #911GT3R

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #911Cup

Event Hashtag.

Rolex 24 At Daytona #Rolex24

Series Hashtags and Handles.

GT3 Cup Challenge USA. #GT3USA

GT3 Cup Challenge Canada. #GT3CAN

PCA Club Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trophy East @CaymanGT4CSEast #GT4CSE

Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy USA @PirelliCupUSA

Intercontinental GT Challenge @IntercontGTC

Future Porsche Events.

Pirelli World Challenge

Event: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Streets of St. Petersburg

Dateline: St. Petersburg, Florida

Date: Friday - Sunday, March 9 - 11, 2018

Track Length: 1.8-miles, 14-turn

Race Duration: Two Races, 50-minute

Class: GT (Porsche 911 GT3 R)

GTS (Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR)

Round: GT. 1 and 2 of 9

GTS. 1 and 2 of 8

Next Round: Grand Prix of Texas, Austin, Texas, Circuit of the Americas, March 23 - 25, 2018

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Event: 66th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring International Raceway

Dateline: Sebring, Florida

Date: Wednesday – Saturday, March 14 – 17, 2018

Track Length: 3.74-miles, 17-turn

Race Duration: 12-Hours

Class: GTLM (Porsche 911 RSR)

GTD (Porsche 911 GT3 R)

Round: GTLM. 2 of 11

GTD. 2 of 11

Next Round: BUBBA Burger SportsCar Grand Prix at Long Beach, Long Beach, California, Long Beach Temporary Street Course, April 13 – 14, 2018

IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

Event: Sebring 120, Sebring International Raceway

Dateline: Sebring, Florida

Date: Friday, March 16, 2018

Track Length: 3.74-miles, 17-turn

Race Duration: 2-Hours

Class: GS (Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR)

Round: GS. 2 of 10

Next Round: Mid-Ohio 120, Lexington, Ohio, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, May 12, 2018