The sanctioning body ‘Historic Sports car Racing’ is bringing 24 hour historic racing to North America for the first time this November. Following in the footsteps of the other major international 24 hour race, the Le Mans 24, Daytona will offer a 24 hour classic race to celebrate the history of their storied event. It’ll certainly be entertaining to see some of those significant competitors back on Daytona’s high banks. The fact that the competition is open to all sports cars from 1961 through 2010, there should be a little bit of something for everyone.
The actual racing will take place for a full 24 hours, but will be split up among six period-correct racing groups. Each of these groups will compete in a one-hour session four times each during the 24 hours. It will take some organizational prowess to manage the race groups though, because there is no down-time between groups. As one group takes the checkered flag to end their session, the next group will already have gridded up, and the pace-car will roll out for the start of another race. Rapid fire succession, no rest for the wicked.
In preparation for the race this November 14th through the 16th, the folks at HSR have announced that they have already secured a number of significant Porsche racers, including these five 962 variants. I wouldn’t want to miss that session, or weekend for that matter.
Porsche 962 HR1. The “Holbert Racing #1” was arguably the most famous 962 to compete in North America. HR1 managed an incredible three IMSA championship victories with ten overall wins and eighteen podium finishes. Holbert’s co-drivers in the car included Derek Bell, Chip Robinson & Al Unser, Jr.
962-HR1 Competition Highlights: 1985 IMSA GTP Drivers Championship. 1985 Porsche Cup USA. 1986 IMSA GTP Drivers Championship. 1987 IMSA GTP Manufacturers Championship (2nd in driver points). 1987 Daytona 24 Hours Overall Winner. 6 Poles including its first race in 1985 and last race in 1988. 19 podium finishes. 11 overall wins.
Porsche 962-113. Chassis #113 was entered through the Bob Akin Motor Racing team. This car was 0ne of only 19 Factory built tubs, and began competing in July 1985. Its final race was the Sebring 12 hour in 1987. Winner of the 1986 12hr of Sebring. In period drivers included Bob Akin, Hans Stuck & Jo Gartner.
Porsche 962. Le Mans, Fouche/Konrad/Taylor, Kremer-LEYTON HOUSE #11, 4th OA. 1987 FIA Worlds Sports Prototype Championship, Kremer Porsche Racing, 6th OA. 1988 FIA Worlds Sports Prototype Championship, Kremer Porsche Racing, 8th OA.
Porsche 956C.Primarily raced in Japan. 1984 1,000 km of Fuji 2nd. 1984 1,000 km of Suzuka 2nd. 1984 1,000 km of Fuji 3rd. 1984 500 km of Fuji 1st. 1985 500 km of Fuji 4th. 1985 1000 km of Fuji 1st. Drivers included Schuppan, Katayama, Stuck & Suzuki.
Porsche 962C. Campaigned by Dauer Racing for Jochen Dauer. Competed at the Daytona 24 Hours & Sebring 12 Hours in 1990. Also raced in Europe. Drivers included Jochen Dauer, Raul Boesel, Hans Stuck, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Unser, Derek Bell, & Henri Pescarolo.
In conjunction with the 24 hours of vintage racing, there will also be three preceding days of practice, qualifying, and a night practice for cars competing in the classic 24 hour. Coming along for the ride is HSR’s traditional sprint and endurance series races, as well as the finale of the SCCA’s Trans-Am racing series. For more information, visit classic24hour.com where tickets will be available soon.
Other Porsche Blog Posts You Will Enjoy
Video: Ride Onboard With Leh Keen In A 1974 911 RSR At Le Mans Classic
Porsche’s Results And Pictures From The Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona
2 Reason To Attend A Porsche Vintage Racing Events + Pictures From Mid-Ohio