German racing driver Wolf Henzler is many things. He is a 42-year old father of two, a Daytona 24 winner, a Le Mans winner, a Spa 24 winner, twice Petit Le Mans winner, and owner of multiple championship titles. Until recently, Wolf was one of the longest-standing Porsche factory drivers after ten seasons of racing with the distinction of Porsche’s factory support. He spent most of his career racing here in the US, and as such I’ve become quite accustomed to watching him race. In fact, Wolf was one of the first factory drivers to sit down with us for an interview when we first started this site.
Beginning in 2018 Wolf’s role changes from one of factory driver to that of Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Junior Program Driver Coach. Wolf is still available to drive for Porsche customer teams in any capacity, just not as a factory driver.
Personally, I have loved watching Wolf race. He’s a smooth pair of hands and has a tendency to get the car to the finish. I’ve always counted him as among the more reliable drivers, and even as he has moved into his forties, he’s maintained a level of speed. He may not be capable of the quickest lap times any longer, but he’s certainly got the goods for an endurance effort. A faster driver is only a good thing if they can get the car to the finish. If you’re a privateer running on a tight budget this year, hire Wolf because he’ll get you above average results while keeping the car in one piece for the full season.
Wolf wasn’t exactly in a visible seat for 2017, bouncing between TRG’s stalled program and Gainsco’s now-defunct program. He did his duty as a fill-in driver wherever Porsche needed him, and did well enough. It’s time to say goodbye, though. So thanks for all the good times, Wolf.
A Look Back at Wolf’s Accomplishments
2016
- Porsche Works Driver
- World Endurance Championship (GTE Am, 5 podiums)
- VLN/Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstrecke Nürburgring (1 podium)
2015
- Porsche Works Driver
- 3rd 24h Nürburgring (overall)
- Tudor United SportsCar Championship (GTLM , 1 win, 1 podium)
- VLN/Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstrecke Nürburgring (2 podiums)
2014
- Porsche Works Driver
- Tudor United SportsCar Championship (GTLM, 1st Petit Le Mans, 2 podiums)
2013
- Porsche Works Driver
- American Le Mans Championship (GT, 1st Petit Le Mans, 2 podiums)
2012
- Porsche Works Driver
- 2nd 24h Daytona (GT)
- American Le Mans Championship (GT, 1 win)
2011
- Porsche Works Driver
- 1st 24h Daytona (GT)
- 5th American Le Mans Series Championship (GT, 2 wins)
- 1st 25h Thunderhill (overall classification)
2010
- Porsche Works Driver
- 1st 24h Le Mans (GT2 class)
- 1st 24h Spa (overall classification)
- 3rd 24h Daytona (GT class)
- American Le Mans Series Championship
2009
- Porsche Works Driver
- 3rd American Le Mans Series Championship (GT2, 3 podiums)
- 3rd 24h Nürburgring (overall classification)
- Grand-Am Series Championship (GT, 1 podium)
2008
- Porsche Works Driver
- 1st American Le Mans Series Championship (GT2, 1st Sebring)
2007
- 3rd American Le Mans Series Championship (GT2, 6 podiums)
- Grand-Am Series Championship (GT class, 2 podiums)
2006
- “Porsche Cup” Award Winner
- 2nd Grand-Am Series Championship (GT, 5 wins, 6 podiums)
- 4th American Le Mans Series Championship (GT2, 1 win at Mid-Ohio, 4 podiums)
2005
- 4th Speed World Challenge (GT, 2 wins)
- 4th American Le Mans Series Championship (GT2)
- 1st 24h Daytona (GT, pole position)
2004
- 1st Porsche Michelin Supercup Championship (9 wins)
- 2nd Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Championship (3 wins)
- 2nd American Le Mans Series/Petit Le Mans (GT)
- Speed World Challenge (GT class, 2 wins in 2 races)
2003
- 2nd Porsche Michelin Supercup Championship (3 wins)
- 4th Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Championship (1 win)
2002
- 4th Porsche Michelin Supercup Championship (3 wins)
- 6th Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Championship
2001
- 6th Porsche Pirelli Supercup Championship
2000
- 8th Porsche Pirelli Supercup Championship
1999
- FIA Formula 3000 Championship
1998
- 3rd German Formula 3 Championship (2 wins)
1997
- 4th German Formula 3 Championship (2 wins)
- 2nd Formula 3 Monaco Grand Prix
1996
- German Formula 3 Championship
1995
- 3rd German Formula 3 Championship Class B (5 wins)
1994
- 5th German Opel Championship (2 wins)
1993
- 4th German Formula BMW Championship (2 wins)
1992
- German Formula BMW Championship “Rookie of the Year”
1991
- 1st German Junior Kart Championship
1990
- 3 rd Junior Kart Championship of South Germany
View Comments (3)
The driver who could be counted on to win in a driving rainstorm - hat tip to Wolf!! Sadly, time marches onward for all of us, though.
Chuck, very true. Happy to know he's staying on in some capacity, though.
I was honored to spend a lot of time with Wolf from 2005-2009 as we were both part of the now defunct Farnbacher Loles team. Wolf is not just a phenomenal driver, but also a true professional and a gentleman. Watching him put the car in the exact same place on the track, lap after lap, was a sight to behold. On a track like St. Pete, his mirrors would almost touch the concrete walls, yet he rarely put a wheel wrong. And he was always happy to help less experienced drivers improve their craft.
Racing at the Glen one year in torrential rain, the race was winding down and while he was blasting down the front straight, Wolf radioed in to find out his position. When told he was P2, he said, "no problem." The next time around he was in the lead and went on to win the race. Classic Wolf.
His infectious smile, great sense of humor, positive attitude and pursuit of perfection are memories I will cherish and I wish Wolf continued success in the years ahead.