Delve into the captivating world of prototype sports cars and witness the evolution from the groundbreaking Porsche 962 to the cutting-edge Cadillac V-Series.R. Uncover the triumphs, championships, and the skilled drivers who left their mark on these legendary machines. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the fascinating history of these remarkable vehicles.
The Dominance of the Porsche 962
Discover the groundbreaking Porsche 962 and its immense popularity in the Grand Touring Prototype class. Learn about the exceptional drivers and the series of victories that propelled this iconic sports car to new heights.
The arrival of the Porsche 962 in 1984 revolutionized the Grand Touring Prototype class, captivating fans with its exceptional performance. Led by notable drivers such as Al Holbert, Derek Bell, and Bob Wollek, the Porsche 962 quickly became a force to be reckoned with.
With victories at major endurance races and championships, including the Daytona 24-hour, the Porsche 962 solidified its place in sports car racing history. Its longevity was enhanced by the introduction of replacement chassis built by Fabcar and Jim Chapman.
Thanks to the ingenious adaptation of Norbert Singer's Group C Porsche 956 to meet IMSA regulations, the 962 showcased a balanced design that contributed to its enduring success. This iconic sports car paved the way for a new era of GTPs produced by auto manufacturers.
The Audi R8: A Winning Phenomenon
Explore the Audi R8's remarkable impact on the American Le Mans Series and its unparalleled success on the track. Discover the charismatic drivers and the dominance of the Audi factory teams that made the R8 an unstoppable force.
The Audi R8 became a crowd favorite in the American Le Mans Series, captivating fans with its winning ways and charismatic drivers. Teams like Team Joest and Champion Racing dominated the LMP-1 era, leaving little opposition for the R8.
Designed as a second-generation car, the R8's performance was perfected with the implementation of side-mounted radiators, eliminating the issues faced by its predecessor. The R8's crew of talented drivers, including Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, and Dindo Capello, consistently outperformed their rivals.
With victories at prestigious races like Le Mans and sustained ticket sales for the American Le Mans Series, the Audi R8 solidified its status as one of the most efficient and successful prototypes in sports car racing history.
Revitalizing IMSA: The Cadillac V-Series.R
Discover the Cadillac V-Series.R and its role in reviving IMSA with its hybrid GTP design. Learn about the Action Express Racing team's triumphs and the excitement surrounding this new class of prototypes.
The Cadillac V-Series.R has breathed new life into IMSA with its impressive GTP hybrid design. Among the four new GTP hybrids from Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche, the V-Series.R stands out as the most consistent performer.
With its booming, normally aspirated engine and strong performances by the Action Express Racing team, the V-Series.R clinched the driver's title and secured the manufacturer's championship. Its success at the legendary Le Mans race further boosted its popularity.
As IMSA embraces this new class of prototypes, excitement levels are at an all-time high, reminiscent of the early days when the Ferrari 333 SP first made its appearance. Notable drivers such as Pipo Derani, Sebastien Bourdais, and Renger van der Zande have showcased their skills behind the wheel of the Cadillac V-Series.R.
Ferrari 333 SP: A Post-GTP Savior
Uncover the Ferrari 333 SP's significant contribution to IMSA's World Sports Car rules and its role in saving the sanctioning body from a post-GTP depression. Learn about the controversy surrounding its arrival and the notable drivers who propelled it to success.
The Ferrari 333 SP made waves in IMSA's World Sports Car category, saving the sanctioning body from a post-GTP slump. Rival competitors were taken aback by the 333 SP's engine, derived from Formula 1 and featuring a five-valve, 4.0-liter V12.
Despite the initial controversy surrounding its compliance with the WSC rule requiring a production-based engine, the 333 SP's remarkable performance and Italian good looks attracted a significant number of buyers. Notable drivers like Max Papis, Gianpiero Moretti, and Wayne Taylor left their mark on this iconic Ferrari prototype.
Gianpiero Moretti, a popular team owner/driver, played a crucial role in the project's success, driven by his friendship with Piero Ferrari. Moretti's lifelong dream came true when he won the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1998 aboard his MOMO-backed 333 SP.
Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo: Diverse and Dominant
Explore the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo's impact on Victory Lane, bringing diversity to the GTP class and securing four consecutive championships. Learn about the racing geniuses behind its success and the notable drivers who piloted this formidable machine.
The Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo broke the early dominance of Porsche and Jaguar in the GTP class, bringing diversity to Victory Lane. The combination of racing geniuses behind the scenes, including Don Devendorf, John Knepp, and Trevor Harris, ensured the GTP ZX-Turbo's success.
With its impressive horsepower and impeccable power delivery, the GTP ZX-Turbo, managed by Kas Kastner, secured four consecutive championships. Notable drivers like Geoff Brabham, Chip Robinson, and John Morton showcased their exceptional skills behind the wheel.
While the GTP ZX-Turbo excelled at the 12 hours of Sebring, winning three times, it faced challenges at the 24 hours of Daytona due to its V-6 single turbo engine. Nonetheless, its achievements solidified its place in GTP history.
Jaguar XJR: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Witness the impact of the Tom Walkinshaw Racing team and their Jaguar XJR models on the GTP races. Explore the stunning designs, notable victories, and the drivers who propelled these iconic Jaguars to success.
The Tom Walkinshaw Racing team made a significant impact in GTP races with their Jaguar XJR models. The XJR-9, in particular, set the tone by winning its inaugural appearance at the Rolex 24 of Daytona in 1988.
With distinctive designs and powerful engines, the XJR models showcased the perfect blend of style and performance. Notable victories at Daytona and Le Mans solidified their place in sports car racing history.
Despite the team's consistent efforts under the management of Tony Dowe, Jaguar never clinched a Camel GT championship. However, drivers like Martin Brundle, Jan Lammers, and Davy Jones left an indelible mark on the Jaguar XJR legacy.
Riley & Scott Mk. III: A Battle of Titans
Witness the epic battles between the Riley & Scott Mk. III and Ferrari in the GTP category. Explore the genius behind the Mk. III's design and its durability on the track, captivating fans with its open cockpit and exhilarating performances.
The Riley & Scott Mk. III engaged in legendary battles with Ferrari in the GTP category, captivating fans with its open cockpit and fierce performances. Designed by the race car genius Bob Riley, the Mk. III showcased unparalleled durability.
Unlike other cars designed by Riley, the Mk. III required no revisions, standing as a testament to its flawless design. Its front-mounted radiators, often a vulnerability, proved to be durable and reliable.
Drivers like James Weaver, Butch Leitzinger, and John Paul Jr. pushed the limits of the Mk. III, delivering exhilarating performances that thrilled spectators. These battles between the Riley & Scott Mk. III and Ferrari remain etched in GTP history.
Toyota Eagle MKIII: A Final Triumph
Discover the Toyota Eagle MKIII's triumphant final years in the IMSA GTP category. Explore the challenges faced by this remarkable car and the relentless pursuit of success by its talented drivers.
The Toyota Eagle MKIII, the culmination of Dan Gurney's All American Racers team's efforts, achieved remarkable success in the final years of the IMSA GTP category. Despite the relative lack of competition, the MKIII faced challenges due to an air restrictor that severely impacted its performance.
However, the MKIII's four-cylinder turbo engine, producing an impressive 800 horsepower, propelled it to dominance. With 10,000 pounds of downforce and a top speed of 200 mph, the MKIII showcased its superiority on the track.
Notable drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio II, P.J. Jones, and Rocky Moran showcased their skills behind the wheel of the Toyota Eagle MKIII, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of GTP racing.
Porsche RS Spyder LMP2: Challenging the Giants
Explore the Porsche RS Spyder LMP2's remarkable ability to challenge Audi's factory teams. Discover the lightweight design, fuel efficiency, and skilled drivers that made this prototype a formidable competitor.
The Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 proved to be a worthy adversary to Audi's factory teams, thanks to its lightweight design, excellent fuel mileage, and efficient pit stops. Team Penske and Dyson Racing played crucial roles in its success.
With victories at prestigious races like the Sebring 12 hours, the RS Spyder LMP2 showcased its ability to compete for overall victories. Notable drivers such as Sascha Maassen, Lucas Luhr, and Romain Dumas left their mark on this remarkable prototype.
In 2008, the Porsche Spyder of Penske even beat Audi and Acura to win the Sebring 12 hours overall, solidifying its place as a true contender in the world of prototype sports cars.
DLM: American-Built Triumph at Le Mans
Discover the remarkable achievement of the DLM, the only American-built prototype to secure a class victory at Le Mans. Learn about the Kudzu chassis, the driving force behind its success, and the Mazda-powered engines that propelled it to victory.
The DLM, constructed by Jim Downing, achieved a historic feat as the only American-built prototype to secure a class victory at Le Mans. The Kudzu chassis, built by Downing/Atlanta shops, showcased exceptional performance.
Powered by three-rotor Mazdas initially and later a four-rotor Mazda, the DLM impressed with its podium finish at Daytona before conquering Le Mans. Jim Downing, Franck Freon, and Yojiro Terada piloted this remarkable prototype to victory.
Since its triumph at Le Mans in 1996, no American-built prototype has replicated the DLM's success at the prestigious race. This achievement remains a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the American racing industry.