Porsche Chronicles its Illustrious Racing History
6 August 1998
Porsche Chronicles its Illustrious Racing History at Monterey Historic Automobile Races Porsche Plans its Largest U.S. 50th Anniversary Celebration
MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 6 -- Presented by the Chrysler
Corporation, the 1998 Monterey Historic Automobile Races has automotive
journalists and enthusiasts worldwide eagerly waiting participation in
Porsche's largest 50th anniversary celebration. Many legendary factory
drivers, highlighted by Derek Bell, Bob Wollek, Hans Herrmann and Hurley
Haywood, along with Porsche AG executives and a host of other dignitaries,
will descend on Laguna Seca August 14 - 16 in commemoration of the sports car
icon.
The Monterey Historic Automobile Races will spotlight vehicles that
represent the highly significant eras of Porsche racing and development.
Among the Saturday racing highlights will be Group 5A's sports racing cars
from 1955 to 1961. This group will feature nine Porsche RSK Spyders that were
greatly responsible for the early beginning of building Porsche's racing
reputation by winning numerous class honors and in later years as overall race
winners.
Also on Saturday is Group 7A's FIA Manufacturers Championship cars that
competed between 1965 and 1971. For Porsche, this is when its 917s and
908s began dominating international endurance races, such as LeMans and
Sebring. A field of 20 Porsches, including 906s, 908s and 917s, will compete
against old rivals such as Ferraris, Ford GT-40s and Lolas in the 33-car
group.
The legendary battles among Shadows, McLarens, Lolas and Porsches resumes
on Sunday in an exciting Group 5B race that features Can-Am cars from 1966 to
1974. Porsche had become more dominant in motor racing and its successes were
best exemplified by the 917/10 and 917/30. Among the competitors to watch
will be George Follmer, who will be reunited with the original Porsche
917/10 that gave him the 1972 Can-Am Championship, battle with Hurley Haywood
and Bruce Canepa, who are also driving 917/10s.
The 917/30, arguably the most powerful race car ever constructed, will
also be in the challenge. The 1973 Sunoco Porsche 917/30 that was originally
driven by Mark Donohue is powered by an 1,100-horsepower, twin-turbocharged
engine that enabled it to compile a staggering string of victories, winning
all eight races in 1973.
The Monterey Historic Automobile Races' grand finale sports a field of
31 1972 to 1981 era FIA Prototype and GT Championship Cars. Cars such as the
935, 936 and RSR further solidified Porsche's racing stranglehold by
dominating IMSA and International FIA races. Twenty-seven Porsches are
entered in Group 7Bs race and will be challenged by a Lola, Chevron,
Rondeau-Ford and BMW.
General Racing and Laguna Seca officials anticipate a record crowd this
year. "The worldwide popularity of Porsche is undeniable," comments Monterey
Historics organizer Steven Earle. "Porsche's historic paddock display and
working garage will underscore the company's successful 50-year racing
heritage. The display will be a once-in-a-lifetime treat for racing fans of
all ages."
Daily ticket prices are $25 (Friday), $30 (Saturday or Sunday). A two-day
package is $50 (Saturday and Sunday) and a three-day ticket is $75. To order
tickets or for additional information, call 800-327-SECA.
1998 Monterey Historic Automobile Races Schedule
Saturday, August 15, 1998
7 a.m. Laguna Seca Opens
9 - 11:45 a.m. Groups 1A - 7A Warm-up
11:45 - 12:45 Lunch Break
12:40 - 12:55 Porsche Exhibition Laps
1:00 p.m. Race Group 1A Pre-1928 Sports & Racing Cars
1:30 p.m. Race Group 2A 1929 - 1947 Sports & Racing Cars
2:00 p.m. Race Group 3A 1947 - 1955 Sports Racing & GT Cars
under 2000cc
2:35 p.m. Race Group 4A 1955 - 1961 GT Cars under 2200cc
3:05 p.m. Race Group 5A 1955 - 1961 Sports Racing Cars under
2000cc
3:35 p.m. Race Group 6A 1955 - 1961 Sports Racing Cars over
2000cc
4:00 p.m. Race Group 7A 1965 - 1971 FIA Manufacturers
Championship Cars
Sunday, August 16, 1998
7:00 a.m. Laguna Seca Opens
9:00 - 11:40 a.m. Groups 1B - 7B Warm-up
11:45 - 12:45 p.m. Lunch Break
12:00 - 12:20 p.m. Porsche Parade
1:00 p.m. Race Group 1B 1947 - 1955 Sports Racing & GT Cars
over 2000cc
1:30 p.m. Race Group 2B 1959 - 1963 Formula Cars: F-Jrs, F-2,
F-1
2:00 p.m. Race Group 3B 1962 - 1966 GT Cars under 2000cc
2:30 p.m. Race Group 4B 1961 - 1966 Sports Racing Cars
2:55 p.m. Race Group 5B 1966 - 1974 Can-Am Cars
3:20 p.m. Race Group 6B 1963 - 1968 GT Cars over 2000cc
3:50 p.m. Race Group 7B 1972 - 1981 FIA Prototype & GT
Champion Cars