A Porsche 993 Carrera RS Club Sport comes face to face with its Doppelganger…

Posted on June 26, 2012 by digitaldtour

The morning of June 16, 2012 saw the return of the rare, mexico blue Porsche 993 Carrera RS Club Sport to Cars&Coffee/Irvine. However, parked and lurking amongst the Porsche faithful was a hidden doppelgänger; a rare example of a full race Porsche 993 Carrera RS Cup Car. Webster’s dictionary defines doppelgänger as a ghostly counterpart; double; alter ego. These three definitions could not have more accurately described the early morning encounter between these two Porsches…

And with a little jockeying, suddenly the two cars were parked side by side, each representing examples from the highly developed 993 Carrera RS DNA strand. Both the 993 Carrera RS and the Club Sport variants were built to fulfill the homologation requirements necessary for Porsche to produce their ultimate type 993 genetic offering; the full race Carrera Cup car. Powered by a 3.8 liter air-cooled six cylinder motor producing 305 horsepower, these became the largest air-cooled flat six motors to be built and sold by Porsche. And for those who were fortunate enough to attended Porsches Rennsport Reunion IV back in October, you may recognize this red # 9 Carrera RS Cup car as having been one of the competitors from the weekends Group 6 – Cayman Interseries / 911 Invitational races.

The following photos are a brief glimpse of this rare encounter between the two Porsche Carrera RS models…

And just as quickly as they had appeared, with a twist of their keys, both were brought to life and soon departing, under escort from a trio of early model Porsche 911s…

(All photos by the author)

California Festival of Speed, and two new Porsche GT3 RS4.0 sightings…

Posted on April 27, 2012 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning, April 21 dawned warm and hazy. However, on this morning I would not be making my weekly trek down to Cars&Coffee/Irvine, but would instead be driving out to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California to catch day two of the scheduled three-day “Festival of Speed” event. The weekend was marketed as an “Event for Porsche enthusiasts”, however there were other makes and models of street and race cars also present.

After arriving at the race track, my first stop was at the registration building. After signing the required liability waiver, I was issued a black & white checkerboard wristband (secured onto the left wrist of every participant by the registration staff), and given my parking pass. Now it was time to drive over to the infield parking area that had been designated for the weekends festivities. By now, the sun had begun to burn off the mornings haze, and was starting to bring some heat to Fontana. Exiting my car, I could hear the unmistakable sound of Porsche race cars with their distinctive exhaust notes echoing off of the grandstands, as they screamed past the start/finish line, beginning another lap.

As I made my way past the entry portal that divides the parking lot from the infield garage area, I noticed a cast bronze plaque mounted onto the vertical support column and went over for a closer look. It turned out to be a dedication plaque honoring Les Richter, for his contribution to the construction and completion of this racing facility. It also acknowledged his involvement in professional sports with inductions into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Now it was time to find out what treasures awaited out in the infield garages…

First up was this Gray Porsche 997 GT3RS, prepared by the folks from the GMG /Global Motorsport Group.

Its stable mate to the left was this black, GMG prepared Audi R8, with what appeared to be a combination of components sourced from Audi’s R8GT3 and LMS parts bin, and powered by a V-10 motor.

Located on the other side of the block wall, opposite the Audi R8 bay, was a bevy of Porsche GT3 Cup cars, all being prepared for the days scheduled events…

A Porsche 996 GT3 Cup car…

Now imagine my surprise when I looked over and saw this black 2012 Porsche GT3 RS4.0, casually tucked in amongst its GT3 brethren. This is the first and only RS4.0 that I have seen configured for racing, and also marks my 9th GT3 RS4.0 sighting. After I finished shooting the car, all that remained was to discover the series number for this car. A quick look inside, specifically at the cars glove box door ID plaque, revealed this car as being #239 out of 600.

O.Z. centerlock racing wheels…

Positioned next to the Black RS4.0 was the “DISCOUNTECHNOLOGY”, 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup car, and seeing it in person was one of those deja-vu moments; my son and I had watched this very car compete at Porsches Rennsport Reunion IV back in October at Laguna Seca. Here’s the same car at speed, shot while competing at Rennsport IV (see below)…

And located just one bay over to the right, was this spectacular blue 2011 997 GT3. This is the only Porsche GT3 that I have seen wearing this particular shade of blue. After shooting multiple images of the car, my interests in this particular GT3 finally caught the attention of its owner, who came over and introduced himself. I soon learned that this particular color (Aqua Blue metallic), was in fact a very rare color to be seen on a GT3. And apparently the people from Porsche were just as impressed, after seeing the car in person at Rennsport Reunion IV. Because of the rarity of this color being optioned on the GT3 model, the owner was asked by Porsche to put his car on display at Rennsport Reunion IV. The collective belief is that this may be one of the only 2011 GT3’s in North America painted Aqua blue metallic.

A very cool set of GMG / WC-GT centerlock race wheels…

My next stop was Garage 2, where I found even more Porsche GT3 Cup cars…

One of several examples of Porsche brand new 2012 GT3 Cup cars (seen above and below)…

And one of the largest torque wrenches you’ll ever see; the perfect tool for torquing down Porsches GT3 centerlock race wheels to approximately 340 ft lbs…

Located outside and parked in the rows between Garage 2 and 3, was this immaculate gray and red GT3RS, with its identical twin parked just off to its right…

After making the rounds at the two garages, it was time to check out the vendor row. The blue Porsche 997 turbo seen above was on display courtesy of Walter’s Porsche, and paired with a new black Porsche 991 cabriolet. In talking with the sales rep, I learned that this particular color had been sourced from Porsches 356 color palette, originally available for the 1957 to 1959 models, and known as Meissen Blue.

Situated down the row from the Walter’s Porsche display, were these seat shells from Lou’s Metal Shaping (phone# -562-201-4658, email – mr_mallet@yahoo.com). These beautiful, hand formed aluminum seat shells are intended for use in Porsche 356 speedsters, 550 spyders, and for Porsche 911 owners wanting an aluminum Scheel seat shell/s for their 911…

By now it was getting close to noon time; time to grab some lunch and something cold to drink. With food, drink and camera in hand, it was time to find a shady place to sit down, eat and get ready for the afternoons PCA (Porsche Club of America) club racing to begin. Fortunately, this track has covered infield seating that sets on top of the pit lane suites, and runs the length of and overlooks pit lane, offering up a great view of the racetrack, especially the start / finish line.

By 1 PM, the first group of cars was unleashed, and the first race underway, complete with an Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo spyder and a collection of Porsche 911’s (see photos below)…

White Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (above), with blue 3M masking tape applied as a protective covering…

The second race of the afternoon was the Porsche Club of America Club race for the GT2A class. The first two photos below capture the start of the race…

In formation, rolling up on the start / finish line, awaiting the drop of the green flag…

Hard acceleration after crossing the start / finish line…

The afternoons GT2A class winner (as seen above), streaking across the start / finish line…

After the races concluded, I headed back into the garage area, to make one last pass through before heading home. As I was approaching Garage 1, I saw my friend Eric sitting on his bike, visiting with his fellow racers. I had been looking for Eric and his race car all morning ( a red,1999 Porsche 996 GT3 Koni Challenge Cup car), but had been unsuccessful in locating him. I soon learned that he had been out on track earlier that morning (apparently while I was roaming the garages), thus I missed seeing his time out on the track. Unfortunately, with the summer like weather and high temperatures on this day, his car had begun experiencing overheating problems. Rather than risk catastrophic damage to his motor, Eric made the painful decision to sit out the afternoon race, and was now in the process of trying to locate a new water pump for his car ( believed to be the cause of his overheating problem). Eric pointed me in the direction of his car (parked over behind his trailer), so I could check it out and get some photos. He then rode off into the pit area on his quest to locate a water pump.

After shooting his car, I ran into Eric and his wife, still searching for the elusive water pump. As they headed back to their motor home to cool off from the afternoon heat, I said my goodbyes and was off for one last pass through the garage areas.

Just as I rounded the corner of Garage 1, the back-end of a white Porsche 911 caught my eye. As I headed in its direction, I initially thought it to be a GT3RS. However as I got closer, and was able to make out the graphics, I quickly saw that it was instead a GT3 RS4.0.

Given the rarity of these cars, I’m still amazed to this day that I have seen as many as I have in person, and now this latest encounter brought my total sightings up to ten. The day had presented me with another amazing opportunity to witness not just one but two of these rare GT3 RS4.0’s (in person and on the same day). I made my way over to the passenger side of the car to get a look at the glove box plaque, which revealed that this car was series # 331 of 600.

Now all I have to do is find one car from the 100 series and 500 series, and I will have experienced a complete sampling of the entire RS4.0 production range. And who knows what surprises or opportunities await tomorrow morning at Cars&Coffe / Irvine?

(All photos by the author)

A tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche at Cars&Coffee/Irvine…

Posted on April 13, 2012 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning, April 7th saw the coming together of the Porsche faithful at Cars&Coffee/Irvine, as a tribute to the recent passing of Ferdinand Alexander (Butzi) Porsche. An email was circulated on Friday April 6, and forwarded to many within the Porsche community about a plan to pay tribute to and honor the memory of F.A.”Butzi” Porsche. The intent was to gather up as many Porsche 911’s as possible, to represent the model range from 1965 up to the latest 2012 iteration. Also hoped for was participation by any of the local Porsche 904 owners. The destination Saturday morning would be the “featured” parking lot area at Cars&Coffee. To further this cause, I forwarded the email to my friends Gene and Dave, both owners of Porsche 930 turbos, in hope of their participation come Saturday morning.

For a change, the early morning skies Saturday morning were clear and dry. As I pulled into the parking lot still cloaked in darkness, I was waved into the “featured” lot, to join the already present assortment of rainbow-hued Porsche 911’s. As I rounded the parking median, I encountered my friend Gene backing his black 930 turbo into a corner parking spot, and after he was settled in, I grabbed the space immediately to his right. As the lot continued to fill with even more 911’s, my friend Dave arrived in his 1984 Slate Gray 930 Turbo, debuting a brand new, upgraded turbo motor. By the time the sun had risen, the lot was filled with an even greater variety of Porsches, and what an amazing, colorful collection it was…

Dave’s slate gray 1984 930 turbo, and the first photos of his brand new turbo motor with mirror polished intercooler…

And parked shoulder to shoulder with the Porsche 911’s was this ultra rare, Grand Prix white, 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS Club Sport. According to Porsche, a total of fifty-nine GTS Carreras were built (50 to meet the Group 4 homologation requirements back in the day, plus an additional nine for good measure). And of the fifty-nine total cars built, only 15 were further modified to Club Sport specifications…

In fact, this is the only GTS identification displayed on the entire car, and almost invisible due to its monochromatic design…

From week to week, one never knows who might be seen strolling through the parking lot at Cars&Coffee. On this morning, local resident and American racing legend Dan Gurney (in the white jacket and blue sweater) and his wife were present (see photo above), taking in the sights and examining the mornings diverse gathering of Porsches…

And obviously, the tribute email reached the owner of this beautiful Porsche 904 Carrera GTS as witnessed below. A fitting tribute, since the Porsche 904 was the second milestone car penned by F.A. Porsche, shortly after his completion of the design for the 911…

Several other rare and unique Porsche models were also represented Saturday morning, and ironically were each parked in close proximity to one another.

The first was the pristine white, 1962 Porsche 356 Carrera 2, powered by the model specific, Carrera 4 cam motor as seen below…

The second model was a silver,1961 Porsche Carrera Abarth GTL (shown below), also sporting a 4 cam motor, and backed by a freestanding display that chronicled the cars racing history. This particular Abarth GTL is another example of a very rare Porsche, being part of the initial, limited production run of 21 GTL’s from back in 1960. This particular car (serial #1015), was the fifteenth of only 21 produced during that time frame.

And last but not least was the second Porsche 904 in attendance ( the blue model shown below), and the only 904 model to possess a very special connection to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche…

This particular car, a 1964 904 Carrera GTS, serial # 904-002 (of which I have written about previously), is not only historically significant because of its status as one of the surviving pre-production prototype models created, but also because of the unique design features unique to this car only. And no less important is the fact that this is the single 904 Carrera GTS to have been owned and routinely driven by the designer himself (Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche).

Thus the personalized California license plate that adorns the rear of the car; a clue to the cars historic significance, and reference to the identity of 904-002’s original owner.

As the morning came to a close, and the sound of Porsche boxer / flat six motors coming to life echoed throughout the parking lot, it was time to reflect on the event that had brought us all together that morning. And what better tribute and reminder to all present, than the photo of a young Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, photographed sitting on the fender of his design come to life, the Porsche 911. One only had to look at the Porsche participants that Saturday morning, or recall the Porsche 911 parking corrals at Porsches Rennsport Reunion IV, filled to capacity with 911’s from every model year and color as far as the eye could see, to understand the impact of this designers creative genius. And hopefully, the DNA from his original 911 design will continue to thrive, for future generations of aspiring Porsche 911 owners to experience and enjoy…

(All photos by the author)

Observations on Southern California’s all Porsche Swap and Car display, March 4, 2012…

Posted on March 9, 2012 by digitaldtour

Once a year, the “Porsche literature, toy/model and memorabilia meet for Porsche and Vintage VW’s” comes to town, and is followed up by the all Porsche Swap and Car display on Sunday, held at the Phoenix Club located in Anaheim, California.

Last weekends weather could not have been better suited for a Porsche swap meet and car display. Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, with a cloudless blue sky and summer like temperatures. And the Porsche community showed up in droves…

By the time I arrived at the Phoenix Club (at 7:30 AM), I was greeted by one very long, single file line of Porsches, queued up nose to tail, awaiting entry into the event to be part of the car display. So I tucked in line, to wait with the rest of the assembled masses. As soon as the gate opened, we were routed through the aisles of the already active swap meet, with our final destination being the grassy field at the back, selected for the days display parking.

The welcome committee (above and below), parked along the swap meet aisles, greeted those driving into the event…

Various car clubs and their members (the 356 Registry, Early S Registry, POC, and the RGruppe just to name a few), had been granted priority parking, and were already staged about the grounds. (I found out later that they had all arrived at 6 AM for positioning). Once parked on the lawn, and after a quick scan of the surrounding cars, it was time to grab my camera and head off to check out the undiscovered Porsches.

Centrally located on the site, was the huge green tent (“Festhalle”), which housed a large collection of vendors, all hawking Porsche related products and services. And strategically placed around the perimeter of the tent, were the different cars clubs, each displaying a variety of Porsches; from 356’s to 911’s, 912’s, one Brumos Porsche 935 (courtesy of Pelican Parts), and even a Porsche Junior tractor…

In addition to the Brumos Porsche 935, there were several other Porsche race cars present; the Wynn’s Porsche 962, and the red Coca-Cola Porsche 935…

And just around the corner from these two cars was another hidden gem; the historically significant, blue 1964 Porsche 904 GTS Carrera, serial number 904-002. For those unfamiliar with this particular car, this is one of only two pre- production prototypes built, and that served as the personal car of its designer Ferdinand Alexander (Butzi) Porsche…

After shooting the 904, it was time for a closer look at some of the remaining cars staged throughout the grassy display area…

And hidden out in the back corner of the field was this rasberry colored 1973 Carrera RS…

After making the rounds through the car display area, it was time for one last pass around the Festhalle tent, in case I missed any cars…

And with one last Carrera RS sighting, it was time to head home.

Note to self: the next time you come across a 1/43 scale GT3 RS4.0 model, don’t delay in deciding whether or not to buy it…

(all photos by the author)

The Porsche 962 of IMSA; an incredible machine…

Posted on January 26, 2012 by digitaldtour

With the pending 50th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona Endurance race set to coincide with Saturdays start of this years 24 Hours race, I thought it would be an appropriate time to take a look back at a cross-section of Porsche 962’s that competed in IMSA from 1984 through 1988, and contributed to its numerous victories.

For those unfamiliar with the Porsche 962 and its lineage, I offer up this brief overview; The 962 was designed as a clone of Porsches already successful type 956 (see photos directly below), but included a few minor modifications in order to conform to IMSA specifications. Most notably, the design of a revised front suspensions and slightly stretched wheelbase, in order to place the drivers feet behind the centerline of the front wheel hubs for greater safety and driver protection. This safety criteria would subsequently be adopted within Europe and impact the further success of the 956. Ironically, the 962 was later used as a springboard by Porsche for the development of their “962 C” model. This update allowed owners of existing, non-compliant Porsche 956 “Group C” cars to covert their car over to 962 C specifications, by replacing their existing 956 tub with a new factory built “962 C” tub that incorporated the revised pedal box configuration.

With the Porsche 962’s debut at the 1984 24 Hours of Daytona race, and up until 1991 when production ceased ( Porsche produced a total of 77 962 race cars, including the Works cars), the 962 went on to amass an incredible number of victories, dominating the sports prototype classes both here and abroad. This was clearly demonstrated by the results posted from the 1987 Daytona 24 hour race; by the end, Porsche 962’s had captured the top 6 places, led by the #14 Lowenbrau car, piloted by Al Holbert, Derek Bell, Chip Robinson and Al Unser Jr.

The following photos are but a small collection of images taken during the 1986 /1987 IMSA season, showcasing the culmination of several years of refinement, and applied to each Porsche 962 by the teams campaigning them, since making its racing debut in 1984…

Good luck to all of the Porsche teams currently assembled in Florida, anxiously awaiting the start of this weekends 50th anniversary celebration and the running of this years “24 Hours of Daytona”…

(All photos by the author)

Porsche GT3 cup cars, the elusive White GT3 RS4.0, a Scion FR-S and more…

Posted on December 13, 2011 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning as I pulled into the parking lot at Cars and Coffee / Irvine, and made my way towards the row where I usually park, I was greeted by the lunar eclipse bathed, silhouettes of two Truspeed Porsche GT3 cup cars parked diagonally in formation, anchoring an all Porsche row. Mixed in amongst the row were several Porsche 356’s , a couple early 1960’s short wheelbase 911’s, a Porsche 924, 914-6, and a handful of 911’s from the 1970’s, ’80’s and 90’s. And aligned like bookends, opposite the cup cars were two matching speed yellow Porsche 996’s: one a tricked-out 996 GT3 and the other, a 2003 GT2.

Now back to the two GT3 cup cars…

Car # 45 (below), the Truspeed / Privacy Star Porsche GT3 cup car, is the 2011 World Challenge cup series winner, as driven by Patrick Long, the only American driver with Porsche factory driver status…

The car below, the # 29 Porsche GT3 cup car, was fresh from its second place finish at the 25 hours of Thunderhill race the previous weekend. It still wore its acquired patina of race rubber, bugs and dust across its exterior, as evidence of the previous weekends battle. The strange luggage rack looking devices spanning the front hood as I found out, and as were demonstrated, were high output LED light bars, perfect for lighting up a racetrack in the dead of night. These two light bars combined with the headlights and dual sets of driving and cornering lights recessed into the front nose, were more than sufficient for lighting up a dark racetrack, and getting the attention of the driver immediately ahead on the track.

After I finished shooting the Porsches, I noticed a crowd gathered around a low black coupe parked in the end space of the smaller perpendicular parking lot. As I made my way through the crowd, I saw a badge on the nose of the car that read Scion. As I got closer, I recognized the car as the new collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, with the Scion being Toyota’s version. It also wore some subtle Greddy graphics displayed about the car. The badge on the back identified this car as an FR-S model, although the Subaru model will wear BRZ badging. Out back, the blue tipped, dual titanium exhaust dominated the view, framing the rear diffuser panel. After a few minutes, the hood was opened up to reveal a Subaru boxer motor, and a few go fast parts, such as the purple anodized, front shock strut adjustment plates. The car appeared to have been lowered, and was riding on a set of silver Rays wheels, wrapped in 245/35ZR-19 rubber. Given the crowd around this car and the buzz it was generating, it sure looks like Toyota has a hit on its hands…

As I was walking away from the Scion, I caught a glimpse of a white Porsche moving through the parking lot. As I got closer, I realized this was the elusive white Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 that I had heard about the previous week, making its way out of the parking lot.

So far I have been lucky enough to have seen three GT3 RS 4.0’s since October, out of a total of 600 produced. Now only 597 to go…

(All photos by the author)

A look back at Jim Busby Racing and their BFGoodrich Porsche 962’s, circa April 1985…

Posted on December 4, 2011 by digitaldtour

Following on their 1984 IMSA series participation, in which Jim Busby Racing had campaigned a pair of Lola Mazda T616’s with sponsorship by BFGoodrich, the start of the 1985 IMSA season saw the team step up in class with their debut of two Porsche 962’s, with continued sponsorship provided by BFGoodrich, and engines built and tuned by the Southern California-based Porsche specialists, ANDIAL.

The first opportunity to see these cars in person for those of us in Southern California, would be at the Los Angeles Times Nissan Grand Prix, to be held at Riverside International Raceway in April of 1985.

With the fielding of a two car team, two separate driver line-ups were created and announced; BFG Porsche 962 # 67, would be piloted by team owner and driver, Jim Busby, and teammate Rick Knoop.

Their sister car, BFG Porsche 962 #68, would be driven by the team of Pete Halsmer and John Morton.

And by virtue of being the latest team to join the Porsche 962 juggernaut, Jim Busby Racing was assured of drawing the Porsche faithful to their garage area on race weekend, to check out their new team cars.

The first challenge to be faced by the two teams at Jim Busby Racing would be the qualifying of their Porsche 962’s for the weekends 6 hour endurance race…

By the end of qualifying, Pete Halsmer and John Morton in the #68 BFGoodrich Porsche 962 had qualified second, with the #67 BFGoodrich Porsche 962 of Jim Busby and Rick Knoop, qualified in sixth place. Thus the stage was set for Jim Busby Racing and the following days 6 hour endurance race. Now it was time for the team to formulate their respective pit strategies for race day.

As the sun dawned Sunday morning, it quickly became apparent that the racing community and fans would once again be rewarded with a beautiful, clear sunny Southern California day, perfect weather for an endurance race.

With the competitors aligned in formation and being paced by the pole sitter, the cars accelerated towards the stat/finish line, and with a wave of the starters green flag, the race was underway. The obvious challenge facing the two Jim Busby Racing teams over the next six hours would be to get the #68 BFG Porsche 962 into the lead, and maintain their position to the end. Their second challenge would be to assist the #67 car, to work its way up through the field, and at the end, hopefully be in position to score a podium finish. I’m sure no one at the start could have imagined the triumphant success that the Jim Busby Racing team would share later that afternoon…

The following shots are of the two team cars at speed, each running their individual strategies and race pace…

Jim Busby behind the wheel at speed, approaching turn 8

Co-driver Rick Knoop, entering the downhill section into turn 7

#67 BFGoodrich Porsche 962, with Jim Busby behind the wheel, on the uphill section into turn 6…

#67 working its way through traffic, turn 8…

#67 chasing down slower traffic, entering turn 6…

Car #67 exiting turn 8, accelerating down the back straight…

BFG Porsche #68 leading the #86 Bayside Disposal Porsche 962 of Bruce Leven, through turn 8…

#68, BFG Porsche 962 lapping slower traffic, approaching turn 8. (Note the red racers tape stripe across the right front headlight. This was used by the team during the race to visually differentiate car #68 car from its teammate, the #67 team car, since they were virtually identical when viewed from the front. The teams could then monitor each car as they crossed the start / finish line, or upon entering the pits for service. At a glance, the crews instantly knew which of the two cars was coming in without seeing the cars number on the fender top).

#68 BFGoodrich Porsche 962, passing Bob Akin’s #5 Coca Cola Porsche 962, downhill section into turn 7…

#68 BFGoodrich Porsche 962 at speed, approaching turn 8…

As the field began stopping for the first of many scheduled pit stops over the course of the day, the following shots represent just several of those scheduled pit stops executed by the Jim Busby Racing teams during the race…

Pit stop by car #68 for driver change, refueling and tires…

Ready and waiting if needed…

Driver change and new BFGoodrich tires…

Rick Knoop and crew awaiting arrival of car #67 for upcoming pit stop…

#67 crew readied for driver change, new BFG tires and refueling…

BFGoodrich Porsche 962, #67 approaching its pit box, with Crew chief, Co-Driver (Rick Knoop) and fuel man at the ready…

Pit stop underway; Jim Busby exiting the car, Rick Knoop behind the wheel, refueling and new tires at the ready…

After a day of very competitive racing, well choreographed pit stops and obviously a successful set of race strategies by Jim Busby Racing, the final hour of the race saw the #68 BFGoodrich Porsche 962 running in first place, with its sister car (#67) running in second. With each passing lap and as the clock ticked down, the crews continued relaying information to their drivers, updating them regarding each team cars relative position and the gaps / intervals to the next placed car, through the use of pit boards. As each car exited turn nine, the pit boards went out for the drivers to quickly read as they rocketed past the start / finish line to begin another lap…

As the final minutes began ticking down, the team anxiously awaited car #68 being given the white flag, indicating the last lap. All that was needed to insure the overall win was to complete one final lap, with car #67 running a strong second place. The stress was evident on the face of team owner and driver Jim Busby, as well Alvin Springer of Andial ( standing to Jim Busby’s right) as they waited for car #68 to complete its final lap…

By the time car #68 had made its way down the back straight and was exiting turn 9, the team had all made their way trackside, to cheer on car #68 as it crossed the finish line, winning the race…

And following shortly after, car #67 crossed the finish line, capturing second place, delivering a one-two finish for the team…

Jim Busby, his son and a crew member celebrating the teams first and second place victories…

As cars #68 and #67 took their cool down lap, the crew made their way back to the pit wall to await each cars return to the pits, to pick up the team and drive them all to victory lane…

Arrival of the team cars at victory lane…

One very happy team owner /driver: Jim Busby, celebrating his teams first and second place finish at the LA Times Nissan Grand Prix, April 1985.

(Below) John Morton and Pete Halsmer being awarded the first place trophy for their overall win at the LA Times Nissan Grand Prix, Riverside Raceway, April 25, 1985.

The second place finishers from car #67, Rick Knoop and Team owner /driver Jim Busby, celebrating on stage with teammates John Morton and Pete Halsmer (see photo below).

The final photo opportunity of the day; car # 68 with its first place trophy.

Jim Busby Racing and their BFGoodrich Porsche 962’s had served notice to their competition that weekend of their teams depth and potential for success, and established themselves as a potential threat for the remainder of the 1985 IMSA season.

(All photos by the author)

Porsches at Petree Hall… The Los Angeles Auto Show 2011

Posted on November 24, 2011 by digitaldtour

The Auto Show has once again returned to Los Angeles, and for local Porsche owners, it’s that time again to return to Petree Hall to check out the latest and greatest offerings from our favorite Marque, before viewing the rest of the show.

So on Saturday that’s exactly what we did. My wife, son and I all headed off to the L.A. Convention center, where we met up with one of my Porsche buddies.

As we made our way towards Petree Hall, the Yokohama Tire exhibit caught my attention, especially since they had a day-glow orange and silver mylar film wrapped, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car on display. My first photo-op of the show…

So after grabbing a couple quick shots, off we went to find Petree Hall…

Once inside, the first car we came across was a green and white 911 GT3 Cup car, and one that I happened to see compete at the recent Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca back in October.

And here’s a shot of the same car in action, taken at Rennsport Reunion IV… (This car was also the winner of the 2011 ALMS GTC class Championship)

The central focus of the exhibit however was on the two new models making their Los Angeles debut; located to the right was the new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S (type 991), 3.6 liter, 400 horsepower, with a 7-speed transmission.

And located to the left of the Porsche Type 991, was the other new model making its debut – a Carmine Red (an exclusive color to this car) Panamera GTS…

The new Panamera GTS is based upon the Panamera S, and comes equipped with all wheel drive, a 4.8 liter, 430 horsepower motor, upgraded brakes ( with optional PCCB brakes / in yellow), a suspension lowered by 10 mm, and a high performance sport tuned chassis with revised Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM).

Surprisingly low-key and casually placed against the wall, to the right of the Porsche 911 Carrera S (Type 991), was this display model (see photo below), showcasing the new Porsche Experience Center, having just been announced by Porsche on Thursday, November 17th.

This new facility is to be constructed in Carson, California, near the junction of the 405 & 110 freeways, on a 53+ acre parcel of land. The facility is being modeled after the original Porsche Experience Center that was built at the Silverstone Circuit, in Great Britain. The California Center will be one of only 5 in the world; the remaining Porsche Experience Centers are located in Leipzig, Germany, Shanghai, China, and the first announced for the United States, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Porsche Experience Center for Atlanta will be constructed as part of and along with their new U.S. Corporate Headquarters.

The California-based Porsche Experience Center is being designed to include a test track and handling course, with special areas able to replicate rain, ice and snow handling conditions, as well as a separate off – road course to exploit the attributes of the Porsche Cayenne, a Customer Delivery Center, the Porsche Human Performance Center, a Gift shop and Cafe. Also available will be performance driving courses, for students of all ages, and even special programs geared towards educating young children. The facility will also provide track access, corporate and conference space, access by car clubs, and support Corporate client based events.

A slightly different aspect to the Porsche Experience Center will be their Porsche Human Performance Center, which will focus on personal fitness, wellness and offer training for drivers interested in serious competition. The program will address subjects such as hydration and the importance of heat acclimation. (I recall reading an article in Excellence magazine about Patrick Long , that when not road testing cars for their article, his habit of driving Porsches with the windows up and the heater going full blast in the summer; those comments now make perfect sense given Patrick Long’s success and abilities behind the wheel of a race car).

The project architect selected for this project ( buildings and facility) is the firm Cooper Carry, out of Atlanta. The test track Architects and engineers (for the driving facilities) are the firms Giffels / IBI and Tylke Engineering. Ground breaking is scheduled for the summer of 2012.

For a sneak peek at what we can expect to experience at the California-based Porsche Experience Center, check out the following link to Porsche’s Silverstone facility: http://www.porsche.co.UK/experience

The following photos are a few of the other Porsche models on display throughout Petree Hall. Just like in previous years, some of the Porsches are unlocked and can be sat in, and some remain locked. However, this year to my surprise, one of the two 2011 997 Turbos on display was actually unlocked, and as a result, had a huge crowd waiting for their turn to be the next to sit inside. Unfortunately, the blue turbo was getting covered in fingerprints, and I actually saw several small children running across the leather seats… both a Porsche owners nightmare.

The stuff dreams are made of; my son and his girlfriend both enjoying a Porsche moment…

It looks like the Southern California Porsche community is going to have allot to be thankful for in 2012 and 2013…

(All photos by the author)

“All good things got to come to an end”…Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV, Part 7

Posted on November 13, 2011 by digitaldtour

As my son and I continued our trek through the Porsche parking corral, we came across even more clusters of GT3’s. I was now on GT3 overload, and here in front of me sat my personal dream car, a 2011 GT3 3.8 model (my favorite) in silver on black, sandwiched between two earlier GT3’s…

A little further down the row, we found a solo example of a 2011 GT2RS, parked well away from the GT3’s.

And then a couple more GT3RS’s thrown in for good measure…

At the other end of the Porsche corral, we encountered what had to be a one -off, “sample to match”, painted 997 (see photo below). The only other time I have seen a Porsche even close to this color, was my friend Ian’s 964, a right hand drive model built for the Hong Kong market.

But now it was time to watch the Group 3 race, so we headed off to turn 2 to catch the start. The following images are just a few from the race:

By the time the race ended, it was noon, and the Porsche owners who had signed up for the on track “parade laps” were being staged within the Porsche corral area, and arranged in rows to enter the track, starting from turn 5.

Once the parade laps were done, two of the new 2012 Porsche 991’s were unleashed onto the track for some fast laps; below the red, 2012 Porsche 991 at speed, turn 5.

When they had finished their laps and came off the track, we headed back to Cayman island for one last look at two friends cars that had been on display in the 911 chronology display.

For our last race of the day, we decided to watch from the grandstands located between turn 11 and the start/ finish line. The next class scheduled was Group 6, a mixed class of 911’s and the “Cayman Interseries”cars…

And with that, our Porsche Rennsport Reunion 4 weekend came to an end. It was an incredible 3 days, and an experience that I was fortunate enough to experience and share with my son.

The sign out front had predicted an epic weekend, and delivered beyond all expectations. And based upon the reported overwhelming success of this event, I suspect that we will all have in three years time, the opportunity to once again return to Laguna Seca Raceway, and experience Porsche’s Rennsport Reunion V…

(All photos by the author)

(P.S. – SPEED TV began broadcasting their one hour coverage of Rennsport Reunion IV today / November 13. Their broadcast scheduling is as follows /all times shown are Pacific Time):

November 13 -Noon ( I caught today’s broadcast – Excellent coverage by SPEED TV)

Monday November 14 -Midnight

Saturday November 19 -1 PM

Wednesday November 30 -11 PM

Thursday December 1 -1 AM

Love, you drive me to distraction…Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV, Part 6

Posted on November 7, 2011 by digitaldtour

Sunday morning October 16 arrived in typical Monterey fashion; bright, clear and sunny, without any trace of the fog that had greeted Rennsport Reunion participants Saturday morning. As we parked our car and made the walk down to the track, we could hear the unmistakable sound of Porsche race cars already lapping the track, as part of the morning warm up sessions.

The schedule of races ahead of us would focus on the following classes: Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. For those with an interest in vintage Porsche race cars, Groups 3, 4 and 5 were definitely the ones to watch.

The Group 3, “Weissach Cup” class was made up of Porsche 906’s, 907’s, 908 (908/2, 908/3), 909’s, 910’s, and the awesome 917’s ( normally aspirated or turbocharged).

(Group 3, Porsche 907 (# 49), and 908 (#4)

The Group 4, “Carrera Trophy” class consisted of Porsche 911’s (over 2.5 liters), 911 RSR’s, 3.0 RSR’s, 2.1 liter turbos, Porsche 934’s, 935’s, 936’s, 924 GTS and GTR’s.

(Group 4, 1974 Porsche 911 RSR)

The next class, Group 5 / “Stuttgart Cup”, was a showcase for the Porsche 956’s, 962’s, GT1’s, WSC’s and RS Spyders.

(Group 5, Dyson Racing Porsche 962)

For those wanting a more contemporary spin to their racing, the Group 6, “Cayman Interseries” class delivered just that; a present day production based Porsche sports car (Cayman) wrapped in nostalgia graphics. Each Cayman displayed a different and unique graphic motif, adopted from those originally created and showcased on the Porsche race cars of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

(Group 6, Porsche Cayman / Cayman Interseries)

For Group 7, the “PCA Club Racing” class, this was an opportunity to watch fellow Porsche owners competing in their Porsche Club of America series, Club spec race cars.

(Group 7, PCA Club racing)

The last class to compete would be Group 8, the “Rennsport Reunion Cup” pairings, which consisted of the contemporary, Porsche Motorsports constructed, 911 GT3 Cup race cars.

(2010 Porsche GT3 Cup car)

As we made our way through the paddock, over towards turns 9 & 10 (to watch the mornings warm up session for Group 6), teams were busy making last-minute adjustments, running through their checklists, and buttoning up the cars prior to their pre-grid staging in pit lane.

We even ran into a long time friend, Dieter Inzenhofer of Andial fame (in the white shirt), working his magic on Jeff Zwart’s Porsche 906, prior to his Group 3 race.

The following photos are a small sampling taken from the morning warm-ups:

After the mornings warm up sessions concluded, we returned to Cayman island, to revisit the Mothers display, and once again check out the cars. And our efforts were rewarded, as two rare Porsche 993 Speedsters had been staged out front of the Mother’s display.

And tucked back in to the right of the Mothers transporter, were a trio of Black and orange accented, GT3RS models…

And situated across the lawn, directly opposite of the Mothers display, was the Yokohama tire transporter, showcasing the spotless, Alex Job Racing GT3 Cup car.

Located just behind this display area was the main Porsche Corral parking zone. This area held 911’s of every year, model and color one could imagine. Strolling through the multiple rows, one could find incredible examples of the earliest SWB models, to Porsche’s current offerings, the GT3RS and GT2RS models.

And then I came across this beautiful 1968 911L (pictured above and below). I immediately recognized it as belonging to Bob Tilton, a member of the RGruppe car club, and who writes an insightful blog focused on the early, short wheelbase Porsche 911’s (www.werkcrew.com). For anyone interested in early Porsche 911’s, I would highly recommend checking out his website for its content, and his insight into the early 911 community, as well as his beautifully creative photography.