Description
The Porsche 956 and its derivative, the 962, have gone down in history as the most successful prototype sports racers ever, winning numerous races and championship titles during the 1980s and even into the early '90s. This major new book, published to mark the 956's 30th anniversary, celebrates this motor racing legend by presenting a superb compilation of over 700 photographs, accompanied by detailed narrative.
The story began in 1981 with new rules that announced the introduction of the Group C class for 1982. This decision brought about profound change in endurance sports car racing and ushered in a decade of innovation that saw the arrival of ground effect, advanced aerodynamics and other technical developments, all of which ensured that these potent machines rewrote the record books lap times tumbled.
Porsche's new Group C contender, the 956, proved to be a winner from the outset. A works 956 finished second in its debut race at Silverstone in April 1982, and factory cars went on to win the four other races in which they took part that year, the highlight being an historic 1-2-3 at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Soon it was clear that any team wanting to be competitive in Group C had to have a Porsche 956, and as a result Porsche created a highly profitable customer racing department that continued into the era of the 962, whic was introduced in 1985. These privateer teams ensured that Porsche would remain the most successful race car manufacturer
of the decade.
The Porsche 956 and 962C (as it was designated in Group C form) won the World Sportscar Championship five times consecutively between 1982 and 1986, and t962C also went on to dominate the Interserie and Supercup series in Europe. In North America the 962,enjoyed similar success in the IMSA series, winning that title four years running from 1985 to 1988.
The author has interviewed many racing drivers, managers and team principals to compile this unique account of Porsche's achievements with the fantastic 956 and 962. With a wonderful array of photographs, many previously unpublished, accompanying information-packed text, this book is an exciting and important addition to any racin enthusiast's library.
About The Author
Glen Smale is a life-long motoring and motorsport enthusiast whose writing in this field includes magazine features and books. In 1993 he founded Automotive Research, which specialises in providing research services to the motor industry and related media. In 2010 he established Virtual Motorpix, a photographic agency dealing with motoring and motorsport images. This is his sixth title for Haynes Publishing covering sports and racing cars.
Book Details:
Publisher Code: H5098
ISBN 13: 9780857330987
Author: Glen Smale
Published: 2012
Pages: 512
Dimension: 235x285mm
Hard Bound, colour and b/w ill
