CLASSIC NEVER DIES

Porsche’s Dominance at Le Mans—19 Historic Wins

956 Dominance

Win 7 – 956 (1982)

Porsche 956LH Rothman livery driving through a turn passing spectators in the background. — *Distance: 4899.086 (Km) / 3044.151* (Mi)
Drivers: Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell
Source: Porsche

The advent of the Porsche 956 in 1982 marked a new era of dominance with one of Porsche’s notorious looks. Driven by Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell, the 956 featured a 2.65-liter turbocharged flat-6 engine, generating around 620 horsepower. Its groundbreaking aerodynamics and ground-effect design contributed to a three-lap victory.

Win 8 – 956 (1983)

White, Blue Rothman Porsche 956 LH driving through a turn on a race track with a metal barrier and trees in the background. — *Distance: 5047.934 (Km) / 3136.641* (Mi)
Drivers: Vern Schuppan, Hurley Haywood and Al Holbert
Source: Wiki Commons

In 1983, the 956 triumphed again, with Vern Schuppan, Hurley Haywood, and Al Holbert navigating a nail-biting finish to win by a mere 17 seconds. The car’s exceptional balance of power and handling was pivotal in this closely contested race.

Win 9 – 956B Joest Racing (1984)

Yellow Porsche Joest Racing 956LH race car parked in front of a building with windows behind it and concrete in the foreground. — *Distance: 4900.276 (Km) / 3044.890* (Mi)
Drivers: Henri Pescarolo, Klaus Ludwig
Source: Porsche

The 956B continued Porsche’s success in 1984, as Henri Pescarolo and Klaus Ludwig drove to a two-lap victory. This variant featured refinements in aerodynamics and reliability, solidifying Porsche’s reputation for engineering excellence.

Win 10 – 956B Joest Racing (1985)

Yellow and Black 956B Joest Racing Porsche race car driving on a racetrack. — *Distance: 5088.507 (Km) / 3161.852* (Mi)
Drivers: Klaus Ludwig, Paolo Barilla and ‘John Winter’ a.k.a. Louis Krages
Source: Supercars Net

In 1985, the 956B, driven by Klaus Ludwig, Paolo Barilla, and Louis Krages (racing under the pseudonym ‘John Winter’), secured another win. The trio maintained a consistent pace, finishing three laps ahead of their nearest rivals.

Win 11 – 962 C LH (1986)

White Porsche 962 C LH with Rothman race livery with headlights on going through a turn with a large board with yellow letters on it in the background. — *Distance: 4972.731 (Km) / 3089.912* (Mi)
Drivers: Derek Bell, Hans-J. Stuck and Al Holbert
Source: Supercars Net

The evolution of the 956 led to the Porsche 962, which dominated the 1986 race. Driven by Derek Bell, Hans-Joachim Stuck, and Al Holbert, the 962 featured a 2.65-liter turbocharged flat-6 engine, producing around 620 horsepower. The team’s flawless performance resulted in an eight-lap victory.