At the time I rode with Derek Bell at Le Mans I was uncertain about whether it was in a 956 or 962 Porsche. Both models are visually very similar and were present at the 1985 Le Mans. New-Man Joest Racing, the eventual winners, had 956s. Rothmans, the factory team for whom Bell was driving, were shown on the entry lists with 962s. So I assumed my ride, the T car #111, must be a 962.
A few days ago while researching another photograph I came across an amazing website http://www.racingsportscars.com/. They state: “A primary focus is to create a huge photo archive containing all major national and international sports car races and to collect views of every single car in the field.” It is a fantastic effort and resource. On the 1985 Le Mans page I found the record of car #111 with its data. It was a Porsche 956 chassis 009, a T car driven only in practice by Hans-Joachim Stuck, Derek Bell, Vern Schuppan and Al Holbert. Its best lap was 3:19.720 (the best Rothmans 962 had a 3:14.800).
Now I finally have confirmation I was in a 956 and with its chassis number I was able to determine the car was a real warrior with one the best records of all the 956s. With Derek Bell and Stefan Bellof driving, 956-009 won seven World Championship 1000 Kilometers races and the title for Stefan Bellof in 1984. I am awestruck I rode in his Championship winning car.
956.009 finished well in several other races and eventually was shipped as a T car to four more. According to the 962.com registry 009 was acquired in 2004 by a Porsche Dealership in Reading England. I knew none of these details until two days ago. I thought the ride was amazing enough and now I am astounded to learn I was in a racecar with such an important history.
My posts have now been updated changing 962 to 956.
This photograph is of a model Porsche 956 I bought at Le Mans in 1985 right after my ride. For 26 years I’ve always had it nearby. Its currently sitting on a little shelf in my studio about 10 feet away from where I’m writing.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
