The Porsche 962 holds a special place in the annals of motorsport history, especially in endurance racing. Among its many victories, one of the most iconic was its performance at the 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the wheel of the legendary Porsche 962C for that historic race was American racing icon Al Holbert, whose Miller High Life-sponsored #67 car would leave an indelible mark on both the race and Porsche’s dominance in the Group C era.
Al Holbert, a driver synonymous with Porsche in the 1980s, and the 962 were a formidable combination. Holbert’s mastery of the 962, coupled with Porsche’s technological advancements, propelled the team to multiple victories. This article delves deep into the significance of the Porsche 962, the 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Al Holbert’s enduring legacy in the world of endurance racing.
The Birth of the Porsche 962: A Game-Changer in Endurance Racing
The Porsche 962 emerged as the successor to the Porsche 956, a car that had already proven itself as a dominant force in Group C racing. Porsche, renowned for its engineering prowess, created the 962 to comply with new safety regulations imposed by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) in the United States, particularly addressing concerns about driver safety in high-speed endurance racing. The 962 was designed to fit both the IMSA GTP and FIA Group C regulations, making it one of the most versatile and successful racing cars ever produced.
Introduced in 1984, the Porsche 962 featured a longer wheelbase compared to the 956, which allowed for better stability at high speeds and compliance with the IMSA’s regulations regarding pedal positioning. The car was powered by Porsche’s turbocharged flat-six engine, which was both powerful and reliable—two crucial factors in endurance racing.
Over the next few years, the 962 became a dominant force on the track. It achieved success across various racing series, including the World Sportscar Championship and the IMSA GTP series. The 962’s combination of superior aerodynamics, a reliable engine, and Porsche’s meticulous engineering allowed it to dominate long-distance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Al Holbert: A Racing Legend
Al Holbert was not just any driver; he was a motorsport legend with a deep association with Porsche. Born in 1946 in Pennsylvania, Holbert grew up around cars—his father, Bob Holbert, was a successful race car driver and car dealer. Al Holbert followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional race car driver, gaining fame for his skill and consistency behind the wheel.
Holbert’s relationship with Porsche began in the 1970s when he competed in and won various races driving Porsche cars, including the Porsche 911 and Porsche 935. He quickly established himself as one of the premier endurance racers of his time, with multiple IMSA championships under his belt.
By the 1980s, Holbert had become a key figure in Porsche’s factory team. He was not only a driver but also the head of Holbert Racing, a team closely aligned with Porsche North America. Holbert’s understanding of the car, his technical feedback, and his leadership both on and off the track made him a vital asset to Porsche’s racing efforts.
Holbert’s crowning achievements came in the 1980s when he piloted the Porsche 962 to numerous victories, including his triumphs at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His skill at managing the car’s pace, handling its turbocharged power, and enduring the grueling demands of long-distance racing made him a legend in the sport. The 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans would be one of his most memorable achievements.
The 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans: A Pivotal Year for Porsche
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most prestigious and challenging endurance races in the world. Taking place annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France, the race tests not only the speed but also the reliability and endurance of both drivers and machines. For Porsche, Le Mans had become a proving ground for its engineering excellence, and by 1987, the German automaker had already amassed an impressive record of victories at the event.
The 1987 Le Mans race was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a continuation of the fierce competition between Porsche, Jaguar, and other manufacturers in the Group C class. Jaguar had been making strides with its XJR-8, and Porsche, though still dominant, faced strong challenges on the track. Secondly, the race marked the return of some of the most skilled drivers in the sport, including Al Holbert.
Al Holbert’s Porsche 962C, wearing the distinctive Miller High Life livery, was one of the most recognized cars on the grid. Holbert shared driving duties with two experienced co-drivers: Hans-Joachim Stuck and Derek Bell. Together, this trio formed one of the strongest teams in the field, with each driver bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of endurance racing.
The Miller High Life Porsche #67: A Symbol of Success
The #67 Porsche 962C, sponsored by Miller High Life, was not just another car in the Porsche stable—it was a symbol of American racing pride. The car’s bold red and white livery, adorned with the Miller High Life branding, made it instantly recognizable on the track. But beyond its striking appearance, the car was a technological marvel.
The Porsche 962C featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine capable of producing over 700 horsepower. Its lightweight chassis, advanced aerodynamics, and reliability made it the perfect weapon for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, the car’s success wasn’t solely based on its mechanical attributes. The skill and teamwork of its drivers played an equally crucial role.
Holbert, Bell, and Stuck were seasoned veterans, and their experience was invaluable in managing the pace of the race, conserving fuel, and making crucial decisions about tire wear and mechanical preservation. In a race as long and grueling as Le Mans, these factors often make the difference between victory and defeat.
The Race: Triumph and Drama
The 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans saw fierce competition from the outset. Jaguar, determined to dethrone Porsche, brought a strong contingent of XJR-8 cars to the race, and early on, it appeared that the battle for the top step of the podium would be between Jaguar and Porsche. However, endurance racing is as much about survival as it is about speed, and over the course of the race, Porsche’s superior reliability began to show.
Al Holbert and his teammates expertly managed their pace, avoiding the mechanical issues that plagued many of their competitors. The Miller High Life Porsche #67 remained in contention throughout the race, and as the hours ticked by, it became clear that Porsche was once again poised for victory.
Despite several challenges, including rain and mechanical setbacks for other Porsche teams, Holbert, Bell, and Stuck’s #67 car continued to run smoothly. By the race’s final hours, the Miller High Life Porsche was firmly in the lead, with Holbert at the wheel for the final stint.
As the checkered flag waved, the #67 Porsche 962C crossed the finish line, securing another Le Mans victory for Porsche and cementing Al Holbert’s place in the history books. It was a masterclass in endurance racing, with Holbert, Bell, and Stuck showcasing their skill, patience, and teamwork to outlast their competitors.
The Legacy of the 1987 Le Mans Win
The 1987 victory at Le Mans was one of the crowning achievements of Al Holbert’s career. It was his third Le Mans win and a testament to his enduring partnership with Porsche. Holbert’s ability to consistently deliver results, both as a driver and a team leader, made him one of the most respected figures in motorsport.
For Porsche, the victory solidified its dominance in the Group C era. The 962’s combination of speed, reliability, and innovation had made it the car to beat in endurance racing. Over the course of its career, the Porsche 962 would go on to win countless races and championships, becoming one of the most successful racing cars in history.
The Miller High Life-sponsored #67 car, in particular, became an iconic symbol of Porsche’s success in American motorsport. Its distinctive livery, combined with Holbert’s skill behind the wheel, ensured that the car would be remembered as one of the greats in endurance racing history.
The Tragic End of a Legendary Career
Tragically, just two years after his triumphant Le Mans victory, Al Holbert’s life was cut short in a plane crash in 1989. Holbert’s death was a huge loss to the motorsport community, as he was not only a talented driver but also a key figure in Porsche’s racing operations in the United States.
Despite his untimely passing, Holbert’s legacy endures. His contributions to Porsche’s racing success and his influence on American motorsport continue to be celebrated. The Miller High Life Porsche #67 remains a symbol of his achievements and is fondly remembered by racing enthusiasts and historians alike.
Conclusion: A Legend on the Track
The story of the Porsche 962 and Al Holbert’s victory at the 1987 24 Hours of Le Mans is a tale of innovation, skill, and endurance. The combination of Porsche’s engineering excellence and Holbert’s masterful driving made the Miller High Life #67 car one of the most iconic machines in motorsport history.
For Porsche, the 962 represented the pinnacle of its endurance racing dominance in the 1980s, while for Holbert, it was a car that helped him achieve some of the greatest victories of his career. The 1987 Le Mans win remains a defining moment in both Porsche’s and Al Holbert’s illustrious racing histories, ensuring that their names will forever be intertwined with the rich legacy of endurance racing.
