740hp Prototype Porsche Racecar Driven by Mark Hotchkis and Tuned by John Hotchkis, Founder of Hotchkis Sport Suspension
November 8, 2007 Daytona International Speedway, The high banks of legendary Daytona International Speedway are still smoldering after an epic battle between flame-belching teutonic supercars the first week of November. The event was the Porsche Rennsport Reunion III, where some of the fastest and most powerful Porsche racing cars from years past battled for bragging rights, and Mark Hotchkis drove his Hotchkis Racing Wynn’s Porsche 962 in a head-to-head Group 5 duel with LeMans class winning Porsche factory driver Patrick Long in the former Busby Racing Miller/BFG Porsche 962.
Hotchkis qualified a strong third in a field of 15 wickedly fast Porsche 962 race cars. While third place qualifying position seemed acceptable, Hotchkis knew he needed more from the Hotchkis Racing Wynn’s Porsche to challenge the two 962’s ahead. Mark consulted his brother, Hotchkis Performance President John Hotchkis, to determine an improved race setup. Having driven in the IMSA GTP class in the late 80’s and in the super competitive HSR historic racing events in 1997-01, John has vast experience behind the wheel of the 740 HP prototype class 962.
John listened to Marks post qualifying comments about mechanical grip, aero balance and handling; and then with the team, formulated a race set up plan.
John and the Hotchkis Racing crew went to work. They changed shock absorber settings, toe/camber specs and increased rear aerodynamic grip. “Marks comments after qualifying about mechanical grip and handling are concepts we deal with daily when developing Hotchkis Sport Suspension”, explained John.
Mark had a great start and nearly had the lead going into turn 1. “I knew immediately that the car’s setup was better and I was able to put pressure on Patrick and pass him a few times during the race”, said Mark. “I want to thank my brother John and the Hotchkis team for providing the set up that allowed the Hotchkis Racing Porsche to run so well”, stated Mark.
The Hotchkis Racing Wynn’s Porsche 962 was campaigned by the Hotchkis Racing Team in the IMSA Camel GTP challenge from 1986 to 1991. The competition included the GTP cars from Nissan, Toyota, Jaguar, Ford and numerous other Porsche 962 teams including Holbert/ Lowenbrau, Miller, BF6, Coke, and Bayside/Havoline. The principle drivers were John Hotchkis Sr. and Jr. They enjoyed great success at many events including the 24 Hours Of Daytona, the 12 Hours Of Sebring and many other Camel/GTP races throughout the United States. John Jr. learned first hand the benefits of superior handling while driving the 962 and many other racing cars. Former Team Kool Green driver and Firestone Indy Lights race winner, Mark Hotchkis, joined the Hotchkis Racing Team for its foray into the intensely competitive world of HSR historic sports car racing.
The Hotchkis Racing team enjoyed great success and numerous race wins in HSR from 1997 to 2001. Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta and Moroso saw fantastic battles between the Hotchkis Racing Porsche 962 and many ferocious GTP cars including Nissan, Spice, Intrepid, and many Porsche 962’s from the IMSA Camel GTP and European Group C era. John and Mark co-drove the Hotchkis Racing 962 to win the HSR race at Daytona Speedway in 2000.
The Hotchkis Racing 962 competed in one more race with John and Mark behind the wheel. The 2001 ALMS weekend at Laguna Seca saw Mark qualify second and the duo run in the top two before an unscheduled pit stop dropped the Hotchkis Racing 962 out of contention.
While most of the famous Porsche 962 race cars have been sold to collectors the Hotchkis Racing version continues under the original “family” team banner.
The Hotchkis Racing 962 had been in storage for six years until undergoing a complete restoration by the Hotchkis Team in preparation for the Rennsport Reunion III.
Hotchkis Racing Wynn’s Porsche 962 specifications
- 1986 Porsche 962 F01 delivered by Holbert Racing (Porsche Motorsports N.A.) to Hotchkis Racing at the IMSA race at Watkins Glen, NY. 1986
- Top speed -240 MPH (Le Mans trim)
- Engine – Porsche 3.2 liter flat 6 cylinder with single turbocharger and intercooler
- Horsepower – 740HP
- ECU – Bosch Motronic
- Chassis – Aluminum monocoque
- Body – Carbon fiber body work
- Transmission – Porsche racing 5-speed
- Fire system – Lifeline
- Shocks- Penske Racing
- Tires – Goodyear
- Wheels – BBS
About Hotchkis Sport Suspension:
Hotchkis Performance designs, manufacturers and distributes Hotchkis Sport Suspension to improve handling, traction and control of European, domestic and sport compact cars. Products include sport sway bars, springs, camber plates, trailing arms, a-arms and more. They offer complete engineered suspension packages called TVS (Total vehicle System).
Porsche Rennsport Reunion III
Sponsored by Porsche Cars North America and organized by Brian Redman’s Intercontinental Events, Inc., Porsche Rennsport Reunion is held every three years. It is open to the public and brings together an unprecedented gathering of significant Porsche vintage and current racecars and famous Porsche race drivers.