Creating the Porsche 917

Relive the golden era of endurance racing with this deep dive into the legendary Porsche 917. This episode chronicles the creation of a true motorsports icon, from its innovative engineering and aerodynamic design to its total domination of the racetrack. We explore how Porsche's designers and engineers found the perfect formula, leading to the car's first-ever overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. Discover the secrets of its success, from the powerful flat-12 engine to the different "short tail" and "long tail" configurations that made it unbeatable. This is the ultimate podcast for supercar fans, racing enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the story of how an amazing car changed the world of motorsports forever. 

When Porsche decided to built the ultimate car to finally win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1960s, they knew they would need the absolute best team.

And if it wasn't for the all-star cast of drivers, engineers, team managers, and of course, the driving force behind the entire program, Ferdinand Piech, there's no way their goal of victory at Le Mans would have ever been reached.

I found an amazing book, with the entire history of the incredible Porsche 917. Even though I had to read the book four times to grasp the entire story, I completely enjoyed every minute of it.

"...And on the course for which it was designed, Le Mans, it wrote a new chapter in the pursuit of maximum speed. In its second generation, it became simply the fastest racing car of its time."  

- Author Peter Morgan, from his amazing book, 'Porsche 917 The Winning Formula'

Summary

This conversation delves into the fascinating history of the Porsche 917, exploring its legacy, engineering challenges, and the key figures behind its success. From the initial design flaws to the eventual triumph at Le Mans, the story highlights the relentless pursuit of speed and innovation in the world of racing.

Chapters

00:00 The Legacy of the Porsche 917
02:46 The Engineering Journey: Iteration and Improvement
06:06 Ferdinand Piëch: The Driving Force Behind the 917
08:52 John Wyer: The Mastermind of Racing Strategy
12:12 The Breakthrough: Solving the 917's Instability
15:04 The 1970 Racing Season: A New Era Begins
17:59 The 1970 Le Mans: A Historic Victory
20:53 The 917's Dominance: A Legacy of Speed
24:12 The Future of Porsche Racing
27:08 Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of the 917

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