Porsche Penske Motorsport’s 963: A Triumphant Turnaround in IMSA and WEC
It was just last year that the new-for-2023 Porsche 963 prototype had a shaky start in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, despite the longest pre-season testing program compared to its rivals from Acura, BMW, and Cadillac. But a remarkable turnaround has seen the 963 emerge as the dominant force in both the IMSA and WEC championships.
The Daytona 24 Hours proved challenging, with gearbox failure and issues with the hybrid system hampering the team’s efforts. However, the 963 soon showed its true potential, particularly when the cooler night air gave it the performance window it needed. A bold strategy call at Long Beach saw the #6 car driven by Nick Tandy and Mathieu Jaminet claim an unexpected first win, hinting at the car’s underlying speed.
The turning point came at Road America in 2023, where Felipe Nasr and Matt Campbell, in the #7 car, secured a “very honest victory” that kickstarted a successful sequence of races for Porsche. “It’s like the backpack was gone,” said Porsche’s director of LMDh factory racing, Urs Kuratle, reflecting on the team’s newfound confidence.
Since that pivotal moment, the 963 has consistently been on the podium, with the exception of the Petit Le Mans finale at Road Atlanta. Nasr, now paired with Dane Cameron, leads the IMSA drivers’ championship by a comfortable margin, while Porsche’s customer team, Jota, tops the WEC teams’ standings.
Rivals have acknowledged the 963’s impressive progress, particularly in its ability to manage tire temperatures and performance across a wide range of compounds. Acura’s Filipe Albuquerque has advocated for Michelin to lean more on the use of softer tires to help mitigate the challenge of cold tire warm-up.
Nasr credits the team’s increased understanding of tire behavior and setup adjustments as key factors in the 963’s success. “One year under our belts makes a huge difference on understanding on how to turn on the tires, depending on each track and the tire compound,” he explains.
With just three rounds remaining in the IMSA season and the WEC championship intensifying, Porsche Penske Motorsport’s 963 is poised to continue its dominance, thanks to a remarkable turnaround that has seen the car emerge as the clear pack leader in both prestigious endurance racing series.
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