Pic Post: Porkers at Sebring

Ever felt like you had way too much to do and couldn't seem to gain traction on any of it? Well that's been the story around here lately. Simply way too much to do and not enough time in the day, or perhaps motivation / brain power to go around and make it all happen. So because of this, I've been a little slow for updating. It's not for lack of wanting, just for lack of time.



I've got a few things in line, waiting to be posted, the most interesting of which is almost certainly the IMSA GTI, but that will wait until next time.  First I will finally dig in a little more to Sebring. The event itself is so far in the past I hardly think it's worth re-telling the event itself, but why not throw up an all-Porsche post. Despite Audi being back in 2011 the Porkers are still my favorite,

Read on...







It's a little odd, because I'm most-often an underdog kinda guy. Whenever anyone wins too often I tend to stop liking them (except for maybe the Orioles or the Ravens) - so it's unique that I like Porsches as much as I do.





Porsches, in the world of GT racing, are almost always the benchmark, the brand to beat. Ferrari, Corvette, BMW, all may take the crown for a little while, but it's just a matter of time before it is back in its rightful place, in the hands of Porsche and their classic 911.



Thinking about it more, part of it could be Porsche's constant refinement and evolution of a singular idea rather than forgetting their history and just going with what would be easy. It is, as Brian Redman once said, a triumph of engineering over a poor basic design. That poor basic design, with the engine hanging way out behind the rear axle, is definitely at least part of why Porsches are the most exciting cars on the track.



The handling of even the most dialed-in 911 is, shall we say, a bit spicy. They squirm, squeal and move around more than anything else on the track. The 911 is one of the only modern race cars which still looks scary and out of control at least 50% of the time. It still looks like something that could bite even the most experienced of racing drivers, and it often does.








It also doesn't matter if it's a vintage 911 from 1971 or from 2011, when the driver is really pushing it through the corners and the car is hooked up, it's almost always on three wheels. Throw in some uneven surfaces like the ones we see all over Sebring, and you'll end up on two wheels at least 3-4 times lap. Even over twelve hours, who can get sick of that?





Ah yes, the side-by-side flying Porsches, with two of our favorites: Falken Tire and Black Swan. Different classes, same effect.





I suppose it's just a combination of everything really: The sound, the look, the history. To this day the Porsche 911 remains my most desired car, and one of these days...it may not be soon, but one of these days, I will have one in the driveway. In the meantime though I'll be more than happy to enjoy them out on the track, maybe not winning every race but always a threat, and at the very least very entertaining.

_WRS