[Video] Is this the best GT racing ever? | GRR
Porsche vs. Corvette is a battle that has become one of the mainstays of American sportscar racing. Even now, with Porsche having pulled its factory team out of IMSA, a privateer 911 has been battling the latest C8 Corvette for supremacy in 2021.
Back in 2009 things were no different. GTE didn’t exist, but its forebear – GT2 – was at its very peak in the American Le Mans Series – the forerunner to the modern day IMSA championship. Here, at Laguna Seca, we find a Flying Lizard-run 911 racing hard for victory against one of the factory-run Corvettes with just a handful of minutes to go.
The 911 is in front, but seems to be gradually running out of tyre life, while the Corvette is harrying on its tail but struggling to find a way round. The drivers in question are Jorg Bergmeister in the Porsche and Corvette racing legend, and ex-F1 driver, Jan Magnussen in the C6. Between them they put on what must be one of the best displays of GT racing you’ll ever see.
Right at the start, Magnussen sends the C6 up inside the 911, but Bergmeister is waiting for him, cutting back to take the lead. Next lap it gets even more exciting, coming up behind a slower Ford GT, Bergmeister goes up the inside of the Ford, while Magnussen throws (as the commentators say) caution to the wind by rounding the outside of the GT and nearly pulling off quite an astonishing move.
We won’t spoil the race, but with the light dimming and traffic all around it truly is one of the best bits of racing you’ll ever see.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Sidecar hillclimb racing looks terrifying