1986 Porsche 962 Coupe

This Porsche, chassis number 113, was the Bob Akin Racing Coca-Cola/Dominos Pizza sponsored 962. It is possibly the most famous and photographed 962 in IMSA history and currently wears a restoration.

In May of 1985, Bob Akin's first Porsche 962 (chassis number 102), was destroyed in an accident at Charlotte with John Paul Jr.'s March. Mr. Akin needed a new car; Porsche supplied him with another 962 - chassis number 113.

Porsche 962-113 would enjoy a very successful career in IMSA racing. Its first race was at Watkins Glen in July of 1985 for a 3-hour race where it was driven by Akin, Hans Stuck and Jim Mullen. The car qualified 2nd and finished 12th.

During the 1985 season, chassis 113 competed in seven IMSA races, scoring a few top 5 finishes and a 6th at the Daytona Finale.

For the 1986 season, driving duties were shared between Stuck and Austrian driver Jo Gartner at Daytona. Unfortunately, the car was involved in a minor accident that retired it prematurely from the race. At Miami, the car was driven by Stuck and Gartner to its first podium finish.

At the 12-Hour Sebring race, the 962 enjoyed its first outright victory. At the race, Akin, Stuck and Gartner also set race records for distance covered and average miles per hour for the Sebring 12 Hour that still stand to this day.

962-113 finished the 1986 season with eleven top 10 finishes.

For 1987, the car wore new livery, with Yokohama and Coca-Cola as their main sponsors. The season began well for 962-113, with a 6th overall finish at both the Daytona 24 Hour race and at Sebring. Sebring would be the last IMSA race for 113. The car would stay in the original owner's hands until 2000 and then competed in a few HSR and vintage events.

Porsche 962-113 has been well maintained, including an engine rebuild by Porsche Motorsports in 2002. The car has been driven fewer than 20 hours since then and recently underwent a cosmetic restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012