In the late years of the 1960's and early 1970's, Porsche, in their search for faster race cars, developed the 908. The Porsche 908 in fact became the break through racing car that Porsche was searching for. Built to race with the best cars produced in England, Italy and America, the 908 created for nothing less than outright wins. This was just the case with Porsche's first ever World Championship of Makes title winner.
Porsche had been sinking huge amounts of money in racing and that coupled by a rules change seems to have led to the Type 908. Those rules changes announced in 1968, effected previously unregulated engine size by limiting Group 6 prototypes to three liters. Suddenly the whole picture changed for Porsche gaining a level field advantage they had been hoping for.
Mechanically the 908 was actually not much more than the Porsche 907 in that it was simpler with a larger engine. To begin with the 908 had the same problems with stability as did the 907. The additional horsepower coupled with the stability problems only made the situation worse. Intense experimentation with spoiler, flaps and vertical stabilizers managed to make the cars drivable in their original design.
Then again in 1969 Porsche profited from additional changes made in the rules for Group 6 prototypes, this time relaxing the restrictions regarding weight, height, and structure. Porsche's response was to build the 908/2 spyder. The 908 was finally making itself known in 1969 despite disappointment at Daytona. Returning to Europe, 908's won at Brands Hatch in the UK where Siffert and rookie Brian Redman led a one-two-three 908 spyder sweep. Winning again at Monza where Seffert and Redman took another first, again at Targa Florio with Porsche managing a one-through-four sweep, then Spa and Nurburgring where Porsche had a five car sweep lead to Porsche earning its initial FIA World Manufacturers Crown. It was at this time a new body shape was unveiled, the 908/2 "Flounder", nicknamed because of its flat upper surfaces. The Flounder's design added 10 mph to the top speed of the 908/2. The 908/2 "Flounder" took second overall in its first Championship race becoming the future design for all 908 spyders and the basis for the 917 Can-Am and 917K endurance models.
Ironically for a time recycled factory Porsche competition cars seemed to be everywhere. The most recognized however was the 908/2 "Flounder" raced by actor Steve McQueen and Peter Revson at the 1970 Sebring 12 hour. With Porsche 917's running in front and their competing Ferrari 512 counterparts having problems, the McQueen/Revson team was leading the Sebring field with less than one hour remaining. Mario Andretti having held the first place position with his Ferrari 512 when it broke with about 90 ninutes remaining, had moved into the highest place. With 30 minutes remaining Andretti was in front but his position was brief when he pitted for fuel, putting McQueen and Revson in front. Unfortunately Andretti would pass the Porsche 908/2 "Flounder" for the win.
Author: LeVier Byrem
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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