The turbo-charged Porsches were well known for this awesome, fiery display on overrun when unburned fuel ignited on the superheated exhaust system!
Coming hot on the heels of a Porsche 935 victory at the Daytona 24 Hours, the cars from Zuffenhausen led the Sebring 12 Hours from start to finish. No fewer than 46 of the 72 starters were Porsches, with 935 models occupying the first 11 spots on the grid!
Bob Akin, a legend behind the wheels of countless Porsches, shared driving duties in the #9 Dick Barbour entry with Rob McFarlin and Roy Woods, sponsored by the famous "King of Beers", Budweiser. Quite by coincidence, the #9 emblazoned on the big Porsche reflected the trios starting position. This didn't put a dent in their ambitions, though.
The "Swap Shop" 935 led the first two hours before Al Holbert and John Paul, Sr. took over the lead; a place they held until their drivetrain packed up in the 8th hour. Akin/McFarlin/Woods were in hot pursuit of the lead when it fell into their laps.
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Their plan was the classic endurance racing approach: strategy paid dividends over outright speed. Akin and company kept the boost pressure turned down, driving smoothly and consistently, and taking care of the equipment. The beautiful blue, flame-spitting #9 Porsche 935 was an unforgettable winner of the classic, gruelling Sebring 12 Hour endurance race!
