The Watkins Glen 6 Hours was the final event of the International Championship for Makes in 1971. It wasn't just one more race on the schedule. It was also the last race where the venerable and powerful 5 litre engines would be used. For next year, the Group 6 Prototype and Group 5 Sports Car classes would be replaced by a new Group 5 Sports Car class. These cars were limited to 3 liters engines.
The 1971 race had nearly three hours of drizzle and rain, so we had to pick a car that had working wipers. The Lola T70 did not have them, so we chose one of the Porsche 917s, as a farewell to this fantastic car.
We took the exit as calmly as possible, the track was wet because it had rained earlier. And just ahead of us was the T70 ending the first lap, while one of the John Wyer Porsche 917s driven by Joe Siffert started to push for my position.
I didn't want to press my luck with the wet track, so we counted on the backmarkers to do "their job" by slowing down those in front of me. One of the Corvette lost positions which helped us to advance one more position in the race and in front we had one of the Alfa T33s. I lost to the 917 #1, while the rain was now heavier and was getting dark. It was really hard to drive this car on the rain, but finally we made it. Nightfall was beginning but the sun still showed briefly on the last lap.
It really was a pleasure to relive this part of racing history with so many fantastic cars of the era gathered in one season. I hope you enjoyed it as much as me doing these races.
A big thank you to Bazza and his AC Legends Prototypes, Legion, Kunos and Racedepartment for his near infinite supply of skins, cars and tracks.
Watkins Glen by LilSky historic short layout:
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1971 Race Results:
www.racingspor...
World Championship for Makers Playlist:
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