Porsche 997 GT3 RSR

The welded-in safety cage increased the stiffness of the body by ten percent over the 996 RSR. Distinctive wheel arches widened the body by 50 mm on each side. The supplementary oil tank, power steering components, and battery were relocated to the front to improve the RSR’s weight distribution. To reduce the overall weight of the RSR, carbon fiber was employed throughout the bodywork- including the front and rear lids, bumpers, front fenders, doors, front and rear paneling, and wing. Polycarbonate rear and side windows in place of glass further aid in weight reduction.

Based on the Mezger-designed engine of the 997 GT3, the RSR features a 3.8-liter engine built to be capable of producing 465 horsepower at 8,000 rpm with the capability of revving all the way to 9,400 rpm. According to FIA/ACO regulations, it was fitted with two 30.3 mm air restrictors and the corresponding reprogramming of the electronics. For the first time, the RSR adopted the six-speed sequential manual transmission of the LMP2 specification sports prototype RS Spyder. The implementation of this gearbox significantly reduced weight and further reduced internal friction through a flat-angle axle design. ZF-Sachs shock absorbers with a Through-Rod-System offered considerably lower chamber pressure and hence generate less friction than conventional dampers,  resulting in significantly improved response characteristics. The improved axles also featured new anti-roll bars, an adjustable upper link, and an optimized lower link.

Jochen Rohr special ordered this RSR car from PCNA to compete in the 2008 IMSA series. He had a special relationship with the Porsche factory and was able to convince them to do a “Paint to Sample” of Signal Yellow on his new RSR. He took delivery of chassis #9936 and tested the car extensively at Sears Point (Sonoma Raceway) with Dominik Farnbacker in early 2008. Unfortunately, his sponsorship agreements fell apart for the season and he ended up selling the RSR to the Falken Tire Team to start their first season in endurance racing.

It is the only RSR painted in Signal Yellow from the Porsche factory. Chassis 9936 was used for tire development and only competed in a few races in the 2009 session in its iconic Falken blue/teal livery. Well-known Porsche collector Jim Edwards purchased chassis 9936 directly from Falken to complete his trio of Falken RSR team cars.

2009 Falken Tire Team Car #17 with drivers Bryan Sellers/Dominic Cicero

April 18th, 2009 American Le Mans Series Long Beach, DNF
September 26th, 2009 12th Annual Petit Le Mans, finished 23rd
October 10th, 2009 Monterey Sports Car Championship Laguna Seca, finished 13th
With only 41 cars built in 2008, the 997 RSR is a rare ultimate-specification Porsche GT racer. It is eligible for USA historic race events such as Rennsport, or the Daytona 24hr Classic. This RSR would also be eligible to race in both Masters Endurance Legends (MEL) as well as in Peter Auto’s Endurance Racing Legends (ERL) in Europe.

Chassis 9936 was extensively prepared by Porsche Motorsports North America and Migliore Motorwerks from 2015 to 2018. Porsche PMNA provided an engine rebuild certificate in November 2015 and the car was used lightly for Rennsport VI in 2018.

Highlights:

• The Only RSR painted Signal Yellow From The Porsche Factory
• Ordered New By Jochen Rohr From Porsche Cars North America
• Purchased by Falken Tires for Tire Development
• Prepared by Porsche Motorsports North America and Migliore Motorworks from 2015-2018
• Engine Rebuilt in November 2015
• Lightly used at Rennsport VI in 2018