Here’s a quick run-down of the 917 Seminar. Bill Warner started off the 917 seminar with introductions of the panel and praising the drivers…

“These guys are Heroes”

Indeed they are…

The panel consisted of:
-Brian Redman-Former driver for John Wyer teams 68-70, raced Porsche 917s teamed with other greats such as Joe Siffert, and Jacky Ickx.

-Vic Elford- was the only driver to drive every version of the 917 and was the first driver to lap Le Mans at 150mph(in a 917 long tail). Wins include the Targa Florio, Nurburgring, the Monte Carlo Rally, 24hrs of Daytona, & Sebring to name a few. I also read that he was hired by Steve McQueen to do the close up high speed driving in the movie “Le Mans”…which makes it super cool that he signed my Gulf “Le Mans” jacket!

Chris C. with the Gulf 917

John Horsman-Began his career at Aston Martin, and became John Wyer’s assistant at Ford Advanced Vehicles, then JW Automotive, where he was an integral part of the success of the Gulf GT40 and Porsche 917 Teams…He is responsible for the redesign of the 917 tail, adapted by the Porsche Factory Team that solved aerodynamic instability issues with the early 917 cars, and ultimately made it one of the most famous race cars in history.

Derek Bell – A tremdendous driving career with 5 wins at Le Mans and 3 at Daytona…also one of the drivers that took part in the driving in the movie “Le Mans” with Steve McQueen.

Hurley Haywood – Drove the Brumos Porsche 917 shown in the pictures, is synonymous with Porsche racing with wins at Le Mans, Daytona, & Sebring among others.

Hurley Haywood Signing Chris’s Gulf Racing Jacket

Charlie Kemp – Can-Am driver of the RC Cola 917 in the 70′s once took his 917 airborne at 150 miles per hour at Road Atlanta…Here’s an newspaper article I found that describes it…

The panel was moderated by Tim Considine and Sam Posey. During the hour and a half or so panel discussion, the members of the panel were asked questions by the moderators about their history with the 917, sharing stories, and experiences…Charlie Kemp and Hurley Haywood both described their airborne experiences with their 917s.  John Horsman discussed the advances made with redesigning the tail…It was amazing to see these humble gentlemen who, if you were to see them on the street, seemed like just another person…with the exception, perhaps of Derek Bell, who has a star quality to him, and Hurley Haywood, who still has “the look” of a driver…Look up race car driver in the dictionary, and Hurley Haywood’s picture would be there…

Truly amazing to be in such company, and even more, to shake the hands of greatness, exchange pleasantries…I can only hope some of their Porsche mojo rubbed off on me in some way.

I purchased John Horsman’s book – “Racing in the Rain” , and Vic Elford’s book “Vic Elford – Reflections on a Golden Era in Motorsports” having the both signed by the legends themselves. I was thrilled just to be in their presence….guys I was too young to follow as a kid, but have read about as an adult and Porsche enthusiast.
Wearing a shirt themed after in the Gulf team colors with the infamous hood stripes down the shoulders, John Horseman said to me “You wore the right colors today” before signing my jacket … Perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity.

In Byrons words. The real men of racing…

Once again Bill Warner and his team put together an incredible event! Huge thanks to the staff and volunteers for all the hard work and having us. Enjoy the rest of the photos below!

More shots from the Concours:

To see more of the concours and Porsche race cars check out Chris’s Photo Gallery.

Thanks and Happy Motoring~