Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/100968
solutions had to be deferred to Porsche and I regret to say they did not always get those right first time. ��There were too many engine failures due to poor preparation at the Porsche factory. Broken conrods, for instance, were much too frequent. ��One failure one could understand, but there were several, losing our team the victories. Also the weak gear shift lost more races. ��Porsche did not seem to care as their back-up teams went on to win when we failed in 1970, but in ���71 it was Alfa that reaped the benefits. Also, we were pressured to take so-called improvements before they had been tested to our satisfaction. The upgrades went directly to Porsche-Salzburg in 1970, and to Martini in 1971. ��This led to failures of our cars, e.g. Sebring 1970 and Brands Hatch 1971. Overall the 917 program was not as happy as it seemed it would be. ��However, Steve McQueen helped us out! The film gave the public the impression the Gulf 917 won Le Mans and it also increased the public���s perception of the name Gulf. ��As Dr. Wyllie indicated, the fact the racing program did not originate at, nor was controlled by the advertising department of Gulf Oil piqued those fellows into ignoring the successes for advertising value and promotions. Jay: Do you still have the JWAE archives and documents? John: I have pretty well all the Race Data Sheets throughout the Gulf period, JWAE and GRRC. I was visited by John Hughes of the F.I.A., Historic Motor Sport Commission, recently to discuss these records, as he intends to collect all records from the start of motor racing history onwards. He realizes this may not be achieved in his lifetime! I have committed to supply him with all that I have. Jay: As an engineer, what is your favored solution for energy efficient, low-to-zero CO2 cars for the future? John: ��I cannot accept the present hybrid systems. ��The thought of carting around those bulky, very heavy batteries is an anathema to an ex-racing engineer! ��They must seriously detract from acceleration and economy, especially when the same fuel consumption can be obtained with a modern diesel engine. I suppose all cars will be electric in due course and the fun will be gone from motoring... ��At least I shall not be there to see it! ��Even an electric car has serious flaws. Someone somewhere has to produce the energy for the ���main��� supply, thereby creating some damage to the environment, and until battery technology advances significantly the range of the electric car is so small as to be useless. ************ John���s excellent book ���Racing In The Rain��� is available from David Bull Publishing. It���s a must-have for fans of the 917 or sports car racing in general. Great thanks to John for sharing his perspective and some inside information with us. TRACK PREPARATION FUEL INJECTION TRANSMISSIONS DIAGNOSTIC Celebrating 25 Years of Quality Porsche Service ELECTRICAL 996 & Boxster IMS Bearing Retrofit Now Available! Call (425) 462-9296 for Details. ENGINES Specializing in Porsche Service & Modification 1503 130th Ave. NE Bellevue, WA 98005 ChrisGerman.com ProFormance Racing School Authorized FVD Dealer Valued Advertiser Since 1980 / / Authorized Motec Dealer Authorized LN Engineering Dealer / / www.pnwr.org 425. 462. 9296. Tel 425. 455. 2551. Fax Authorized H&R Dealer Authorized Griot���s Garage Dealer October 2011 23