It’s winter 1968, deep in the Christmas holidays. But at Porsche’s racing department, the workers have more on their minds than roast goose and red cabbage: in the forthcoming season, Stuttgart plans to continue its fight to the very top of endurance racing and there is much to be done – even for the drivers.
By early January 1969, Richard Attwood, Hans Herrmann and Jo Siffert find themselves huddled against the cold at a snow-covered Hockenheim, helping to make the final tweaks to the 908/02 Spyder. It was to be the start of a triumphant journey, a year when Porsche came within 20 yards of the company’s first outright win at Le Mans and went on to claim victory in the International Championship for Makes. The 917 was just around the corner and from 1970 onwards Christmas usually seemed to come in June for Porsche, at Le Mans. Next year, Porsche will be back there in force but now is the time to wish the racing teams – and of course, you, our readers – a Merry Christmas and a relaxing break.