2000 Porsche Motorsport 996 GT3 R - Team PK Sport #082
6th in GT Class at 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans.
2000 Porsche Motorsport 996 GT3 R - Team PK Sport #082
6th in GT Class at 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Chassis: # WPOZZZ99 ZYS 692082
In 1999, Porsche returned to the glory of the old days with the 996 GT3 R, built in a total of 61 units. At the GT3 R’s first race, the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, two prototypes emphatically claimed first and second place in the LMGT class. The 996’s domination ensued in 2000 with GT3 R’s claiming a clean sweep on the podium, followed by the same result with the GT3 RS in 2001, 2002, and the seasons to come. The 996 GT3 R, the later 996 GT3 RS and - in its last evolution - the GT3 RSR, made the following years the most successful GT racing years in Porsche’s history.
Chassis #082 has a rich motorsport history, including a spectacular private-team entry at Le Mans, and two full seasons in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). #082 was fitted with factory ‘RS’ spec upgrades in 2003 and recently restored to its 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans livery.
2003
The British outfit PK Sport entered the car in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it was driven by Robin Liddell, David Warnock, and Piers Masarati. 2003 was the 80th anniversary of Le Mans, and the Bentley Speed 8s finished 1st and 2nd.
The chassis #082 PK Sport car achieved an impressive 23rd overall finish and 6th in class. Despite not meeting their highest expectations, the team celebrated their achievement, knowing that finishing the gruelling race was a remarkable accomplishment.
Entry alone to the most famous endurance race in the world was a huge feat for the privately-run PK Sport team and to complete a top six line-up full of 996 GT3 RSs remains an incredible achievement.
Throughout 2003, the car contested a full season in the American Le Mans Series, earning competitive class finishes, including a 3rd in class at Miami and a podium at the 1000km of Le Mans.
2004
The car returned to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, continuing its presence on the world’s greatest endurance racing stage. Starting from 47th place, David Warnock completed a successful opening stint, maintaining a steady pace and avoiding early battles. Despite being overtaken by several cars, he improved his position to 11th in the GT class after his first pit stop. Jim Matthews took over from Warnock, matched Warnock’s pace and held the car’s position.
Throughout the race, #082 experienced engine cooling issues, leading to a 52-minute pit stop. Despite the team’s efforts, including a radiator replacement, the car suffered further damage and retired due to an electronic problem.
#082 entered the remainder of the ALMS rounds, tackling some of the most challenging and iconic circuits in North America. From the gruelling 12 Hours of Sebring, to the high-speed drama of Petit Le Mans and the technical demands of Laguna Seca, the car demonstrated the resilience, engineering integrity, and competitive spirit that define Porsche’s racing heritage.
#082 is eligible to race in numerous historic races, including Peter Auto Endurance Racing Legends, Le Mans Classic, HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hour and Sebring Classic 12 Hour.
If you’re interested in seeing #082 back on the track, we’d love to hear from you.