Roger Penske, the titan of motorsport, has unequivocally expressed his fervent desire to return to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, but there’s a catch: his team will only venture back if it’s with Porsche. This revelation comes from Penske himself, who has yet to taste victory at Le Mans—a notable gap in a career that boasts an astounding 20 Indianapolis 500 wins and three Daytona 500 titles, alongside numerous championships across various racing disciplines.
The urgency of Penske’s ambition is amplified by Porsche’s recent withdrawal from the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class, a decision that has thwarted Porsche Penske Motorsport from making its fourth consecutive appearance at Le Mans this year. The absence of the Porsche 963 from a full-season World Endurance Championship campaign has left fans and team members alike yearning for a return to the legendary French race.
During an exclusive gathering with select reporters at the Rolex 24 at Daytona—a race where the factory Porsche GTP squad is poised to clinch its third consecutive overall victory—Penske articulated his thoughts on the situation. “We’ve been there, we’ve had good success there,” he remarked. “Obviously we all wanted to go but I think it was a business decision that was not for me to make that decision, other than say that we want to go and we’d like to go back and hopefully that will be the case.”
Porsche is currently redirecting its resources, focusing heavily on their IMSA program, which Penske acknowledges is a monumental financial commitment. “They’re making a huge commitment here [in IMSA],” he noted, while also recalling the near success his team had at Le Mans last year. “We want to go back and we will,” he declared, igniting hope among fans and stakeholders.
When pressed about the significance of winning at Le Mans to fulfill his team’s storied legacy, Penske’s eyes lit up with determination. “I’ve grown up on the things I can’t get, I want!” he exclaimed, underscoring the emotional weight that this race holds for him. His nostalgia flowed as he reminisced about his first visit to Le Mans in the 1970s, a time when the sheer power of the car often secured pole position, regardless of speed.
Penske’s loyalty to Porsche is unwavering; he has rejected other opportunities because he insists on returning with the German manufacturer. “I wouldn’t go with anyone else,” he stated firmly, emphasizing the strong business partnership they share globally.
In anticipation of a future return, Penske revealed that much of the WEC team’s infrastructure remains intact, including their base in Mannheim, Germany. “There’s no question,” he affirmed, noting the retention of key personnel to maintain momentum in preparation for a possible comeback. “The good news is the individuals that supported us from Porsche, their internal people, are still in place,” he added, hinting at a strategic advantage as they aim for another triumph at the Rolex 24.
Penske, now 88, admitted he hopes for a return to Le Mans within a year. However, he is aware that the decision ultimately lies beyond his control. “I’d love it to be only a one-year hiatus from the WEC and Le Mans,” he said, expressing optimism that they would be back “way before” the anticipated 2030 introduction of new Hypercar regulations.
Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach echoed Penske’s sentiments, asserting that while the decision to exit the WEC was made for valid reasons, their commitment to endurance racing remains steadfast. “When we said we’re going to stop in WEC, it never meant that we’re turning our back to endurance racing,” he explained. The connection between Porsche and Le Mans is deeply rooted, and preparations are ongoing for a potential return.
However, looming uncertainties threaten Porsche’s long-standing legacy at Le Mans. With the possible exclusion from the 2027 race and the introduction of new competitors like McLaren and Ford in the Hypercar class, the stakes have never been higher. The specter of Porsche not participating in Le Mans for the first time since 1950 is a chilling thought for fans and stakeholders alike.
Laudenbach expressed his hopes, saying, “It would be sad if we didn’t see a GT Porsche on the grid,” highlighting the emotional connection fans have with the brand. While he concedes that decisions lie beyond his purview, the desire to see Porsche continue its storied legacy in endurance racing is palpable.
As Porsche navigates these turbulent waters, one thing is clear: the hunger for victory at Le Mans burns brighter than ever for Penske and his team. The future is uncertain, but the passion and commitment to return to the hallowed grounds of Le Mans remain unyielding.
