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Al Holbert
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Key Information

Alvah Robert Holbert (November 11, 1946 – September 30, 1988) was an American automobile racing driver who was a five-time champion of the IMSA Camel GT series and the fifth driver to complete the informal triple Crown of endurance racing.[1] He once held the record with the most IMSA race wins at 50.[2]

Life and career

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Holbert was born in Abington, Pennsylvania. He was the son of racecar driver Bob Holbert, who also ran a Volkswagen-Porsche dealership in Warrington, PA, near Philadelphia (one of the first Porsche dealerships in the USA). Holbert worked for Roger Penske while studying at Lehigh University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1968.[3] Holbert began racing Porsches in the northeast division of the SCCA, racing a C-production Porsche 914/6 against, among others, Bob Tullius (Triumph TR6) and Bob Sharp (Datsun 240Z). In 1971, Holbert scored his first race win in a Porsche and would turn professional in 1974. He would score his first of his two IMSA titles in 1976 and 1977 in a Dekon Monza. Being a Porsche supporter, Holbert allowed Porsche technicians to inspect his Monza, which would eventually lead to Porsche entering the series with turbocharged cars such as the 934 that led to a Porsche dominance for the following years. During that time Holbert jumped ship to the Stuttgart marque.

From 1976 to 1979, Holbert raced 19 career races in NASCAR. In those 19 races, in which he drove primarily for James Hylton, Holbert scored 4 top ten finishes.

Al Holbert's championship-winning Löwenbräu Special Porsche 962.

Holbert also added an IMSA GTP title during 1983 in a Chevrolet and Porsche powered March 83G when Porsche were unable to make their 956 eligible for competition that year. February 27, 1983, he won the Grand Prix of Miami. Holbert finished fourth in the 1984 Indianapolis 500, and led the Porsche IndyCar effort in 1987–1988. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1983, 1986, and 1987, the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1986 and 1987 and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1976 and 1981. Holbert was the head of the Porsche North America's Motorsports Division and ran his own racing team, Holbert Racing. He clinched two more IMSA GTP championships back to back in both 1985 and 1986 driving a Lowenbrau sponsored Porsche 962. In 1988, Holbert realised that the Porsche 962 that had brought him success in his earlier years was becoming outmoded by the newer generation of racers from the likes of the Jaguar XJR-9 and the Electramotive's Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo. His plan was to build an open top Porsche-engined racer for customer teams. Porsche eventually built such a car nearly a decade later, although the WSC-95 would never be built for customer teams as Holbert and Porsche intended.

Death and afterwards

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On September 30, 1988, Holbert was at the IMSA Columbus Ford Dealers 500. That evening, Holbert was fatally injured when his privately owned propeller driven Piper PA-60 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Columbus, Ohio, when a clamshell door was not closed. At the end of the season, the team was disbanded and IMSA would retire his race number 14.

Former Holbert Racing chief mechanic Kevin Doran later became a noted team owner. Son, Todd Holbert was also a mechanic, and is currently with Toyota developing their NASCAR Tundra and Camry vehicles.

Awards

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Holbert was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993.[1]
He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1993.[4]

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Racing record

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SCCA National Championship Runoffs

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Year Track Car Engine Class Finish Start Status
1971 Road Atlanta Porsche 914/6 Porsche C Production 16 6 Retired
1972 Road Atlanta Porsche 914/6 Porsche C Production 4 4 Running

Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results

[edit]
Year Class Tyres Car Team Co-Drivers Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
1977 S
+2.0 		G Inaltera LM77
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 		France Inaltera France Jean-Pierre Beltoise 275 13th 5th
1980 GTP D Porsche 924 Carrera GT
Porsche 2.0L Turbo I4 		Germany Porsche System United Kingdom Derek Bell 305 13th 6th
1982 C D Porsche 956
Porsche Type-935 2.6L Turbo Flat-6 		Germany Rothmans Porsche System United States Hurley Haywood
Germany Jürgen Barth 		340 3rd 3rd
1983 C D Porsche 956
Porsche Type-935 2.6L Turbo Flat-6 		Germany Rothmans Porsche Australia Vern Schuppan
United States Hurley Haywood 		370 1st 1st
1985 C1 D Porsche 962C
Porsche Type-935 2.6L Turbo Flat-6 		Germany Rothmans Porsche Australia Vern Schuppan
United Kingdom John Watson 		299 DNF DNF
1986 C1 D Porsche 962C
Porsche Type-935 2.6L Turbo Flat-6 		Germany Rothmans Porsche United Kingdom Derek Bell
Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck 		368 1st 1st
1987 C1 D Porsche 962C
Porsche Type-935 3.0L Turbo Flat-6 		Germany Rothmans Porsche Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck
United Kingdom Derek Bell 		355 1st 1st

American open–wheel racing results

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(key)

CART

[edit]
Year Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Rank Points Ref
1984 Alex Morales Motorsports LBH
15 		PHX1
23 		INDY
4 		MIL
20 		POR
24 		MEA
5 		CLE
7 		MIS1
19 		ROA
22 		POC
29 		MDO
17 		SAN MIS2
13 		PHX2
22 		LS
22 		LVG
DNS 		18th 28 [5]
1987 Porsche Motorsports LBH PHX INDY MIL POR MEA CLE TOR MIS POC ROA MDO NAZ LS MIA
DNQ 		NC - [6]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Al Holbert

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Al Holbert (November 11, 1946 – September 30, 1988) was an American professional race car driver and motorsports executive renowned for his dominance in endurance and , particularly as a five-time Camel GT champion and three-time winner of the . Born Alvah Robert Holbert in Abington, , he was the son of Bob Holbert, a four-time SCCA National Champion and Porsche dealership owner who immersed Al in the world of racing from a young age. After earning a in from , Holbert began his competitive career in SCCA events, quickly rising through the ranks with early successes in Trans-Am and series, where he amassed 10 victories between 1979 and 1982. Holbert's IMSA career defined his legacy, as he became the series' all-time wins leader with 49 triumphs driving cars like the and for his own Holbert Racing team and Porsche North America. His championships came in 1976, 1977, 1983, 1985, and 1986, complemented by major endurance wins including two victories each at the (1986, 1987) and . Beyond IMSA, he ventured into with four top-10 finishes in 19 Winston Cup starts and IndyCar, achieving a career-best fourth place at the in a chassis. As a team manager and strategist, Holbert led Porsche's North American racing programs and spearheaded their entry into IndyCar in 1987, showcasing his engineering acumen and business leadership. A devoted family man married to with two children, Todd and Laura— the former of whom pursued a career in —Holbert's life was cut short at age 41 in a private plane crash near , while traveling for Porsche's efforts. His contributions to motorsports were posthumously honored with inductions into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1993) and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (1993), the Hall of Fame (2023), and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2023), cementing his status as one of America's most accomplished racers.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Alvah Robert "Al" Holbert was born on November 11, 1946, in Abington, Pennsylvania. He was the eldest son of Robert McCormick "Bob" Holbert and Elinor (Weiss) Holbert. Bob Holbert, a prominent figure in American road racing, owned and operated a Volkswagen-Porsche dealership in Warrington, Pennsylvania, which served as a hub for the local motorsport community. Bob Holbert achieved significant success in , securing four SCCA National Championships in 1958, 1960, 1961, and 1962, primarily driving 550s and 718s. His victories established him as a pioneer in promoting vehicles in the United States through both competition and business. Elinor Holbert supported the family while raising their children, though specific details of her professional role are limited in biographical accounts. Al had at least one brother, Laurence "Larry" Holbert, who later joined the family business. From a young age, Al was immersed in the world of motorsports due to his father's racing endeavors and dealership activities, including participation in SCCA events that often involved the family. This environment provided early access to race cars, tracks, and industry figures, fostering a deep connection to automotive racing.

Academic and Early Influences

Al Holbert enrolled at in , pursuing a degree in , a field that aligned with his growing interest in automotive technology. Influenced by his family's dealership and racing heritage, Holbert's academic path provided a strong technical foundation for future endeavors in motorsports engineering. During his studies at Lehigh, Holbert gained practical experience by working for in , where he contributed to automotive-related tasks that honed his mechanical skills outside the classroom. This hands-on involvement complemented his coursework, emphasizing principles of design and mechanics relevant to vehicle performance, though specific projects from his university tenure remain undocumented in available records. Upon graduating in 1968, Holbert transitioned from academia by joining the family automobile business, focusing on sales and operations of vehicles, which further immersed him in the and set the stage for his initial pursuits in . This period bridged his formal education with professional opportunities, allowing him to apply knowledge in a real-world context before fully committing to competitive driving.

Racing Career

Entry into Motorsports

Al Holbert entered competitive motorsports in the late 1960s, heavily influenced by his family's longstanding involvement with through their Volkswagen-Porsche dealership in , , established by his father, Bob Holbert, one of the earliest authorized dealers in the United States. Growing up around racing, as his father was a four-time SCCA National Champion, Holbert developed an early affinity for the brand, which shaped his initial foray into the sport. After earning a B.S. in from in 1968, he leveraged this technical background to pursue racing while working at Roger Penske's operation, where Penske served as a key early mentor in the professional aspects of the sport. Holbert's debut came in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Northeast Division, where he competed in C-Production class events starting around 1968-1970, piloting a , a mid-engine well-suited to regional . His early entries included regional SCCA Nationals, such as the 1972 event at , where he drove the against established competitors like Bob Tullius in a , marking his formative experiences on demanding circuits that honed his skills in handling and setup. At Watkins Glen later that year, he finished 14th overall in a similar field, demonstrating steady adaptation to competitive pressures despite the car's relative novelty in the class. As a newcomer, Holbert faced challenges in securing initial sponsorships beyond family support, relying on the dealership's resources for vehicle maintenance while navigating the financial demands of travel and entries in a pre-professional era. Balancing these pursuits with job prospects proved demanding, as he weighed stable paths against the uncertainties of , yet his technical expertise allowed him to contribute to car preparations, fostering team affiliations like Penske's that provided crucial guidance outside the family circle. These regional outings built his confidence, setting the stage for deeper involvement without immediate national prominence.

SCCA and Domestic Championships

Holbert entered SCCA competition in the early 1970s through the Northeast Division, piloting a 914/6 in the C Production class. Drawing on his family's Porsche heritage—his father Bob Holbert was a four-time SCCA national champion and prominent dealer—he secured consistent results against established rivals like Bob Tullius in a Triumph TR6. In 1972, he earned podium finishes at key national events, including second places at Nelson Ledges and , a third at Bridgehampton, and a fourth overall at the SCCA Runoffs at . By 1973, Holbert shifted focus to the SCCA Trans-Am Championship, a premier domestic GT series, campaigning a RSR prepared by his own team. He achieved multiple top finishes, including a third-place finish at , and clinched second in the drivers' standings behind Peter Gregg, establishing a notable rivalry that defined much of the era's Porsche dominance in U.S. production-based racing. The 1974 season saw him win the opener at —outpacing Gregg in a 61.2-mile contest at an average of 95.236 mph—and conclude fourth in points with 32, behind Gregg's championship tally of 60. Holbert's involvement in Trans-Am continued into 1975 amid series restructuring to incorporate Group 4 and 5 cars alongside production classes, where he finished 14th in points while adapting to heightened competition from drivers like Hurley Haywood. Throughout the decade, his engineering background from a Lehigh University B.S. in mechanical engineering enabled a progression from pure driving to integrated roles in vehicle setup and strategy, often collaborating with co-drivers such as Gregg in endurance-style nationals. This technical acumen laid the groundwork for Holbert Racing's expansion, contributing to SCCA successes in classes like D Production by the late 1970s, though his primary achievements remained as a driver in C Production and Trans-Am events.

IMSA GT and Endurance Racing

Al Holbert entered the Camel GT series in the mid-1970s, initially competing in the GT class with Carrera RSR models for Holbert Racing, building on his foundational success in SCCA national events. His early outings included strong performances in endurance races, such as a second-place finish in the 1974 Daytona 250-mile season finale in a No. 14 Carrera RSR. By 1976, Holbert transitioned to a Chevrolet-powered DeKon for the GT class, securing his first driver's championship with six victories that season, including wins at and Riverside. In 1977, Holbert defended his GT title driving the same No. 14 Holbert Racing DeKon , achieving four wins and clinching the championship at despite fierce competition from 935s. The team's setup emphasized reliable preparation and Holbert's engineering acumen, allowing consistent finishes in a season marked by intense rivalry in the GT category. His dominance continued into the GTP era; in 1983, he captured the GTP driver's championship with the No. 14 Holbert Racing March 83G, powered by a engine, highlighted by four victories including a win at . Holbert's pinnacle in IMSA came in the mid-1980s with back-to-back GTP championships in 1985 and 1986, piloting the Lowenbrau-sponsored No. 14 for Holbert Racing. In 1985, he and co-driver Derek Bell secured the title with key wins at Sebring and Mid-Ohio, culminating in a season finale victory at Daytona alongside . The 1986 campaign featured a repeat championship, bolstered by a dominant 1-2 finish for at the , where Holbert shared driving duties with Bell, Unser Jr., and Chip Robinson in the No. 14 entry. These efforts contributed to Holbert's all-time record of 49 wins, spanning GT and GTP classes. Throughout his IMSA tenure, Holbert's technical contributions were integral, particularly in the development of the , where he collaborated on testing and refinements to enhance and reliability for endurance racing. As a graduate, he applied his expertise to optimize car setups, influencing Porsche's success in the GTP class and solidifying his role as both driver and innovator within the series.

International and Open-Wheel Ventures

Holbert ventured into the series in the 1970s, seeking opportunities in high-powered, unrestricted single-seater racing that complemented his growing success. In 1974, he made his debut at driving a , though he did not start the race due to mechanical issues. His commitment intensified in 1978 with Hogan Racing, where he campaigned a Lola T332 and later T333 Chevrolet-powered cars across the North American schedule. That season, Holbert achieved notable results, including second places at and Watkins Glen, third at and Mosport, and a victory at , finishing fourth overall in the championship with consistent podium contention despite challenges like retirements at Mid-Ohio and . He continued in 1979 with a Hogan HR-001, securing a fourth at before a less competitive 16th at Charlotte. Holbert continued in through 1982, adding victories at and in 1980, at Watkins Glen and in 1981, and at Mid-Ohio in 1982, for a career total of 10 wins in the series. Transitioning to open-wheel racing in the , Holbert entered the PPG IndyCar World Series for a full campaign in 1984 with Kraco Racing, driving a 84C-Cosworth as a . His standout performance was a fourth-place finish at the , leading briefly and earning Rookie of the Race honors amid a field of established stars, though he ended the season 20th in points with additional top-10 results at and Pocono. He made 14 starts total across 1984 to 1987, including sporadic appearances in 1985 and 1986, demonstrating adaptability to the demanding oval and road course formats. In 1987 and 1988, Holbert led Porsche's factory program as driver and director, testing and racing the innovative 2708 in a custom before switching to a platform in 1988 for better competitiveness; he attempted qualification at the in but did not make the field, highlighting Porsche's struggles against dominant Ilmor-Chevrolet powertrains. Beyond open-wheel, Holbert explored international endurance events outside his core, co-driving a Carrera RSR with Peter Gregg at the 1974 1000 km of , though the entry did not arrive at the circuit. Earlier, in 1972, he shared a with George Oest and Dick Tillson to a 16th-place finish at the , an international fixture predating full integration. Demonstrating further versatility, Holbert competed in 19 Winston Cup Series events from 1976 to 1979, primarily for owner in Chevrolet and Ford entries, achieving four top-10 finishes—including seventh at Charlotte in 1979—without a victory but proving his skill in stock car ovals like and Pocono.

Business and Team Roles

Holbert Racing Operations

Al Holbert founded Holbert Racing in the mid-1970s in , , initially operating as a customer team focused on competitive entries in the Camel GT series. Drawing on his background from and his family's longstanding , the team began with a No. 14 , securing back-to-back GT championships in 1976 and 1977 through six wins in the former year and four in the latter. This early success established the team's reputation for meticulous preparation and performance, transitioning to machinery in the early as a dedicated customer outfit, leveraging access to factory components and support. Under Holbert's management, the team emphasized , including in-house informed by his expertise, which optimized Porsche 935s and later 962 prototypes for . Sponsorships played a crucial role, with Lowenbräu becoming the primary backer starting in 1985, enabling the acquisition of the Porsche 962-HR1 chassis and funding a professional crew of mechanics based in . The team's also developed aftermarket performance parts for Porsche models like the 924 and 944, extending its influence beyond competition into the enthusiast community. Holbert's hands-on approach to setup and strategy ensured reliability, contributing to the team's dominance in GTP. Holbert Racing achieved peak success in the 1980s with the Lowenbräu-liveried , clinching GTP drivers' championships in 1985 and 1986, highlighted by numerous victories over those seasons. The team recruited elite drivers such as Derek Bell, , and Chip Robinson, who shared driving duties and helped secure overall wins at events like the . Factory support provided essential updates to the 962, allowing Holbert Racing to compete against manufacturer-backed efforts while maintaining its independent customer status. These accomplishments not only amplified the team's legacy but also underscored Holbert's personal racing victories as a foundation for attracting top talent and resources.

Porsche North America Leadership

In 1984, Al Holbert was appointed as the head of 's Motorsports Division, taking over the leadership of the company's racing activities in the region following 's separation from of America. This role leveraged his extensive background as a racer and team owner, allowing him to dedicate over 50% of his time to corporate racing efforts while continuing to manage family-owned and dealerships in , . Under Holbert's leadership, Porsche provided enhanced factory support for GTP programs, particularly through the deployment of the 956 and 962 models, which became cornerstones of the brand's success in North American endurance racing. These initiatives included technical assistance and parts supply to customer teams like Holbert Racing, contributing to the 962's dominance in the , where it secured 41 victories out of 50 races from 1985 to 1987. Holbert also extended this support to international efforts, such as , where factory-backed 956 and 962 entries achieved multiple wins, reinforcing Porsche's global endurance racing profile. Holbert also spearheaded Porsche's entry into racing in 1987, providing engineering and logistical support for their initial campaigns. Holbert's strategic oversight involved key decisions on driver contracts and series participation, fostering partnerships with top talents and prioritizing entries that aligned with 's competitive goals. These choices helped solidify 's market leadership in North American motorsports during the mid-1980s. Balancing these corporate responsibilities with business interests, Holbert integrated racing success into dealership growth, building on his family's legacy as one of the earliest U.S. dealers established in 1954. His prior experience running Holbert Racing provided a practical foundation for these executive strategies.

Personal Life and Death

Family and Interests

Al Holbert was a devoted family man, married to Joy Holbert, a devoutly religious woman whose faith profoundly influenced his own spiritual life. Together, they raised two children, son Todd and daughter Laura, prioritizing family amidst his demanding racing schedule. Holbert often flew home between races to attend family dinners and events, such as Todd's youth football games, demonstrating how his career intersected with personal commitments by ensuring active involvement in his children's lives. Beyond racing, Holbert's interests included engineering pursuits, reflecting his degree in , though he channeled much of this passion into motorsport innovations rather than separate projects. Family travels and time together formed a core part of his non-racing life, helping maintain close bonds in the dynamic environment of professional motorsports. Following his conversion to born-again Christianity, inspired by Joy, he embraced faith as a central interest, attending church regularly with his family. Holbert contributed to his community through quiet acts of support for friends, employees, and extended networks, often without seeking recognition. In the scene of Bucks County, where his family operated Holbert Racing from , he fostered lasting connections that touched local lives and perpetuated a tradition rooted in his father's influence. Additionally, he assisted Motorsports Ministries by helping provide chapel services to the broader community during events, blending his personal faith with outreach in the sport he loved.

Plane Crash and Immediate Aftermath

On September 30, 1988, Al Holbert, aged 41, was killed when his privately owned Piper PA-60-601P Aerostar (registration N14HR) crashed shortly after takeoff from Airport (also known as Don Scott Field) in . The accident occurred at 21:24 Eastern Daylight Time during night , with clear skies, 10-mile visibility, light winds from the south, and a temperature of 20°C. Holbert, a certificated commercial pilot with approximately 1,802 total flight hours, was the sole occupant and had departed intending to return home to , after attending practice sessions for his team's entry in the upcoming GT Championship race, the Columbus Ford Dealers 500, scheduled for October 2. Witnesses reported that the twin-engine aircraft exhibited erratic flight shortly after takeoff, failing to gain sufficient altitude before banking sharply, stalling aerodynamically, and pitching nose-down into a nearby field, where it was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash . Holbert sustained fatal injuries from blunt force trauma and thermal burns. The (NTSB) investigation concluded that the probable cause was an aerodynamic during the takeoff-initial climb, resulting from the pilot's due to an unsecured clamshell from inadequate preflight inspection, at an altitude too low to allow recovery; there was no evidence of mechanical malfunction, improper fueling, or adverse weather contributing factors, the aircraft had been properly maintained, and post-accident examination revealed no anomalies in engines, controls, or structure. In the immediate aftermath, Holbert's Porsche-backed IMSA team withdrew its entries—driven by Chip Robinson and Derek Bell—from the Columbus 500 race as a mark of respect, impacting the event just days before its start. President issued a personal tribute, describing Holbert as "a man so competitive [who] could be so human and soft," adding, "He was a gentleman all the way through." Cars North America officials, including public relations director Robert Carlson, expressed resolve to continue the program Holbert had led, stating that the effort would proceed with sponsor support despite the loss, though decisions on the program were deferred pending the . No public statements from Holbert's immediate family—wife Joy and children Todd and Laura—were reported in contemporary accounts, reflecting the private nature of their grief. Holbert's funeral service was held on October 5, 1988, in his hometown of , attended by family, racing colleagues, and representatives; the service underscored his dual legacy as a driver and team leader, with initial memorials focusing on his contributions to American . At the time of his death, Holbert's team was actively pursuing commitments, including the Columbus event, highlighting the abrupt disruption to ongoing operations.

Legacy and Honors

Championships and Records

Al Holbert secured five Camel GT Championship titles during his career, winning in 1976 and 1977 driving a DeKon , followed by victories in 1983, 1985, and 1986 with entries. He was the all-time leader in overall race wins with 49 victories in the series, a record later surpassed that underscored his dominance in American . At the international level, Holbert achieved three victories in the , triumphing in 1983 aboard a alongside Vern Schuppan and , and in 1986 and 1987 with the partnered by Derek Bell and . These successes highlighted Porsche's engineering prowess in endurance racing during the era, where Holbert's driving contributed to the manufacturer's string of seven consecutive wins from 1981 to 1987. In addition to his professional accolades, Holbert excelled in SCCA-sanctioned events early in his career, earning multiple class wins and establishing himself as a top amateur competitor before turning professional. He also recorded 10 victories in the SCCA series, placing him third on the all-time wins list for that high-powered open-wheel category. Under his leadership as president of Motorsports starting in 1982, the brand achieved unprecedented success in and endurance racing, including multiple manufacturer championships that amplified Holbert's personal records.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Al Holbert's contributions to , particularly his dominance in GT series with five championships and multiple endurance race victories including three at the , earned him posthumous recognition through several prestigious hall of fame inductions. These honors highlight his prowess as both a driver and a team leader in . In 1989, Holbert was inducted into the Eastern Motorsports Press Association (EMPA) Hall of Fame, acknowledging his roots as the son of professional driver Bob Holbert and his own achievements in regional and national racing circuits before his professional breakthrough. This induction, occurring shortly after his death in 1988, underscored his impact on East Coast communities and his transition from amateur SCCA events to international success. Holbert received dual inductions in 1993: first into the , where he was celebrated as a leader in American racing both on the track—through his campaigns—and off it, as a family man and strategist who elevated competition. That same year, he was enshrined in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, recognizing his exceptional skills as a driver, team manager, and innovator in endurance racing, particularly his role in 's North American successes. These concurrent honors reflected the breadth of his influence across GTP and GT categories during the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, in 2023, Holbert was selected for the inaugural class of the Hall of Fame, inducted alongside drivers like Peter Gregg and for his record 49 overall IMSA race wins and pivotal role in the series' growth. This recognition emphasized his unparalleled victory tally and leadership in team operations, solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone of 's golden era. In the same year, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements as a native and racing legend. Holbert was also a member of the Road Racing Drivers Club, an elite organization that honors top road racers, further affirming his status among the sport's most respected figures for his strategic acumen and endurance racing triumphs.

Racing Record

SCCA Runoffs

Al Holbert participated in the SCCA Runoffs during the early , competing in the C Production class with a 914/6. These appearances marked his involvement in the event's amateur national showdowns, where regional champions vied for titles at . He entered solo without co-drivers, focusing on production-based sports cars. The following table summarizes Holbert's known entries and results from the Runoffs in this period:
YearTrackClassCarFinishing PositionStatus/Notes
1971Road AtlantaC ProductionPorsche 914/6Did not finishCompeted against dominant Datsun 240Z entries from John Morton, Bob Sharp, and others.
1972Road AtlantaC ProductionPorsche 914/64thFinished behind Datsun 240Z drivers Bob Sharp, Jim Fitzgerald, and another competitor.

24 Hours of Le Mans Results

Al Holbert participated in seven editions of the between 1977 and 1987, primarily driving factory-supported prototypes in the later years under the Rothmans banner. He secured overall victories in 1983, 1986, and 1987, contributing to 's dominance in the era. His results reflect a progression from privateer efforts in his debut to consistent front-running performances with official teams. The following table summarizes Holbert's complete Le Mans results, including teams, co-drivers, vehicles, finishing positions, laps completed, and status for non-finishes.
YearTeamCo-DriversCar ModelFinishing PositionLaps CompletedStatus/Reason
1977Inaltera (F)Jean-Pierre Beltoise (F)Inaltera LM (Ford Cosworth DFV)13th275Finished
1980 System (D)Derek Bell (GB) Carrera Turbo13th305Finished
1982Rothmans (D) (USA), Jürgen Barth (D)3rd340Finished
1983Rothmans (D)Vern Schuppan (AUS), (USA)1st370Finished (Winner)
1985Rothmans (D)Vern Schuppan (AUS), John Watson (GB) CDNF (32nd)299Engine failure
1986Rothmans (D)Derek Bell (GB), (D) C1st367Finished (Winner)
1987Rothmans AG (D) (D), Derek Bell (GB) C1st354Finished (Winner)

IMSA Camel GT Victories

Al Holbert amassed 49 victories in the Camel GT series between 1974 and 1988, a record that stood as the series' all-time high for overall wins until surpassed years later. His triumphs evolved from the GT class, where he dominated with production-derived sports cars, to the GTP class featuring advanced , reflecting the series' shift toward more sophisticated machinery. Holbert's wins often came aboard Porsche-supported entries, starting with the reliable 911 Carrera and culminating in the dominant 962 , which powered his later championships. Holbert's victories were concentrated in his five championship seasons, where he clinched titles in both GT and GTP divisions. In the GT class during the mid-1970s, he piloted a Dick Guldstrand-designed for Holbert Racing, securing back-to-back championships with consistent performances on road courses like and . Transitioning to GTP in the , he adapted to ground-effect prototypes, first with a March 83G and later the , emphasizing endurance and outright speed in longer races such as the . Outside championship years, he added sporadic wins in 1974–1975 and 1978–1984, often sharing drives with teammates to build his total.
SeasonClassPrimary CarWinsNotable Co-Drivers and Tracks
1976GT6Solo in most; e.g., Riverside, Sebring (with George Keyser)
1977GT4Solo; e.g., , Mid-Ohio
1983GTPMarch 83G (Porsche-powered)4, John Morton; e.g., , Portland
1985GTP9, Derek Bell; e.g., , Watkins Glen
1986GTP6Derek Bell; e.g., Watkins Glen, Sears Point
Holbert's 1985 season stood out as his most dominant, with a career-high nine victories that clinched the GTP title and showcased the 's superiority, including a close second-place finish at the alongside , decided on fuel strategy. He also set records for consecutive strong finishes in , winning four of the final six races to secure that championship despite missing earlier events. As owner of Holbert Racing, he played a key role in strategizing several GTP victories during the .

CART and Open-Wheel Results

Al Holbert ventured into open-wheel racing in 1984, entering the PPG Indy Car World Series as a driver for the Morales Motorsports team, where he piloted a March 84C-Cosworth equipped with Goodyear tires. Over the course of the season, Holbert competed in 14 events, demonstrating adaptability from his background by securing three top-10 finishes and accumulating 28 points to end the year 18th in the championship standings. His most notable achievement came at the , where he qualified 21st and methodically worked his way through the field to finish fourth, earning $128,225 in prize money and marking one of the strongest performances in the race's history. Beyond the Indy 500, Holbert's results highlighted his competitive pace on road courses, including a career-best fifth place at the Meadowlands Grand Prix on a temporary and seventh at the Grand Prix at Burke Lakefront Airport. These performances underscored his acumen and driving skill, though oval challenges like a 29th-place finish at the Domino's Pizza 500 in Pocono due to mechanical issues tempered his overall consistency. Despite the mixed outcomes, Holbert's rookie campaign established him as a versatile talent capable of contending in the high-stakes environment of racing. In 1987, Holbert returned to open-wheel competition in a different capacity as director of motorsports for , attempting to qualify the innovative Porsche 2708 —Porsche's first purpose-built entry for the series—at the season finale in . Driving the Quaker State-sponsored car powered by a twin-turbocharged , he failed to post a lap time sufficient to advance to the 26-car field, marking the end of his personal driving efforts in amid the manufacturer's broader development program. Holbert's limited but impactful open-wheel tenure reflected his commitment to advancing automotive technology across racing disciplines, though his primary legacy remained in and sports car events.

References

  1. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a1708126/racing-world-remembers-al-holbert-30-years-after-his-tragic-death/
  2. https://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/inductees/al-holbert/
  3. https://www.mshf.com/hall-of-fame/inductees/al-holbert.html
  4. https://www.imsahalloffame.com/drivers/al-hobert
  5. https://www.facebook.com/InductAlHolbertIntoPhiladelphiaSportsHallOfFame/posts/al-holbert-was-inducted-into-the-philadelphia-sports-hall-of-fame/1368354613885526/
  6. http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/LWFWIW/focusLWFWIW.php?db=LWF&db2=ms&n=54
  7. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/robert-holbert-obituary?pid=98062597
  8. https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2060576/us-porsche-pioneer-bob-holbert-dies/
  9. https://www.mshf.com/Bob-Holbert-10-1607835.html
  10. https://sportscardigest.com/bob-holbert-passes-away/
  11. https://www.thereporteronline.com/2007/11/21/robert-m-holbert/
  12. https://www.buckscountyherald.com/news/heralding-our-history/the-holbert-family-wins-warrington-a-racing-legacy/article_c196e874-bd05-11ef-b6a6-0f9dfa993980.html
  13. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-06-sp-4109-story.html
  14. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/10/11/al-holbert-just-keeps-purring-right-along/
  15. https://rrdc.org/member/alvah-r-holbert/
  16. https://www.buckscountyherald.com/sports/central-bucks-true-world-champion-remembering-al-holbert/article_77def1e2-1929-5603-994c-c4a04dacc29a.html
  17. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_US/2021/motorsport/porsche-carrera-cup-north-america-cayman-islands-al-holbert-trophy-26406.html
  18. https://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/results/Al-Holbert-USA.html
  19. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/never-forget/
  20. https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/al-holbert
  21. https://gotransam.com/about/Our-History/59342
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/05/archives/lime-rock-race-taken-by-holbert.html
  23. https://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Road_America-1974-07-27.html
  24. https://www.diecastxchange.com/threads/updated-01-14-2024-al-holbert-1976-season.237786/
  25. https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-924-scca-1979/
  26. https://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Daytona-1974-12-01.html
  27. http://www.autoracingrecords.com/drivers.php?did=00785&dfn=Al&dln=Holbert&dsuf=
  28. https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/race-results/1984
  29. https://www.hagerty.com/media/automotive-history/porsches-failed-indy-car-racing-program-proved-even-the-best-cant-go-it-alone/
  30. https://www.driveraverages.com/nascar/driver.php?drv_id=432
  31. https://sportscardigest.com/lowenbrau-special-porsche-962-car-profile/
  32. https://members.rennlist.com/944sandmore/holbert.htm
  33. https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/16/sports/al-holbert-takes-over-porsche-racing.html
  34. https://www.imsahalloffame.com/drivers/porsche-962
  35. https://www.porschesport.com/news/porsche-legend-al-holbert-honored-as-namesake-of-porsche-carrera-cup-north-america-trophy
  36. https://www.thespeedjournal.com/al-holbert-racing-legend-remembered/
  37. https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13976/pdf
  38. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-02-sp-5041-story.html
  39. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1988/10/02/legendary-holbert-dies-in-plane-crash/
  40. https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/track-record/driver/al-holbert-7272
  41. https://www.autoracing1.com/pl/56582/al-holbert-racing-legend-remembered-30-years-later/
  42. https://empamedia.com/halloffameAthruL.html
  43. https://sportscar365.com/imsa/imsa-hall-of-fame-unveils-inaugural-class/
  44. http://www.wsrp.cz/natus1971.html
  45. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d159_1977_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  46. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d157_1980_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  47. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d155_1982_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  48. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d154_1983_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  49. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d152_1985_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  50. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d151_1986_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  51. https://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d150_1987_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
  52. https://www.racingarchives.org/blogpost/march-madness-march-cars-in-the-imsa-camel-gt-series/
  53. https://www.openwheelworld.net/en/drivers/557/a-holbert/
  54. https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-2708-indy/
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