Driven by Yukihiro Hane, Wolfgang Kaufmann, and Katsunori Iketani, the Porsche 911 GT2 No. 59, competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 17–18, 2000, entered by Freisinger Motorsport in the LM-GT class.
The No. 59’s competitive run until lap 313 showcased Freisinger’s preparation, despite the aging 993 GT2 being outclassed by newer GTS cars. The team continued racing the car in FIA GT, with Kaufmann and Hans-Jürgen Haupt winning at Lausitzring later in 2000.
The Porsche 911 GT2 (Type 993)
The Porsche 911 GT2, based on the 993 generation (1993–1998), was a track-focused, rear-wheel-drive evolution of the 911 Turbo, built for GT2-class racing under FIA and ACO regulations. By 2000, the 993 GT2 was outdated compared to newer LM-GT cars like the Chrysler Viper GTS-R and Porsche’s own 996 GT3-R, but privateers like Freisinger Motorsport continued to field it due to its proven reliability. Key specifications for the No. 59:
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Chassis: Steel monocoque with widened plastic fenders and a large rear wing with air scoops for engine cooling. Weight was ~1,150 kg, lighter than the 911 Turbo due to rear-wheel drive and stripped interior.
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Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged, air-cooled flat-six (M64/60R variant), producing ~450 bhp and 540 Nm of torque, up from the original 3.6-liter’s 430 bhp, reflecting Freisinger’s tuning for 2000.
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Transmission: Six-speed manual, optimized for racing.
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Aerodynamics: Low-drag setup for Le Mans, with a top speed of 300–310 km/h (186–193 mph) on the Hunaudières Straight, slower than GTS-class cars like the Viper (330 km/h).
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Tyres: Michelin, standard for Freisinger’s entries.
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Homologation: The 993 GT2 was a homologation special, with 195 road-going units (including 23 Clubsport variants) built to meet GT2-class rules.
Drivers
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Yukihiro Hane (Japan, age ~40): A Japanese gentleman driver with experience in national GT racing, Hane was a pay-driver making his Le Mans debut. His role was to support the team financially and drive conservatively.
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Wolfgang Kaufmann (Germany, age ~35): A seasoned GT racer and Freisinger regular, Kaufmann had competed at Le Mans since 1995 (e.g., 911 GT2 No. 54, 1995). He set the No. 59’s fastest qualifying lap (4:03.825, 33rd overall) and was the team’s lead driver, known for speed and consistency.
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Katsunori Iketani (Japan, age ~35): Another Japanese pay-driver, Iketani had limited international experience and was also making his Le Mans debut. His contribution was primarily financial, with Kaufmann handling the car’s pace.
Freisinger Motorsport
Freisinger Motorsport, a German privateer team founded by Manfred Freisinger, was a prominent Porsche specialist in GT racing, competing in the FIA GT Championship, ALMS, and Le Mans. In 2000, they entered the No. 59 in the LM-GT class, leveraging their experience with 993 GT2s and 996 GT3-Rs. The team’s white livery with red and blue accents was iconic, and their preparation focused on reliability to compete against factory-backed Vipers and Corvettes.
