The Porsche 956 (Type 956B)
The Porsche 956, designed by Norbert Singer and introduced in 1982 for the FIA Group C regulations, was a dominant sports-prototype. By 1985, the No. 8 was likely a 956B variant, featuring upgrades for improved fuel efficiency and performance. Key specifications:
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Chassis: Aluminum monocoque, weighing ~800 kg, Porsche’s first monocoque design for enhanced rigidity and safety.
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Engine: 2.65-litre Type-935 turbocharged flat-six, producing ~620 bhp with twin KKK turbochargers and water-cooled cylinder heads. The 956B used Bosch Motronic engine management for better fuel economy and power, critical under Group C’s 5,100-litre fuel limit for the season.
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Transmission: Five-speed manual, optimized for endurance racing.
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Aerodynamics: Fitted with a low-drag “langheck” rear wing for Le Mans’ Hunaudières Straight, achieving top speeds of ~341 km/h (211.89 mph). Unlike factory Rothmans Porsches, customer 956s like No. 8 used a twin undertray, slightly reducing ground-effect downforce.
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Tyres: Dunlop, typical for Joest’s privateer entries.
The 956B was a proven race-winner, with Joest’s No. 7 (same chassis, 956-117) securing victories in 1984 and 1985. However, the 956 was being phased out for the safer Porsche 962, which met new IMSA and FIA safety rules (e.g., pedals behind the front axle, steel roll cage).
Drivers
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Paul Belmondo (France, age 22): A Le Mans debutant and son of actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, Paul was an emerging talent in sports car racing. A pay-driver, he brought funding to Joest but lacked the endurance experience of teammates like Ludwig. His inexperience contributed to the No. 8’s retirement.
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Mauricio de Narvaez (Colombia, age ~30): A regular Joest co-driver in 1984–1985, de Narvaez competed in the 1984 Le Mans (Joest 956, 13th overall). His role was to provide consistency, though he was also a pay-driver with limited top-tier experience.
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Kenper Miller (USA, age ~40): An American amateur racer, Miller was another pay-driver with minimal Le Mans exposure. His prior racing history is sparsely documented, but he supported Joest’s effort financially.
Joest Racing
Joest Racing, a German privateer team led by Reinhold Joest, was Porsche’s most successful customer team, winning Le Mans in 1984 and 1985 with the 956B (No. 7). In 1985, Joest fielded two 956s: the No. 7 (Klaus Ludwig/Paolo Barilla/John Winter) and the No. 8 (Belmondo/de Narvaez/Miller). The No. 8 was a secondary entry, with less experienced drivers and a focus on supporting the team’s primary effort. Joest’s strategy emphasized fuel efficiency, using a low-profile bodyshell and driver-adjustable turbo boost, though the No. 8 lacked the optimized single-piece undertray of the No. 7.
