962-121 was one of the most successful 962s to compete in IMSA racing. Built as a customer car in 1986 to IMSA's GTP specifications, 121 was sold to Bruce Leven's Mercer Island, Washington-based Bayside Disposal Racing in June of that year. First run by the Bayside team at Watkins Glen in July 1986, 962-121 ran a total of 22 GTP races in its impressive career, winning an astonishing six of 11 entered in 1987, a record that no other 962 ever equaled.

Among the many highlights of 121's career, back to back wins at the Sebring 12 Hours in 1987 and 1988 are undoubtedly its crowning achievements. Running with Budweiser sponsorship in 1987, Jochen Mass and Bobby Rahal led the way home for a 962 podium sweep. Under Havoline livery in 1988, Klaus Ludwig and Hans Stuck drove to a crushing defeat, a full nine laps ahead of the 2nd place finisher, with 962s exerting their dominance having taken the first five positions.

After 121's IMSA career ended, it was sold to Kevin Jeannette (Gunnar Racing), the car's former chief mechanic, and Jeff Hayes, of West Palm Beach, Florida. They in turn sold the car to Tim Vargo of Cordova, Tennessee, who vintage raced it in the mid-1990s. The car then passed to Phil Bagley at Klub Sport Racing and thence to Dr. Jerry Molitor of Chester, New Jersey, in March of 1999. Dr. Molitor entrusted 121 to Kurt Hoffman at Hoffman Vintage Racing for a full restoration prior to running the car in a number of vintage events. After an engine failure, the car went back Hoffman for freshening, while the damaged engine was shipped to Porsche Motorsports North America in Santa Ana, California, for a complete drivetrain overhaul.

After a two-year restoration to its 1988 Sebring appearance, Dr. Molitor displayed -121 at major Concours around the country, including Greenwich and Amelia Island, where it was awarded the "Spirit of Sebring" trophy. It has been invited to appear at Amelia Island again this year to help celebrate Sebring's 60th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of its first Sebring victory. Dr. Molitor and his son have raced 962-121 at many club events and vintage races including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion to show that this Porsche prototype is still much more than just a pretty face. It represents the high point of the 962's IMSA program and would make an important addition to any collection of racing champions.

Description courtesy of Bonhams International Auction House

Date Race No. Chassis Drivers Entrant Result
6.7.1986 500 mile Watkins Glen 85 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Adam / Barilla Bridgestone-Bayside 18th
27.7.1986 300 km Portland 85 Porsche 962 #121 Bob Wollek Bridgestone/Bayside 10th
6.7.1986 500 mile Watkins Glen 85 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Adam / Barilla Bridgestone-Bayside 18th
27.7.1986 300km Portland 85 Porsche 962 #121 Bob Wollek Bridgestone/Bayside 10th
24.8.1986 500 mile Road America 86 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Barilla Bridgestone/Bayside 22nd
5.10.1986 500km Columbus 86 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Millen Bridgestone/Bayside 8th
1.2.1987 24h Daytona 86 Porsche 962 #121 Mass / Ludwig Bayside Disposal Racing 56th
1.3.1987 3h Miami 86 Porsche 962 #121 Mass / Rahal Leven/Bayside Disposal Racing 2nd
21.3.1987 12h Sebring 86 Porsche 962 #121 Mass / Rahal Bayside Disposal Racing 1st
26.4.1987 500km Riverside 86 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Hobbs Bayside Disposal 9th
3.5.1987 300km Laguna Seca 85 Porsche 962 #121 Klaus Ludwig Bayside Disposal Racing 1st
7.6.1987 500km Mid-Ohio 86 Porsche 962 #121 Mass / Rahal Bayside Disposal 1st
26.7.1987 300km Portland 86 Porsche 962 #121 Bobby Rahal Leven/Bayside Disposal Racing 2nd
2.8.1987 300km Sears Point 86 Porsche 962 #121 Jochen Mass Bayside Motorsports 1st
16.8.1987 500 mile Road America 86 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Haywood Bayside Motorsports 36th
4.10.1987 300km Columbus 86 Porsche 962 #121 Bobby Rahal Leven/Bayside Disposal Racing 1st
25.10.1987 2 h
Del Mar
85 Porsche 962 #121 Jochen Mass Leven/Bayside Disposal Racing 1st
19.3.1988 12h Sebring 86 Porsche 962 #121 Stuck / Ludwig Bayside Disposal Racing 1st
14.8.1988 300 km Sears Point 86 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Dyson Waste Management/Bayside 13th
2.10.1988 300km Columbus 86 Porsche 962 #121 Bruce Leven Bayside-Leven Motorsport 36th
23.10.1988 2h Del Mar 85 Porsche 962 #121 Bayside-Leven Motorsport DNA
5.2.1989 24h Daytona 85 Porsche 962 #121 Leven / Dyson / Dobson / Paul, Jr. Texaco Havoline Star Bayside Motorsports 36th
30.7.1989 300 km Portland 85 Porsche 962 #121 Bruce Leven Bayside Racing/Bruce Leven 12th
10.9.1989 300 km Sears Point 86 Porsche 962 #121 Jochen Mass Bayside Racing/Bruce Leven 7th
22.10.1989 2h Del Mar 86 Porsche 962 C #121 Mass Bayside Racing/Bruce Leven 5th

Results courtesy of RacingSportsCars.com