Roger Penske Drives the One-Off Porsche 963 RSP in the United States
After its dynamic debut ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and subsequent appearances in Austria and at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Porsche 963 RSP has returned to the United States. The unique creation, commissioned in honor of Roger Penske and bearing his name, was driven by him for the very first time.
The initial shakedown took place on the South Track at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, where Penske familiarized himself with the car while the team checked its condition following its European road and track outings. “That was a fantastic experience – an unforgettable moment to finally get behind the wheel,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Corporation. “Our partnership with Porsche has led to an incredible history together built over six decades. This is a special moment among many in that partnership. It’s been a privilege to be a part of the team and program that led to its creation.”
The 963 RSP was then taken to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, home of four Rennsport Reunions and the planned site of a Porsche Driving Center in 2026. Bruce Canepa, board member of Friends of Laguna Seca, and former Porsche works driver Patrick Long each had the chance to lap the circuit. Long, who previously raced the RS Spyder for Penske Racing between 2006 and 2008, was impressed by the transformation of the prototype into a road-usable car. “It appears intimidating at first, but actually it shrinks around you and is very responsive and agile,” he explained. “The steering feel is excellent, forward visibility is strong, and the ride is surprisingly compliant for road use. What a machine – I just wanted to keep going.”
Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, emphasized the significance of the moment. “It’s a fitting conclusion to an exciting project to see Roger drive the car for the first time as it joins his collection, where I know it will be in the best of hands. The heart and soul of everyone at Porsche is engrained in this car.”
The Porsche 963 RSP is based on the 963 racing prototype used in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Developed under Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, it has been extensively modified with unique bodywork and a bespoke interior inspired by Porsche 917 chassis number 30, which underwent similar transformations 50 years ago. The 963 RSP features a custom silver finish in Martini Silver, bespoke leather and Alcantara trim, and mechanical adjustments for road use including dampers tuned for comfort, revised ride height, recalibrated engine management for pump fuel, turn signals, wet-weather tires, and a horn.
The car will next be displayed at the Porsche Zentrum during Monterey Car Week in California before joining Roger Penske’s private collection of road and race cars.
