July 24, 1971
Watkins Glen World manufacturers World Championship Race
Watkins Glen, New York
Porsche 917
Result: 13th (DNF)
Adamowicz collection – Bill Oursler photo
I’m in the Porsche 917 K, Serial Number 917-010 again. Same car as last year’s Monza with David Piper. He cheerfully painted the car whatever the sponsorship dictated.
This time with co-driver Mario de Cabral who paid for his ride and Sandeman liqueur sponsorship.
Adamowicz collection
There were two races that weekend. The Enduro, I believe was run on Saturday and the Can Am race on Sunday.
World Manufacturers cars like the Porsche 917K and Ferrari 512M that ran in the Can Am race, were forced to have their rear tires covered. Lots of last-minute innovations to fabricate mud flaps to those cars. As you may recall, Can Am cars had to have their rear tires covered at the rear. McLaren, Lola, etc. all had louvered bodywork behind the tires. Stupid SCCA rule back then.
To think they allowed Jim Hall’s sucker car with a snowmobile engine at the rear blowing track debris into competitors cars. I didn’t like following Vic Elford at the Riverside Can Am race.
Adamowicz collection
The Paddock prior to race
Tony leads the #2 917K of Bell /Attwood passing a yellow flag.
Adamowicz collection – Philippe Moriniere photo
Adamowicz collection
Close Quarters. My co-driver, Mario deCabral is surrounded by the Wyer/Gulf 917s of Richard Attwood #91, Derek Bell #93. Jackie Oliver’s Shadow tailgates our 917.
Adamowicz collection – Bill Oursler photo
Adamowicz collection – Bill Oursler photo
Tony leads the Bell / Attwood #7 John Wyer/Gulf Porsche 917.
Adamowicz collection
Adamowicz collection – Bob Hines photo
I don’t think David’s 917K ran the Can Am race with Cassoni driving. I was too busy with the #54 Jerobee McLaren to be concerned. I knew the World Manufacturers cars were nothing more than fill-in for the race, to add color. Five liters against 7-liter Can Am cars was not much of a match.
Adamowicz collection – Competition Press & Autoweek
Adamowicz collection
2005 photo of David Piper