Gunnar Jeannette – From Racing Phenom to Porsche Team Principal
About this episode
Gunnar Jeannette shares his journey from a childhood immersed in Porsche racing to becoming the team principal of AO Racing. He discusses his early experiences at the racetrack, the challenges of transitioning from vintage to professional racing, and his memorable participation in prestigious events like Le Mans. The conversation also highlights his innovative approach to team branding with the Rexie character, engaging fans, and the importance of balancing fun with serious racing. Gunnar's insights into the evolution of motorsport and his current endeavors with Porsche make for an engaging listen.
We got to spend an hour, talking racing and history, with Gunnar Jeanette from AO Racing during Monterey Car Week. Gunnar was one of the youngest drivers to finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was born into a Porsche family since his dad was a mechanic and crew chief for many Porsche teams during the 935 and 962 glory years. After racing, he partnered with a friend to start AO Racing which is more famously known for the team cars, Rexy, Roxy and Spike. Gunnar’s story telling is on point and he’ll keep you glued to hear the end of each one.
Porsche 917
"...stomers, you know, factory 962C Shell Dunlop car, 917s, 908s, coupe, long tail, like all of it, like lit..."
Porsche Boxster
"...on Porsche at the time. And so they let us take a Boxster out. This would have been probably 1998."
Porsche 904
"And and at the end of the day, we had a 904. Yeah, 904 six there with two seats. And and my d..."
Toyota A90
"So it's the, you know, hey, Joe, you mind if, you know, I put my kid Gunnar in the car for a 90 minute Enduro. I'll give you a good discount on your bill kind of thing."
Porsche 911
"...riving two cars that weekend. One was a two liter 911. And the other one was a Interscope K3 935."
935 K3 935
"...two liter 911. And the other one was a Interscope K3 935. And the Danyongaia's car."
911 Porsche Gt3R
"...now, we're so the next year, that year we raced a Porsche GT3R, the first 996 Porsche GT3R. And the following ye..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"..., but these turbo cars, you know, I'm used to the Corvette GT1s and, you know, the Roushmustangs and that ki..."
Porsche 944
"...t's been impossible to find, maybe restoring your 944 turbo, your trim piece for your 914 or a distribu..."
Porsche 914
"...estoring your 944 turbo, your trim piece for your 914 or a distributor for your SC. Auto Atlanta has yo..."
Porsche 935
"with the Swap Shop 935. It was the 40 year anniversary of the Swap Shop 935's win. And we thought what a cooler thing to do"
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