As a Porsche preparer, Kremer Racing created in 1962 built a solid reputation marked by remarkable wins at all of the major endurance races, from Spa-Francorchamps to Daytona, with as a top highlight its victory at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans.

That year for the first time, the Kremer brothers Manfred and Erwin entered in the race their own version of the Porsche 935 created in 1976. Called the 935 K3, the car won a rainy edition of the 24 Hours thanks to German driver Klaus Ludwig and American brothers Bill and Don Whittington. Another notable podium finish for Kremer Racing was third place in 1983 for the 956 prototype of Mario Andretti and his son Michael along with French driver Philippe Alliot.

Thereafter, Manfred and Erwin Kremer fielded their own prototypes, always mechanically based on Porsche, driven by previous and future Le Mans winners like Christophe Bouchut, Marko Werner (winners together at the 1995 Rolex 24 at Daytona), Derek Warwick and Derek Bell.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest sends its sincerest condolences to Manfred Kremer's family and loved ones.

PHOTOS (Copyright - ACO ARCHIVES): LE MANS (SARTHE, France), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS. At top: the #41 Porsche 935 winner in 1979 ahead of the other 935 shared by gentleman-driver and silver screen star Paul Newman, Dick Barbour and Rolf Stommelen. Below: the Kremer K8 prototype that finished sixth at the 1994 24 Hours driven by Derek Bell, Robin Donovan and Jürgen Lässig.