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Big Orange

Wayne Baker Porsche 934

The 1983 IMSA GTO rules were to undergo some big changes and allow cars such as the Porsche 934 to run in a revamped form. When it came to such considerations, Californian Wayne Baker could not imagine that he would have such a hectic season. He had been a successful GTU runner from 1978 on, entering a Porsche 914/4 which brought him some great races. By the end of the 1982 season, it was time for him to search for new ground to plough, and he set his choice on the now ageing Porsche 934, which was launched in 1976. The car had taken life as a Porsche 935K3, which was driven to victory by Brian Redman, Bobby Rahal and Bob Garretson at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1981. When he set his eyes on the shell, it was stripped from any 935 part. No more body panel, suspension or drivetrain. The job of building such a potential GTO winner took some three to get done, but Wayne Baker had some high hopes. The car now had a single plug 3,2L turbo engine derived from the 935, a huge air to air intercooler mounted in the rear spoiler and a KKK36 turbocharger. The engine now gave more than 600 hp, with no more throttle lag. Affectionately called "Big Orange", the car would be ready for the very first race at Daytona by the end of January 1983. Jim Mullen, Bob Garretson and Wayne Baker ended up ninth overall and fourth in class, which was an honest debut. The car would be rebuilt for the next race, which took place at Miami, for the very first Grand Prix. The race was to be wasted by a huge rainstorm, which was one of the worst ever in Florida, so the race came to an abrupt end. Sebring was another story, with some excitement at stake. While suffering from flats during the race, the three drivers would run as high as second in class, but their opponents would be decimated. While crew chief Greg Ellif told Wayne to stay on course in spite of steering problems, Wayne didn't know that he was fighting for the win! At the end, Wayne Baker, Jim Mullen and Kees Nierop took the win over the Porsche 935K3 driven by Bob Akin, John O'steen and Dale Whittington. It was the first time a GTO car took an overall victory since the GTX cars were introduced. The remainder of the season saw another string of class victories. Road Atlanta, Riverside and Charlotte. Sears Point was to bring a great disappointment when the car would be partly destroyed in a fire. The car would be rebuilt in a 40 hour non-stop streak and run for a third place GTO finish. While closing in on the GTO title, the team's budget was getting low, and the team secured the title at the Road America event, when Wayne and Jim Mullen ended up fifth in class. It was a season full of action and thrill, and at the end, the team was crowned. For 1984, however, things were to change as the car was to be rebuilt in its original form : a 935. GTP cars were now becoming the cars to own, but Wayne Baker and many others thought those cars had some more years to get raced. And he was right. Many of those fantastic racers would be seen again until 1986. Great racers never die.

Big Orange had a fantastic 1983 season

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