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Former Porsche works driver and Le Mans winner “Strietzel” Stuck looks back on an extraordinary motorsport career.
Hans Joachim Stuck He is one of the most influential figures in German motorsport. The racing driver, born on January 1, 1951, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, celebrates his 75th birthday this Wednesday.
His successes, especially behind the wheel of the legendary Porsche 962 in the 1980s, made him internationally famous.
Early years and first successes
The passion for fast cars runs in the Stuck family. His father, Hans Stuck, made a name for himself as the "King of the Mountains" in hill climb races as early as the 1920s and 1930s.
The son then started his first race at the Nürburgring in 1969 and just one year later won the 24-hour race in a BMW 2002.
In the following years, the native of Upper Bavaria made a name for himself in various racing series. In 1972 he became German Racing Champion, and in 1975 he won the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Between 1977 and 1979 he also tried his hand at Formula 1, and in parallel he won the title in the Procar series in 1979 with a BMW M1.
The golden years with Porsche
Stuck experienced his most successful period as a works driver for Porsche. He and Derek Bell won the 1985 World Endurance Championship in the Porsche 962.
The crowning achievements came in 1986 and 1987 with two overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These were complemented by successes in the ADAC Supercup and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport, acknowledges his achievements: “Hans-Joachim Stuck has done great things for Porsche. His achievements in long-distance racing are still considered among the most groundbreaking moments in Porsche's motorsport history.”
A successful career well into old age
After his time at Porsche, Stuck continued his successful career. In 1990 he won the German Touring Car Championship driving an Audi, and in 1993 he became IMSA Supercar Champion driving a Porsche.
Particularly noteworthy: Even at over 50 years of age, he remained competitive and won further 24-hour races in 2004 and 2006.
In 2011 he ended his active career at a race in the Eifel region together with his sons Johannes and Ferdinand.
Commitment to motorsport
After retiring from racing, Stuck remained closely connected to the sport. From 2012 to 2020, as president of the German Motor Sport Federation, he was particularly committed to promoting young talent.
Today he is in demand as an expert at historic motorsport events and acts as a brand ambassador.
His experiences and anecdotes from over four decades in motorsport make him an important contemporary witness to a defining era of international endurance racing.
Sierks Media / © Photos: 2025 Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG
