Porsche Sport 2017

If you follow Porsche motorsport around the world, then Porsche Sport 2017 is not a book you want to be without. In fact, if you read this book from cover-to-cover, you would be one of the most knowledgeable people around concerning the motorsport activities of the Stuttgart manufacturer.

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This edition of Porsche Sport 2017 commemorates 25 years of this superb publication, and this special issue makes a grand gesture of recognising this milestone. The first inside page has a see-through panel cut-out in the shape of ‘25’ which allows the reader to see through to the 25^th anniversary page just behind where this milestone is announced. This anniversary page has been signed by all the staff concerned with the production of this annual – all copies of this issue have been signed in this way, making it a really memorable touch.

Quite apart from the excellent quality and range of content, one of the aspects that struck me was the quality of the design and presentation of this book. From the very first page to the last, the standard of design is exemplary, and the publishers must be complimented on this. The style is appealing and well laid out without being in your face or brash.

On the content side, there is no international or national series in which Porsche competes that has been excluded from this publication. Due to the extent of the international coverage, the list of contributors is extensive, providing content in an entertaining and informative manner.

From a photographic perspective, the standard of the imagery is superb, and most aspects of every race has been represented to a greater or lesser extent. Here too, the list of contributing photographers is a long one as no one snapper can be everywhere at every track during a race. Here the publishers must be complimented once again as they have compiled all of this information and images into a fine-looking book, and in the process, it all looks very seamless. In other words, it doesn’t look as though many journalists and photographers from all over the world have contributed in their own style, as the whole project has been very well ‘smoothed’ over. Of the approximately 900 full-colour images, some have been printed in large, full-page format or even as double-page spreads.

All Porsche one-make series, Carrera Cups, GT3 Cup Challenges, the Mobil 1 Supercup, the WEC and all the endurance races like the 24-hour races at Dubai, Daytona, Spa or at the Nürburgring have been covered in this book. Of course, there is particular emphasis on the biggest successes in 2017, such as the Porsche 919 Hybrid victory at Le Mans, making it the car’s third title in this famous race, and 19^th overall Le Mans victory.

Comprehensive statistics and results of the various series round out the book, providing the reader with a rich reserve of facts and figures covering Porsche’s motorsport activities. Whether your motivation is to continue your collection of this fine annual series, or if it is to use as a reference book for enjoyment or to discuss with friends, this publication remains a must-buy. I am glad I have my copy!

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Written by: Glen Smale