Could American motorsport titan Roger Penske be about to receive a bespoke version of Porsche’s most advanced prototype race car? A recent teaser from Porsche suggests exactly that.
As we revealed this week, a YouTube video introduces the Porsche 963 RSP – a “one-of-one vehicle crafted with precision, purpose, and detail at every touchpoint,” according to the official description. The sleek black-and-white footage showcases mechanics working on a 963 chassis, intercut with scenes of intricate upholstery and a unique paint scheme. One detail stands out above all: the “963 RSP” badge, which cleverly blends Porsche’s famed Rennsport branding with Penske’s initials. His full name? Roger Searle Penske.
The car appears to be a tribute to the 87-year-old businessman and former racing driver, whose impact on American motorsport is unrivaled. Penske’s empire, built on a foundation of car dealerships and trucking logistics, has extended into one of the most successful racing operations in history. Team Penske has claimed a record 20 victories at the Indianapolis 500, while Porsche has earned an equal number of wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona – most recently through its factory-backed Porsche Penske Motorsport program, which triumphed with the 963 in both 2023 and 2024.
The 963’s road to dominance was not immediate. After debuting at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona with reliability woes and pace issues, it took a strategic win at Long Beach to claim its first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship victory. But by 2024, the hybrid, twin-turbocharged V8-powered prototype had matured into a powerhouse – winning Daytona, finishing first and second in the IMSA season, and clinching the FIA World Endurance Championship drivers’ title.
While some speculate that the 963 RSP could be a road-legal prototype, it is more likely to take its place in Penske’s personal collection – which features a trove of racing icons, trophies, and memorabilia housed in Phoenix, Arizona. Still, Porsche has a history of building road-capable versions of its prototype racers, including the legendary 917 and 962.
Whatever the 963 RSP turns out to be, it would be a fitting tribute to a man who has done more than anyone to shape the sport of racing – on both sides of the pit wall. We should find out the whole story ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans next month.
ImageSource: Porsche