Rainer Schlegelmilch

In 1962, Rainer W. Schlegelmilch had his first experience of motorsport – the 1,000 km at the Nürburgring – and it was this that sparked a lifelong passion for both Porsche and racing that still burns today. Beginning in 1963, this wholly captivating collection of breathtaking shots transports you to another time and another world, taking you on a journey through the history of Porsche endurance racing, from Le Mans to Monza, via the Targa Florio and Spa-Francorchamps. And with his own words accompanying the pictures, Schlegelmilch shows and tells fascinating stories from track and trackside. Naturally, the cars are the heroes of this book – there’s a genuine love of Porsche cars on these pages, a real admiration in pictures for each evolution of the legendary designs. From the purpose-built prototypes of the mid-60s – the 550, 718, RS and RSK models – followed by the more powerful 907 and 908, and through to arguably the most iconic racing car designs of all time, the 917, the 962 and of course the ageless 911, this is Schlegelmilch’s pictorial love letter to his own "Porsche Racing Moments". He pays tribute to each of them with his unique zoom technique, that converts the movement and phenomenal speed of the racing cars into a totally absorbing and almost dizzying feast of depth and energy. Whether it’s in black and white or colour, it’s as if you can feel the rush of air on your face as the cars speed by. But while this book is perfect for those who live and breathe Porsche, there’s more to it than the cars. From the shots of experienced teams to the drivers deep in conversation, from the greasy hands of the mechanics tinkering under the hood to the stained and cracked track, Schlegelmilch takes you to the real racing world, behind the glamour and into the dusty, oil-scented universe of motorsport.

Rainer W. Schlegelmilch fotografió su primera carrera de los 1000 kilómetros en 1962, en Nürburgring, donde quedó fascinado por los pilotos, los vehículos y el mundo de las carreras en general. Durante los siguientes años Dan Gurney, Hans Herrmann, Phil Hill, Jacky Ickx, Jo Siffert le atrajeron mágicamente hacia Le mans, Monza y Spa-Francorchamps, donde Ferrari, Ford y Porsche compitieron, hasta 1973, por el título del campeonato mundial de constructores. La carrera de los 1000 km en Nürburgring, las 24 horas de Lemans, ¡cuánta magia emana de estos conceptos! Marcas de vehículos como Ferrari, Porsche, Ford y modelos de coches como 250LM, 512S, 908,917 y GT40 representan inolvidables batallas de constructores, éxitos conseguidos con mucho esfuerzo, pero también tragedias humanas.

"The most thrilling show on earth," is how Bernie Ecclestone describes Formula 1, which constantly brings forth new heroes who put a face to this dynamic sport. The spectrum ranges from the charismatic maturity of a Juan Manuel Fangio to the impetuous youthfulness of a Sebastian Vettel. Drawing on his experience of over five decades, Rainer Schlegelmilch portrays all 32 world champions since 1950. He recalls glorious triumphs like those of serial winner Michael Schumacher, as well as the tragic accidents of drivers like Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna. Over a span of more than sixty years you are right there amidst theaction--in the pit lane or even in the cockpit of a car. All this makes Formula 1 World Champions a very special journey through time.

Few spectator sports generate such excitement as Formula 1. The name refers to the most advanced and competitive of the FIA’s racing formulae. It’s a raw combination of speed, skill, and that certain hint of daring. Journey back in time to the glory years of the 1960s. Marvel at the vintage cars, big-name champions and heart-stopping victories. All the big names are here: Jim Clark, Jacky Ickx, Jack Brabham—just to name a few. With Schlegelmilch’s compelling photographs, this exceptional volume takes fans so close they can almost smell the burning rubber and hear the engines roar! Rainer W. Schlegelmilch has been a motor sports photographer since 1962. His expert lens has covered all the great names in racing. His unique style captures the drama of this action-charged sport.