Full Breakdown
Porsche Penske Revives Apple-Computer Livery for Laguna Seca Throwback Race
5/1/2026, 10:30:48 PM
Historic Livery Returns at IMSA Laguna Seca
On May 3 2026, Porsche Penske Motorsport entered two factory-spec Porsche 963 GTP cars in the fourth round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Laguna Seca. Both cars wear a retro Apple Computer rainbow scheme originally seen on the Dick Barbour Racing Porsche 935 K3 in the 1980 IMSA season and at Le Mans.
Background and Anniversaries
The Apple-Porsche partnership began in 1980 when Apple sponsored the 935 K3, marking one of Apple’s earliest motorsport ventures. The 2026 livery commemorates Porsche Motorsport’s 75th anniversary and Apple’s 50th anniversary, linking two icons of engineering and design.
Entry List and Championship Stakes
Factory line-up: No. 6 – Kevin Estre (FRA) / Laurens Vanthoor (BEL); No. 7 – Julien Andlauer (FRA) / Felipe Nasr (BRA). Customer entry JDC-Miller #5 – Laurin Heinrich (DEU) / Tijmen van der Helm (NLD). Porsche leads the GTP drivers’ standings (No. 7 first, No. 6 fourth) and tops the manufacturers’ classification after victories at Daytona and Sebring.
Official Statements (Summaries)
Apple’s Oliver Schusser described the livery as a tribute to a “shared passion for innovation and creativity.” Porsche Motorsport’s Thomas Laudenbach emphasized the parallel histories of the Porsche 911 debut (1963) and Apple’s rainbow logo (1977). Urs Kuratle noted Laguna Seca’s suitability for the 963 and recalled a one-two finish there the previous year.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary appears in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source states the original 935 K3 is owned by Adam Carolla and re-wrapped in a 1979 livery; another mentions replicas and custom builds circulating online, leaving the historic chassis’s racing future unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Porsche, going back to 1980 when a Porsche race car first carried the Apple logo,” — Oliver Schusser, Vice President Apple Music, Sports and Beats
- “That moment marked the beginning of a shared passion for innovation and creativity that continues to define our collaboration today.” — Oliver Schusser
- “ Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach added: “What began with the debut of the Porsche 911 at the 1963 IAA Motor Show is mirrored by the Apple Computer: both are icons that stand for innovation and continuous development by experts in Zuffenhausen, Weissach and Cupertino.” — Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport
- “This is particularly true of Porsche Motorsport, where innovations have been created since 1951 under the highest competitive demands.” — Thomas Laudenbach
- “The Laguna Seca circuit suits both our team and our car extremely well,” — Urs Kuratle, Head of Works Motorsport LMDh
- “Last year, we achieved a one-two finish there and further underlined the status of the Porsche 963 as the most successful car built to LMDh regulations. In the beginning of April, a two-day test at Laguna Seca provided us with valuable data that will help us fine-tune our hybrid prototypes for the upcoming race weekend.” — Urs Kuratle
What’s Next
Porsche will field the same Apple-liveried 963s at the upcoming IMSA round in Miami, and the retro scheme is expected to appear only during the 2026 Throwback weekend, underscoring both brands’ emphasis on heritage.
