Walter Lechner Snr, founder of Lechner Racing and a successful racer in his own right, has passed away at the age of 71.
Lechner first established his team in the 1970s, after selling the nightclub he ran to found a racing school, the alumni of which include Stefan Bellof, Karl Wendlinger and current Mercedes F1 principal Toto Wolff. As a driver, he won the German Super Vee championship along with titles in the Interserie running Group C machinery and twice contested the Le Mans 24 Hours.
In the early 1990s, his team developed its own car in conjunction with Reynard Motorsport, the Lechner Spyder SC91. Since the early 2000s, the team has been heavily involved in the Porsche Supercup series, winning multiple titles, including the teams’ cup for the last seven years. In 2009, Lechner racing was appointed by Porsche to run the GT3 cup Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East.
Reflecting on Lechner’s legacy, Oliver Schwab, project manager for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, remarked, “Walter was a true gentleman and a respected figure in all areas of life. I will remember him as a good friend who for many years shaped the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup with his admirable character, his unbridled emotion and his incredible enthusiasm. His sons Robert and Walter Jr are also an integral part of the Porsche Motorsport family. My deepest condolences go to them and Walter’s wife Christine.”
Lechner is survived by his wife, Christine, and sons Robert and Walter Jr.
