AO racing reveal crazy T-rex livery
AO racing ran a favourite livery at the Daytona 24 Hours, paying tribute to the 1983 race-winning Porsche 935 of Bob Wollek, A.J. Foyt, Preston Henn and Claude Ballot-Léna. Now though, the one-off livery has gone, in favour of a new, equally awesome strip for the rest of the season. Meet the GT3 ‘Rawr’, a menacing-looking take on the number 80 Porsche 911 GT3 R GTD racer that’s sure to cause a double take or two in the rear-view mirrors of rivals at Sebring and beyond.
Resplendent in a lurid green, the scales and claws of a vicious Tyrannosaurus Rex are spread across the 911, with its already substantial mouth seemingly enlarged by the livery, with added teeth for good measure. We’re choosing to believe the dino’s nostrils above its chompers are something of a nod to the road-going 992 GT3’s ‘nostrils’, which are used to guide airflow over the car. Throw in some darkness and heavy rain and drivers it follows will be sure to get flashbacks to Jurassic Park. No word yet on the performance benefits of the livery, beyond rival driver intimidation.
The dinosaur idea was driven as you’d expect by younger minds, specifically the children of Team Principal and driver PJ Hyett, who has previously run a rex and a unicorn on his lid in honour of his kids.
Hyett will be joined in the unmistakable car by co-driver Sebastian Priaulx, with Gunnar Jeannette taking the third seat on endurance duties. Of course, the latter is the son of Le Mans legend, endurance racing star at large and Goodwood House Captain, Andy Priaulx.
The team faced issues at Daytona thought to be related to the balance of performance. Speaking about the upcoming race, Jeannette said: “Hopefully, Rexy goes as fast as it looks and we can come home with a good result after our disappointing Daytona. We really want to give the fans something to cheer for as Rexy makes it’s mark both on & off track.”
AO Racing
Sebring 12 Hours 2023
IMSA
WEC
