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Porsche Pays Tribute To Jochen Mass, Influential Racing Driver Who Shaped Motorsport Legacy
Porsche is mourning the loss of Jochen Mass, a former works driver who passed away on May 4, 2025, in Cannes, France, at 78. Mass was not only a remarkable driver but also a person who greatly influenced motorsport and enriched Porsche with his passion and expertise. Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, expressed deep sadness over his passing.
Born on September 30, 1946, in Dorfen, Upper Bavaria, Jochen Mass initially embarked on a journey as a sailor before turning to motorsport. His career began unexpectedly in 1968 when he filled in for an ill driver at an Alfa Romeo dealership. This marked the start of an extraordinary path in racing.
Mass's racing achievements are impressive. He became the European Touring Car Champion in 1972 and was a runner-up in Formula 2. From 1973 onwards, he participated in Formula 1 races 105 times and won the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975. Before Michael Schumacher's era, Mass was among Germany's most successful Formula 1 drivers by points.
Endurance racing became Mass's true calling, especially with Porsche. Between 1976 and 1987, he was a permanent member of their works team. He drove iconic cars like the Porsche 935 and celebrated victories alongside fellow drivers such as Jacky Ickx. His name became synonymous with reliability due to his close collaboration with race engineers like Norbert Singer.
Porsche acknowledges the significant impact Jochen Mass had on their brand and motorsport as a whole. "We are losing a remarkable driver and a trusted companion who was with us for many years," said Thomas Laudenbach. Mass's legacy extends beyond his successes; it lives on through memories and stories shared within the motorsport community.
Even after retiring from active racing in 1992, Mass remained connected to the sport as a speaker and heritage ambassador. He engaged audiences at events like Retro Classics and classic car gatherings organised by Porsche Heritage and Museum. His unique stories captivated people of all ages.
A Life Beyond Racing
Jochen Mass is survived by his wife Bettina and four children. His contributions to motorsport continue to be celebrated by those who knew him personally or admired his work from afar. Porsche mourns his loss with gratitude for his dedication to the brand over many years.
Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), established in 1984, serves as the exclusive U.S. importer of various Porsche models including the Porsche 911 and Taycan. Headquartered in Atlanta since 1998, PCNA operates two Porsche Experience Centers offering driver development tracks and business facilities.
The company supports over 200 independently owned dealerships across the U.S., providing parts, service, marketing support, and training to ensure customers receive top-notch experiences aligned with Porsche's legacy of performance excellence.
Jochen Mass's legacy will continue to inspire future generations within both Porsche Motorsports North America headquarters near Los Angeles where they operate another experience center featuring educational modules spanning over four miles long track lengthwise along with other amenities such as Restaurant917 located onsite too!
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