Roger Penske Drives One-Off Porsche 963 RSP for the First Time

Roger Penske has driven the Porsche 963 RSP, a one-off prototype built in his honour, for the very first time. The milestone moment took place at the Porsche Experience Centre in Atlanta, before the car was later showcased at Monterey Car Week in California and added to Penske’s private collection.

The 963 RSP had already made a dynamic debut earlier in the year ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, followed by appearances in Austria and at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Its return to the United States marked the first opportunity for Penske himself to get behind the wheel of the car that bears his initials.

Penske completed initial shakedown laps on the South Track at Atlanta, allowing the team to inspect the car after its European outings. “That was a fantastic experience – an unforgettable moment to finally get behind the wheel,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Corporation. “Our partnership with Porsche has led to an incredible history together built over six decades. This is a special moment among many in that partnership. It’s been a privilege to be a part of the team and programme that led to its creation.”

Following the Atlanta debut, the 963 RSP was driven more extensively at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a track deeply tied to Porsche history through four Rennsport Reunion events and set to host a Porsche Driving Centre from 2026.

Among those to sample the car at Laguna Seca were Bruce Canepa, Friends of Laguna Seca board member, and former Porsche works driver Patrick Long. Long previously raced the RS Spyder for Penske Racing between 2006 and 2008 and offered high praise after driving the new machine.

“It appears intimidating at first, but actually it shrinks around you and is very responsive and agile,” said Long. “It has great steering feel and the visibility is great looking forwards. The ride is pretty compliant, too, so I can see it working well on the road. What a machine – I just wanted to keep going!”

Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, emphasised the significance of the car’s delivery to Penske: “It’s a fitting conclusion to an exciting project to see Roger drive the car for the first time as it joins his collection, where I know it will be in the best of hands. The heart and soul of everyone at Porsche is engrained in this car.”

The 963 RSP is based on Porsche’s current 963 prototype campaigned in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA series but was modified extensively by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department. The project was inspired by a road-going version of the Porsche 917 (Chassis 30), which received similar changes 50 years ago.

The bespoke model carries the same Martini Silver finish as that historic 917 and features a unique interior trimmed in leather and Alcantara. Technical adjustments included revised dampers, reduced ride height, changes to the ECU for road use, and the ability to run on standard fuel. The car is also equipped with turn signals, wet-weather tyres, and a horn to ensure usability beyond the track.

After its U.S. debut drives, the Porsche 963 RSP was displayed at the Porsche Zentrum during Monterey Car Week in California. From there, it has taken its permanent place in Roger Penske’s collection, symbolising both his legacy in motorsport and his six-decade partnership with Porsche.