It says a lot about the legacy of Jochen Mass that, despite his active career ending a third of a century ago, he remains one of the pre-eminent names associated with 70s and 80s motorsport. That’s what 20 years at the top will do. Sadly, Jochen Mass passed away over the weekend, at the age of 78 in Cannes.
Born in Upper Bavaria in 1946, Mass’ early work as a car mechanic drew him to the track; his first race was in 1968, as an emergency stand-in, but the talent was clear: by 1972 he was European Touring Car Champion. Until Michael Schumacher, Jochen Mass had the most points for a German driver in Formula 1. He started 105 Grands Prix, won the 1975 Spanish GP, and secured eight other podiums.
It’s probably as a sportscar racer that Mass will be most fondly remembered. He was a Porsche works driver for more than a decade, campaigning 935s, 936s, 956s and 962s with considerable success, including victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring plus 1000km at Mugello and the Nurburgring. Mass raced at Le Mans throughout the 1980s, and achieved overall victory in 1989 with Sauber Mercedes and the awesome C9. Indeed, the #62 car shared between Mass and Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser only finished off the podium once in the seven races of the ‘89 World Sportscar Championship, winning four times.
Some legacy, then, which is to say nothing of the impression Mass left on those he met - on track and off it. He is survived by his wife Bettina and four children. Rest in peace, legend.
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