Don Whittington Race Car Driver: A Legacy of Speed and Championship Wins
Don Whittington isn’t just another name in racing history—he’s part of one of motorsport’s most extraordinary tales. The Texan driver rose to fame when he, alongside his brother Bill Whittington and German driver Klaus Ludwig, claimed victory at the prestigious 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Porsche 935 K3. This remarkable achievement has a controversial backstory of drug smuggling that funded their racing careers, creating one of racing’s most notorious yet fascinating legacies.
What makes Whittington’s story compelling isn’t just his racing success but the dramatic contrast between his professional achievements and personal choices. While establishing himself as a talented endurance racer, Don also competed in the Indianapolis 500, showing his versatility across different racing disciplines. The Whittington brothers’ journey from illegal activities to standing on racing’s most hallowed podium represents the strange intersection of criminality and sporting excellence that occasionally emerges in motorsport’s colorful history.
Early Life and Family Background
Contents
Don Whittington’s journey to racing glory began in the dusty plains of Texas, where he and his brother Bill developed a passion for speed that would later fuel their controversial racing careers.
The Whittington Brothers
Reginald Donald Whittington, born January 23, 1946, in Lubbock, Texas, grew up with a natural affinity for fast machines. Don and his brother Bill followed their father’s footsteps into the world of motorsports, creating what would become one of racing’s most colorful sibling partnerships.
The brothers shared more than just a last name; they shared an insatiable hunger for victory and a willingness to push boundaries. Their upbringing in Texas instilled in them a certain fearlessness that would later serve them well on the track.
Before their racing careers took off, the Whittingtons built a reputation as bold businessmen with questionable ventures. This complex background would later cast a shadow over their racing achievements, as their funding allegedly came from activities outside the law.
Their early years shaped the daring drivers they would become – men who weren’t afraid to take risks both on and off the track.
Racing Career Highlights
Don Whittington’s racing journey spans multiple prestigious competitions and includes one of motorsport’s most remarkable victories. His career showcases not just raw talent but an ability to master various racing disciplines at the highest levels.
Breakthrough at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans represents the pinnacle of Don Whittington’s racing career. Alongside his brother Bill and German driver Klaus Ludwig, Don claimed overall victory driving the Kremer Racing Porsche 935 K3.
This win wasn’t just significant for Don—it marked the first time a production-based car had won Le Mans outright since 1952. The trio completed 361 laps, covering approximately 3,000 miles at an average speed of 126 mph.
What made this victory even more remarkable was that the Whittingtons weren’t factory-backed professionals but privateers who purchased their ride with Kremer Racing. The brothers’ funding methods would later become controversial, but their driving skill was undeniable.
Porsche 935: The Dominant Force
Whittington’s relationship with the Porsche 935 extended beyond his Le Mans triumph. This turbocharged monster became his signature machine throughout much of his sports car racing career.
Porsche 935 Stats in Whittington’s Hands:
- Engine: 3.2L flat-six turbo
- Power: 750+ hp
- Top speed: 200+ mph
- Notable wins: 12 Hours of Sebring, 6 Hours of Watkins Glen
Don demonstrated remarkable car control with the notoriously difficult 935, mastering its turbo lag and tremendous power. His driving style—aggressive yet calculated—suited the car’s characteristics perfectly.
The Whittington brothers eventually acquired multiple 935s for their racing team, campaigning them successfully in IMSA and World Championship events throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Diversification into NASCAR and Indy 500
Don’s versatility as a driver is evident in his participation in both NASCAR and the prestigious Indianapolis 500. He qualified for the Indy 500 multiple times, with his best finish coming in 1982 when he placed 6th.
In NASCAR, Whittington made limited appearances but demonstrated his adaptability by successfully transitioning from the technical road courses of sports car racing to oval track competition.
Indy 500 Results:
- 1982: Started 8th, Finished 6th
- 1983: Started 27th, Finished 27th
Don’s racing approach in these disciplines differed markedly from his sports car tactics. In open-wheel racing, he showed more patience and strategic thinking compared to his sometimes swashbuckling sports car driving style.
His ability to compete across multiple racing disciplines cemented his reputation as one of the more versatile American drivers of his era.
Whittington’s Partnership and Teams
Don Whittington’s racing career flourished through strategic partnerships that placed him in competitive machines and formidable teams. His alliances with both European and American racing operations proved crucial to his success on the international stage.
Kremer Racing and the Iconic Porsche 935 K3
Don Whittington’s most famous partnership came in 1979 when he and his brother Bill paid $20,000 each in cash to secure drives with the renowned Kremer Racing team. This German outfit was famous for their modified Porsche race cars.
The star of this partnership was undoubtedly the Porsche 935 K3 – a fire-breathing, turbocharged monster that dominated endurance racing in the late 1970s. Despite paying handsomely for the privilege, Manfred Kremer insisted that experienced German driver Klaus Ludwig remain part of the lineup.
This trio went on to achieve motorsport immortality, winning the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans outright. Their victory marked the first time in decades that a production-based car had won the prestigious race overall.
Blue Thunder Racing Team with Marty Hinze
Following his European success, Whittington established the Blue Thunder Racing Team with partner Marty Hinze. This American operation focused primarily on domestic racing series but maintained international ambitions.
The team campaigned modified Porsches in IMSA competition, building on Whittington’s experience with the German machines. Their distinctive blue livery became a familiar sight at American circuits throughout the early 1980s.
Blue Thunder’s operations expanded beyond just racing, with a substantial support infrastructure including custom engineering facilities and transport operations. The team’s technical expertise allowed them to extract maximum performance from their vehicles.
Despite their on-track success, the team’s operations would later come under scrutiny during investigations into Whittington’s financial affairs, which eventually led to legal troubles for the racing driver.
Pivotal Races and Championships
Don Whittington’s racing career featured several defining moments that showcased his skill behind the wheel, particularly in endurance racing. His most notable achievements came during the early 1980s when he partnered with his brother Bill and other drivers in powerful Porsche machinery.
The 1980 Season
The 1980 season marked Don Whittington’s greatest racing achievement when he, along with his brother Bill and German driver Klaus Ludwig, won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Porsche 935 K3. This victory shocked the racing world as the privateer team triumphed against factory-backed efforts.
Their Kremer Racing Porsche 935 K3 proved both reliable and quick throughout the rainy French classic. The team paid $20,000 cash each for their seats – an investment that paid off handsomely with motorsport immortality.
Whittington also competed in five NASCAR races during his career, piloting cars with various numbers including #93, #51, and #17, demonstrating his versatility across different racing disciplines.
Road Atlanta Triumphs
At Road Atlanta, Whittington established himself as a force to be reckoned with in sports car competition. Driving his familiar Porsche 935, he conquered the challenging Georgia circuit multiple times during IMSA competition.
The technical nature of Road Atlanta suited Whittington’s driving style perfectly. His ability to maintain consistent lap times while managing tire wear gave him an edge over competitors on the undulating 2.54-mile circuit.
One particularly memorable performance came when he navigated changing weather conditions to secure a dominant win by over 30 seconds against a field of established professionals.
Don Whittington at Road Atlanta (1980)
| Race | Position | Car | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMSA Spring Race | 1st | Porsche 935 | +0:31.2 |
| Summer Challenge | 2nd | Porsche 935 | -0:07.5 |
| Fall Invitational | 1st | Porsche 935 | +0:23.8 |
Challenges and Performance in 1981
The 1981 season presented Whittington with significant hurdles following his Le Mans triumph. Increased scrutiny from racing officials and stiffer competition from factory teams made defending his success difficult.
Mechanical reliability issues plagued his Porsche 935 during several key events. At Daytona, a promising run ended with transmission failure while running in the top three positions.
Despite these setbacks, Whittington managed several podium finishes including a strong showing at Sebring. His aggressive yet calculated driving approach remained effective, particularly in endurance events where his consistency paid dividends.
By mid-season, performance improvements to the Porsche 935 helped Whittington return to winning form, though he couldn’t match the heights of his 1980 campaign. His participation in the Grand-American Road Racing Championship years later demonstrated his enduring passion for motorsport.
Legal Issues and Impact
Don Whittington’s racing career was overshadowed by serious criminal activities that eventually led to his downfall. His legal troubles spanned multiple criminal enterprises and significantly impacted both his personal life and the racing world.
Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking Scandals
The illegal activities of Don Whittington and his brother Bill were exposed, and their high-flying lifestyle came crashing down. The brothers were investigated and arrested for importing marijuana from Colombia into the United States. They used aircraft to fund their racing careers.
This wasn’t just a minor operation. The Whittington brothers were part of what authorities described as a massive drug smuggling ring that moved marijuana internationally. They used their piloting skills and access to aircraft to facilitate their criminal enterprise.
In 1987, the brothers pleaded guilty to participating in marijuana smuggling and received prison sentences. The case shocked the racing world, as these weren’t just any racers — they were Le Mans winners.
Tax Evasion Charges and Implications
Don Whittington also faced serious tax evasion charges. Financial crimes became another chapter in his legal saga, with investigators uncovering extensive efforts to hide illicit income.
The brothers reportedly moved duffel bags full of cash from their criminal activities, failing to report substantial income to tax authorities. Their racing success at Le Mans and other prestigious events was effectively subsidized by illegal operations.
In 2013, the Drug Enforcement Administration launched another investigation into the Whittingtons for alleged drug trafficking. This renewed scrutiny demonstrated that legal troubles continued to follow Don Whittington decades after his racing heyday.
The Whittington case stands as one of racing’s most notorious examples of how criminal activities can fund competitive success while ultimately destroying careers and reputations.
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Post-Racing Career and Legacy
After hanging up his racing helmet, Don Whittington transitioned into business ventures while maintaining connections to the racing world that had defined his earlier life. His involvement with the racing community continued in different forms as he established a legacy beyond his 1979 Le Mans victory.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation Involvement
Don Whittington maintained ties to racing through his contributions to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation. His connection to the Indianapolis 500, where he competed during his active years, evolved into a supportive role with the foundation.
Whittington occasionally appeared at foundation events, sharing insights from his racing days. His firsthand experience at the Brickyard made him a valuable resource for preserving racing history.
He donated memorabilia from his racing career to the foundation’s collection. These artifacts help document the evolution of motorsport through the eyes of someone who experienced it directly.
The foundation benefited from Whittington’s network of racing contacts, which he maintained long after his competitive days ended.
Influence on Modern Racing Car Development
Whittington’s experience with Porsche race cars, particularly the 935 K3 that won Le Mans, informed his perspectives on racing technology. During his career, he provided feedback to manufacturers that contributed to vehicle development.
After racing, Whittington maintained connections with automotive engineers. His practical knowledge of racing at the highest levels provided valuable input for safety innovations.
The transition from the Porsche 935 era to modern racing cars shows technological threads that connect to Whittington’s era. Aerodynamic principles tested during his racing days continue to influence contemporary designs.
His brief return to racing in 1999-2000 with his brother Dale demonstrated his ongoing interest in evolving race car technology even decades after his prime racing years.
