His name is inseparable from the Porsche 962. When Hans-Joachim Stuck climbed into the cockpit of the Group C prototype in the mid-1980s, it marked the most successful chapter of his long career. Renowned for his ability to maintain a relentless pace over long distances and for the meticulous feedback he provided to engineers, Stuck became a cornerstone of the Porsche works team. On January 1, 2026, he turned 75. Hans-Joachim Stuck—universally known by his nickname “Strietzel,” after a traditional Bavarian honey cake—stands among the most prominent German racing drivers of his generation. His charisma, distinctive driving style and deep affinity for endurance racing left a lasting imprint on international motorsport.
Much of that legacy was forged behind the wheel of the Porsche 962, a car with which Stuck celebrated many of his most outstanding achievements. His combination of speed, consistency and technical understanding made him invaluable during an era when endurance racing demanded not only bravery, but precision and teamwork.
From early talent to international greatness
Hans-Joachim Stuck was born on January 1, 1951 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He was given special dispensation to obtain his driver’s license at the age of 16. Love of motorsport was in the family: his father, Hans Stuck, earned the nickname “King of the Mountains” at hill-climbing races in the 1920s and 1930s. Hans-Joachim Stuck competed in his first race in 1969 in a BMW 2002 at the Nürburgring. In 1970, he won the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a BMW 2002; in 1972, he won the German Racing Championship in a Ford Capri RS; in 1974, he was runner-up in the European Formula Two Championship in a March BMW 742. In 1975, he won the 12 Hours of Sebring in a BMW 3.5 CSL.
In the following years, he continued to develop as a versatile driver, demonstrating his talent in formula racing as well as in touring car and endurance racing. In 1977 and 1978, he drove in Formula 1 in a Brabham Alfa and Shadow Ford Cosworth. The following year, he raced in Formula 1 in an ATS Ford Cosworth and won the Procar series in a BMW M1. In 1981 and 1983, Stuck took second place in the German Racing Championship in a BMW 320. He secured second place in the European Touring Car Championship in 1984 at the wheel of a BMW 635 CSi.
Close connection between Stuck and the Porsche 962
The time he spent as a Porsche works driver in the 1980s was particularly important to him. Stuck celebrated his most significant international successes at the wheel of the Porsche 962. In 1985, he became the World Endurance Champion in a 962 C with his teammate and close friend Derek Bell, and won the ADAC Supercup in 1986 and 1987, and the 12 Hours of Sebring in an IMSA 962 in 1986 and 1988. In 1986, he won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. One year later, another overall victory followed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also in a Porsche. In 1988, he came second at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These achievements solidified his reputation as one of the most outstanding endurance drivers of his generation and as a key driver in the Porsche works team at the time.
Versatility through and through
His further career path was littered with successes with Porsche and other brands: in 1990, Stuck won the German touring car championship in an Audi V8 quattro. In 1993, he became the IMSA Supercar Champion in a Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 IMSA Supercar. In 1998, he won the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a BMW 320 Diesel. He triumphed at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2004 and the Dubai 24 Hours in 2006. Other successes underlined Stuck’s versatility: five class victories in the VLN Nürburgring in a BMW Z4, a class victory in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a VW Scirocco in 2008, and his farewell race at the famous track in the Eifel mountains three years later, in a team that included his sons Johannes and Ferdinand Stuck racing in a Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 PL600+. In 2021, the driver from Upper Bavaria was runner-up in the GT2 European Series in a KTM X-Bow.
Crucial role as a development driver
Stuck’s talent shone through not only in his racing results but also in his skill at developing and enhancing vehicles and in his ability to adapt quickly to new technical requirements. His feedback was crucial during test phases. For him and for Porsche, the years in the Porsche 962, one of the most successful prototypes of its time, were formative and remain an essential chapter in the brand’s history.
Ambassador of historic motor sport
Even after the end of his active racing career in 2011, Stuck remained connected to motorsport in various ways. As an expert, a sought-after guest at historical events and brand ambassador, he brought his experiences, anecdotes, and enthusiasm to a broad audience.
His lively way of talking about successes and challenges made him a valued figure on the scene and an essential witness to an era that decisively influenced international endurance racing. From 2012 to 2020, he served as President of the German Motor Sport Federation, advocating for young talent.
Above contents © 2025 Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee
