Skea Racing : A History Lesson

The Skea Racing team was the first Australian managed, and owned motor racing team invited to test their rubber on the Le Mans track in 2000.

Rohan Skea, an Australian sports enthusiast and businessman, led the new team from his base in Perth and also in Charlotte, USA. He was helped in his pursuit by manager John Pollard. At that time the team’s driving talent comprised an international line-up that included experience and talent, and one which had high expectations going into the 2000 Le Man race.

The fastest qualifier was 31-year old Johnny Mowlem from Great Britain, entering his first Le Mans race

Porche GT Racing Sebring

having been a high achiever since his debut 1990. American David Murray was entering just his second Le Mans, with the 43-year old competing two years earlier in the 1998 race. Rounding out the team was 30-year old Sascha Maassen from Germany, a specialist with Porsche cars, who was also participating in his first Le Mans race.

The team drove a Porsche 911 GT3-R model, 3.6L Flat-6 engine powering them around the 13.65 kilometre track. The car wore a base of Pirelli tires, only 1 of 4 Porsche GT3-R teams to choose the Italian brand that year. The Skea drivers had already had extensive experience with the Italian manufacturer; driver Johnny Mowlem started his racing career at the Porsche Club Great Britain Porsche Cup, a Pirelli-sponsored event.

While some questioned their tyre manufacturer’s ability before the race, they ended up being a highly dependable racing partner for all 24 hours. The white car, decorated with yellow and blue, made an impressive first attempt at the mammoth race, clocking up a remarkable 304 laps, Skea Racing crossed in 17th place, in the end what was considered an inspiring effort for the debut Australian team.

Races never end, they live on in fond memories.