Welter Racing
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive, Motorsport |
| Founder | Gérard Welter, Rachel Welter |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Sports cars, Racing cars |
Welter Racing is a French manufacturer of sports cars, chiefly known for its participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1990. The company was established by Gérard Welter, the late chief designer at Peugeot, along with his wife Rachel Welter.
History
Gérard Welter concentrated his efforts on endurance racing, with a particular focus on Le Mans. In 1993, Welter Racing achieved victory in the Le Mans C3 category using a Peugeot 1.9 L turbocharged inline-four engine, piloted by drivers Patrick Gonin, Alain Lamouille, and Bernard Santal. Apart from this class triumph, the team also earned four runner-up positions, one third-place finish, and secured an impressive front-row grid spot in 1995, which subsequently influenced rule modifications the following year.
A landmark achievement occurred in 1988 through "Project 400," which sought to create the first vehicle capable of surpassing 400 km/h at Le Mans. The streamlined WM P88—equipped with repositioned radiators and intercoolers along with advanced ducting—reached a top speed of 405 km/h on the Mulsanne Straight, driven by Roger Dorchy. Despite setting this speed record, the car retired from the race due to mechanical failures involving turbocharging components, cooling systems, and electrical faults.
This speed milestone remains unbeaten because chicanes were introduced on the Mulsanne Straight in 1990, reducing its length and restricting maximum velocities.
In 2008, Welter Racing unveiled the WR2008 LMP2 prototype powered by an engine from Zytek.
Gérard Welter died on January 31, 2018, at the age of 75.