Births on January 23

Don Whittington, American racing driver

Reginald Donald Whittington: A Singular Figure in Motorsport History

Reginald Donald Whittington, born on January 23, 1946, in Lubbock, Texas, stands as a remarkable figure in American motorsport. Renowned for his unconventional entry into professional racing and a rapid ascent to the sport's pinnacle, Whittington is most famously remembered for his outright victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979. His unique journey from a background with limited professional racing experience to international endurance racing success encapsulates a fascinating chapter in sports car history.

Triumph at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans

Don Whittington's most significant achievement came at the legendary 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans. He co-drove the victorious Porsche 935 K3 alongside his brother, Bill Whittington, and the highly experienced German endurance racing ace, Klaus Ludwig. This victory was particularly notable due to the challenging race conditions and the contrasting experience levels within the team.

• The Race Conditions: The 1979 Le Mans race was marred by exceptionally heavy rain, especially during the crucial night hours. These arduous conditions transformed the circuit into a treacherous challenge, demanding immense skill and resilience from the drivers and the utmost reliability from the machinery.
• The Unsung Hero, Klaus Ludwig: As a multiple winner at Le Mans and other major endurance races, Klaus Ludwig, often dubbed "King Ludwig" for his dominance in Group C and GT racing, took on the lion's share of driving in the torrential downpour. His unparalleled experience and masterful car control were pivotal in navigating the notoriously difficult conditions, allowing the team to maintain their lead and secure the win.
• The Porsche 935 K3: The victorious car, the Porsche 935 K3, was a highly advanced and dominant customer version of the Porsche 935, developed by Kremer Racing. Known for its potent turbocharged engine and distinctive aerodynamic bodywork, the 935 K3 proved exceptionally robust and competitive, even in the adverse weather, demonstrating Porsche's engineering prowess and the Kremer team's development capabilities.

The Whittington Brothers' Unconventional Path to Motorsport

What makes Don and Bill Whittington's Le Mans victory truly extraordinary is their relatively limited professional racing experience prior to the late 1970s. Hailing from a successful background in aviation, notably owning Whittington Aviation at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, the brothers leveraged their financial resources to acquire top-tier racing equipment and embark on a rapid, self-funded foray into high-level motorsport. Their ability to quickly adapt and compete at the highest echelons of racing, culminating in a Le Mans victory, is a testament to their inherent talent, determination, and willingness to invest significantly in their passion for speed.

A Deep-Rooted Family Legacy in American Racing

The Whittington family's connection to motorsport extends beyond Don and Bill. Their father, Don Whittington, Sr., was also an American racing driver who competed in the USAC National Championship from 1957 to 1959. The USAC National Championship was a premier open-wheel racing series in the United States, a significant precursor to what would become the IndyCar Series, highlighting the family's long-standing presence in competitive American racing. Furthermore, Don's younger brother, Dale Whittington, also pursued a career in open-wheel racing, competing in series such as the CART IndyCar series and IMSA GT, further solidifying the Whittington name within the fabric of American motorsport history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Whittington

Who is Reginald Donald Whittington?

Reginald Donald Whittington is an American former racing driver born on January 23, 1946, most famous for winning the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans.

What was Don Whittington's most significant racing achievement?

His most significant achievement was winning the prestigious 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's most challenging endurance races.

Who were Don Whittington's teammates for his Le Mans victory?

He won the 1979 Le Mans race alongside his brother Bill Whittington and the highly experienced German driver Klaus Ludwig.

What type of car did Don Whittington drive to win the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The team drove a powerful and reliable Porsche 935 K3, an iconic sports racing car of its era, to victory.

Did the Whittington brothers have extensive racing experience before their Le Mans win?

No, Don and Bill Whittington had relatively limited professional racing experience prior to the late 1970s, making their rapid ascent and Le Mans victory quite remarkable.

Was Don Whittington's family involved in racing?

Yes, motorsport was a family affair. His father, Don Whittington, Sr., competed in the USAC National Championship, and his brother, Dale Whittington, also competed in open-wheel racing.