Founding story
Johann Obermaier began a small engine repair company in Halsbach in 1933. After taking over the Allgaier tractor repair shop in 1952, the company gained experience with Porsches through tractor sales. As agricultural sales declined in the 1960s, the business transitioned to automotive repairs. Following Johann’s death in 1967, his son Hans took over, eventually specializing in Porsche repairs in the early 1970s while continuing to work with agricultural equipment. Hans Obermaier began racing in 1978, initially with a Porsche Carrera RS and later a Porsche 934, achieving amateur success including a win in a four-hour race at the Nürburgring and assisting in the development of a rallying Porsche for Walter Röhrl. Frustrated with Porsche’s support, Obermaier purchased a former factory BMW M1 for the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft (DRM) in 1980, with Jürgen Lässig as the primary driver.
Obermaier Racing was formally established in 1983 after acquiring a Porsche 956, funded by sponsor Hugo Boss, and aimed for international competition in the Interserie and European Sportscar Championship. Lässig, with co-driver Axel Plankenhorn, finished seventh in the 1983 European Endurance Championship for Drivers, completing all races. Belgian Hervé Regout joined Lässig as a teammate for the 1984 World Sportscar Championship, later joined by Spaniard Jesús Pareja, consistently achieving top-ten finishes. Simultaneously, the team entered the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) with a BMW 635 CSi for Harald Grohs, who finished third in the championship in both 1984 and 1985.
Technology lineage
The team initially competed with a Porsche 956, upgrading to a Porsche 962C in 1987. They also fielded a BMW M1 in the DRM during the early 1980s and a BMW 635 CSi in the DTM. Later, Obermaier transitioned to Porsche 911 Turbos in the BPR Global GT Series and participated in the Porsche Supercup and Carrera Cup Germany, demonstrating adaptability across different Porsche platforms.
Driver relationships
Jürgen Lässig was a key driver for Obermaier Racing throughout much of its history, partnering with various co-drivers including Axel Plankenhorn, Hervé Regout, and Jesús Pareja. Harald Grohs was a prominent driver in the DTM program, achieving consistent results. Pierre Yver joined the team in 1987, bringing sponsorship from Primagaz. Otto Altenbach became a driver and team principal in 1990. The team also collaborated with drivers like Jürgen Oppermann and Antoine Salamin in later years.
Historic peaks and collapses
The team’s peak came in 1987 with a second-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, completing the race with one of only 14 cars still running. Grohs' consistent performance in the DTM, securing third place in 1984 and 1985, also marked a high point. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a decline in World Championship results, despite continued participation. The team achieved success in the Porsche Supercup, winning the teams championship in 1996.
Current status
Hans Obermaier ended racing activities in 2000, refocusing the business on motorsport and automotive repairs and restorations. The auto racing division of Obermaier-Racing GmbH, previously known as Oberbayern Motorsport, is no longer active in competition.
Legacy
Obermaier Racing established itself as a consistent competitor in various motorsport series, particularly those involving Porsche vehicles. The team's success in the World Sportscar Championship, DTM, and Porsche Supercup demonstrated their engineering capabilities and driver development. The team’s long-term involvement with Porsche contributed to the brand’s racing heritage.