The Resurgence of a Legend: Wolf Racing Cars' Journey from 1976 to 2020

The Wolf brand, a storied name in the world of motorsports, has seen a remarkable journey from its inception in 1976 to its current standing as a leader in racing car innovation. This blog delves into the history, achievements, and the recent resurgence of Wolf Racing Cars, highlighting their impact on the sport and their commitment to excellence.

The Inception and Early Glory:
It all began in 1976 when Canadian entrepreneur Walter Wolf founded Walter Wolf Racing. The team made a significant impact on Formula 1, competing for four years and achieving an impressive record with drivers like Jody Scheckter, Keke Rosberg, and James Hunt. They secured 3 wins, 1 pole position, 2 fast laps, 13 podiums, and accumulated 79 points. In 1977, parallel to their Formula 1 efforts, Wolf also built a Can-Am car with covered wheels, adorned in the iconic black-gold livery.

The Return and Innovation:
Fast forward to 2009, the Wolf brand was revived by Avelon Formula, directed by Giovanni Bellarosa, who acquired the rights to create the Wolf GB08, a Sport Prototype in the CN2 class, powered by a 2-litre Honda engine. This marked the beginning of a new era in the category, with the car being built with great ambition and innovative design.

The Track Debut and Success:
The Wolf GB08 made its track debut on April 25, 2010, at the Misano World Circuit. Ivan Bellarosa dominated the event, securing pole position and winning the race, echoing Jody Scheckter's win at the Argentine GP in 1977. The GB08 went on to win the Italian Sport Prototype Championship, the FIA Speed Euroseries, the Asian Le Mans Series, and various other championships, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with.

International Success and Model Expansion:
In the 2013-2014 biennium, the Wolf GB08s won the Portuguese CSP and the Austro-German SCC in division 2 championships. The brand focused on producing new models to meet the demands of the American and Asian markets, including hillclimb races. The Wolf GB08F1, which obtained the 2005 FIA Formula 1 homologation, was a standout model.

Milestones and Championships:
Wolf Racing Cars participated in the 83rd edition of the 24 Heures du Mans in 2015 and achieved further success in the Belgian Belcar Championship and the Endurance Champions Cup. The 2016 season saw the development of the 1.6 Turbo Power Unit, and the Wolf GBO8 became the first CN-approved Sport Turbo car to win a competition.

The Tornado and Thunder Models:
The 2017 model, the Wolf GB08 Tornado, debuted in Australia and impressed with its aesthetics and performance, helping Ivan Bellarosa become the Italian Sport Prototype Champion. The Tornado also won the 3 Hours of Imola and the 6 Hours of Rome, marking the 100th pole position in Wolf's history.

Recent Achievements and Partnerships:
In 2018, the Italian Automotive Federation chose the Wolf GB08 Thunder as the only Sport Prototype allowed to compete in the Italian Championships from 2018 to 2022. The 2019 season was a testament to the Tornado's speed, outperforming LMP3 class cars and winning multiple championships, including the French Ultimate Cup Series and the Middle East Championship.

Looking Forward:
In January 2020, Wolf Racing Cars signed a significant agreement with Ford Motor Company, becoming a "Specialty Engine Builder" and initiating a technical and commercial collaboration. This partnership will power the Extreme version of the Wolf GB08F1 and the Wolf GB08 Tornado with a 5.2 Ford V8 engine, promising an exciting future for the brand.

Conclusion:
Wolf Racing Cars has come a long way since its inception, from the early days of Formula 1 to its current status as a leader in Sport Prototype racing. With a legacy of 137 victories, 124 pole positions, 117 fastest laps, and 13 championships, Wolf Racing Cars continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in motorsports. As they look to the future with innovative partnerships and a commitment to excellence, the Wolf brand remains a symbol of speed, power, and unyielding competitive spirit.