24H Le Mans Winner Mass Passes Away at 78

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Jochen Mass, winner of the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans with Mercedes, has passed away at the age of 78.

The German, who was born near Munich in 1946, competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans twelve times between 1972 and 1995.

While he initially made his debut in the French endurance classic with Ford, he became a prominent name at the event when he switched to Porsche.

There, he drove both the Porsche 956 and 962 during the Group C era, teaming with the likes of Jacky Ickx, Vern Schuppan, Hurley Haywood and Bob Wollek.

Although he finished second alongside Schuppan in 1982, it wasn’t until he moved to the Sauber-Mercedes program that he claimed overall victory at Le Mans.

His sole overall win at the event came in 1989, sharing the Sauber-Mercedes C9 with Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens.

He would go on to enjoy a long affiliation with Mercedes beyond his active driving career, serving as a mentor to the brand’s young driver talent and often driving historic Mercedes machinery in demonstrations during events in later years.

Other notable achievements from Mass include victories in the 1987 Twelve Hours of Sebring and 1972 24 Hours of Spa as well as winning the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975.

“Today we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and a racing legend,” a statement issued by the Mass family read.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Jochen Mass has died today due to complications following a stroke he suffered in February, earlier this year.

“Thank you for to everyone for the incredible support we have received. Every single message of positivity was relayed to him, giving him piece and comfort in his last days.

“Beyond mourning his death, we also celebrate his incredible life. A life that he loved sharing with all of you. A life that he lived to the absolute fullest.

“He is racing with all his friends again.”