German race car driver who competed in various touring car and sports car championships, winning the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans. He's also known for his versatility in driving different types of cars.
Known for his incredible driving skills and multiple championship wins, Joachim Winkelhock is a German motor racing driver who has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. With a career spanning over three decades, Winkelhock has conquered various racing series, including Formula One, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), and British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Born on October 24, 1960, in Waiblingen, near Stuttgart, Germany, Winkelhock comes from a family of racing enthusiasts. His brothers, Manfred and Thomas, are also racing drivers, making them a force to be reckoned with on the tracks.
Winkelhock's racing career took off in the late 1970s, competing in the Renault 5 Cup. However, it was his win in the 1988 German Formula Three Championship and the F3 European Cup that catapulted him to fame. This success led to his debut in Formula One with the AGS team in 1989.
After a brief stint in F1, Winkelhock shifted his focus to touring cars, joining BMW Motorsport for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM). He went on to finish 6th, 7th, and 8th in the final standings, taking three wins during his three-year tenure. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), where he dominated the 1993 season alongside teammate Steve Soper.
Winkelhock's trophy cabinet boasts an impressive collection of championship titles, including:
Winkelhock's contributions to motorsport extend beyond his on-track achievements. He has inspired a generation of racing drivers, and his dedication to the sport has raised the bar for competitors. His nickname "Smokin' Jo" is a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to racing.
Today, Joachim Winkelhock is remembered as one of the most successful touring car drivers of all time, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and motivate aspiring racing drivers.
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