Throwback Thursday: Chip Robinson’s favorite GTPs

Throughout his IMSA Camel GT career, Chip Robinson had the opportunity to drive three of the iconic GTP Prototypes from that era: the Group 44 Jaguar, Holbert Racing Porsche 962, and Electromotive Nissan GTP.

Which of the three was his favorite?

“That’s a very difficult question to answer,” said Robinson, who won 19 races and 16 poles, along with 52 podium finishes.

 “The Nissan had to be the favorite car to drive, because it was the fastest and handled better than the rest of them. But all the teams were so different in the ways they did things. I think I enjoyed driving for Group 44 the best.”

The New Jersey native started with the Group 44 Jaguar (LEFT) in 1985, joining Bob Tullius for two seasons in the XJR-5 and XJR-7. Tullius was his usual co-driver, although he also was paired with Hurley Haywood.

“It was wonderful working with Bob Tullius. He was always very straightforward. You knew exactly where you stood and what he was looking for, and there were never any gray areas. I thought working with Bob and his team was great.”

Robinson then joined Al Holbert’s team, driving the No. 14 Porsche 962. He won his debut race with the team, the 1987 Rolex 24 At Daytona, and went on to win the Camel GTP title driving the Lowenbrau Special colors. For 1988, he drove the No. 14 carrying the gold Miller High Life livery (TOP).

“Al had a great team, a very tight-knit group. I stay in touch with a few of them.”

He then joined Nissan beginning in 1989, driving the No. 84 Nissan GTP ZX-T.  He won in his second race with the team, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.  He finished second in the championship for his first three years with the team, behind frequent co-driver Geoff Brabham. Robinson won seven races – six of them with Brabham – in 1989; two in 1990; and four in 1991.

Nissan withdrew its factory effort following the 1992 season, leaving only Toyota as the lone major team in the division. Robinson drove a Joest Racing Porsche 962 in the Florida endurance classics in 1993, and while his car qualified third at both Daytona and Sebring, it failed to finish both events. Robinson retired from professional racing later that year.

Robinson now live in Augusta, Ga., and serves as Race Director on all Formula Race Promotions, including F1600 F2000 and Formula Atlantic. He is also nurturing his son Skylar’s racing career.

“Skylar’s trying to make his way, going through the same challenges everyone is these days,” Robinson said. “He’s got his head down and he’s working hard at it.”