The world of racing and motorsports has lost another legend, unfortunately. Porsche racing icon Vic “Quick Vic” Elford died in his home on March 13, 2022, after a battle with cancer. Elford was an iconic racing driver with a slew of wins behind the wheel of Porsche vehicles throughout the 60s. Elford spanned his career across a number of disciplines, including rally and endurance racing.

Porsche remembers Quick Vic

Porsche recently put out a touching press release regarding Elford’s death. A plethora of Porsche executives and racing drivers expressed their feelings toward this significant loss. Additionally, Porsche outlined his racing career achievements and his overall greatness as a person in general.

“We have stayed close to Vic and Anita, particularly in recent years, and while we knew Vic was ill, the loss is still felt acutely – we send our sincere condolences to Anita and to the whole family. His achievements on track are simply staggering – I grew up in awe of him, as many of us at Porsche did – yet it will be his warmth, his kindness, and decency that will be remembered most by the colleagues who knew him well,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

Elford is widely regarded as an amazing racing driver and an amazing human in general. Elford was titled Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, the French equivalent of being knighted. He was awarded this title after stopping his car during a Le Mans race to help another driver out of a burning vehicle.

“As a factory Porsche driver, I got to know Vic quite well – at first, I was in awe just to be in his presence. Quickly– his direct approach and immense humility immediately made you feel at ease. Always upbeat, it was such a treat to hear Vic tell stories of his legendary journeys with a massive smile. I will always be grateful for the fun we had, his encouragement, and the kindness he showed me. My thoughts are with Anita and everyone who knew Vic. I’m so sad he’s gone,” said Patrick Long, Porsche racing driver.

Elford had a remarkably successful racing career spanning several different motorsports.

Elford was a dominant force in racing throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

In 1967 alone, Elford was the European Rally Champion in a Porsche 911 S, won the first rallycross event in history in a Porsche 911 R, and entered and won his first race at Le Mans, finishing first in his class in a Porsche 906K Carrera 6.

In 1968, he won the 1,000 Kilometer Nurburgring in a Porsche 908, won the Monte Carlo Rally in a 911 T, and won both the Targa Florio and 24 Hours of Daytona in a 907 KH.

He went on to win the 1,000 Kilometer Nurburgring in 1969 and 1970, driving a 908. Finally, from 1968 to 1971, he had thirteen starts in Formula One.

Additionally, Elford was chosen by Steve McQueen to handle the up-close action driving scenes in the 1971 movie Le Mans.

Elford often found his successes behind the wheel of a Porsche 911. He frequently had great things to say about the iconic sports car.

“It’s the only car that’s adaptable enough to use in all possible circumstances. Snow, ice, tarmac, uphill, downhill, fast or slow – the 911 can do anything,” Elford once said.

Undoubtedly, the racing and motorsports world lost one of its greats. Fortunately, we still have plenty of his legacy preserved in photos in videos to admire.