Aston Martin Returns to Racing with the DBR9

With Porsche and Ferrari as Rivals Aston's Success Won't Come Easily

What is heritage to a premium carmaker? To some, it's the impetus behind its

A large part of Aston Martin's heritage has been built up in motorsports activities. (Photo: Aston Martin)

latest production vehicles, ones that stand out in a crowd because of unique style or design attributes. To others heritage is the continuation of an ongoing tradition, whether it that means the inclusion of a certain motor, chassis characteristic or some other key design element.

To many sports car manufacturers, including Aston Martin, an important aspect of their heritage has been built up in motorsports and racing activities. Since the introduction of the British company's most recent vehicle, the DB9, Aston has been striving to get back on the track. But unlike Porsche, Ferrari or even Chevrolet, all of which continue to build their reputations in motorsport to this day, Aston Martin has long relied on victories of the past to sell vehicles of the present. This will change come 2005 with the official introduction of its all-new DBR9 racing car (see news archives for Jul

Aston Martin has set a lofty goal for its all-new DBR9 racing car, to grab the checkered flag at next year's 24 Hours of Sebring in Florida, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. (Photo: Aston Martin)

18, 2004: Aston Martin Prepares Race-Ready DBR9 Sports Car for GT Grid), which is set to enter a number of racing series around the globe.

The target goal of Aston Martin is to produce a vehicle that can beat the competition to the checkered flag at next year's 24 Hours of Sebring in Florida, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. To sports car racing enthusiasts, Le Mans is considered the automotive Holy Grail. It's a test of endurance, reliability, performance and the will of not only the racing car, but the drivers and support team. The last time that Aston Martin entered the famed event was over 65 years ago, when Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori drove the DBR1 and DBS3 to victory back in 1959. That year, Aston Martin's elite racing cars also brought home the World Sports Car title.