Few names resonate with Porsche enthusiasts quite like John Forbes. Within the realm of the Porsche 914, his name is synonymous with racing pedigree and unparalleled expertise. As the founder of Black Forest Racing, Forbes has not only carved out a legendary career as a driver but also as a master builder of race-winning Porsches. For those in search of top-tier Black Forest Car Parts and Porsche expertise, understanding Forbes’ journey is crucial. This article delves into the remarkable story of John Forbes, a true icon in the world of Porsche racing and a cornerstone for sourcing exceptional black forest car parts.
John’s deep-seated passion for Porsches ignited in his formative years. While still in high school and working at a New Jersey gas station, he was captivated by a customer’s black 1958 Corvette. However, fate had a different marque in store for him. When the Corvette owner traded it in, he arrived one day with a gleaming 1969 Porsche 911S. Presenting John with Porsche shop manuals, he declared that John would now be working on this machine. Despite initial disappointment over the Corvette’s departure, John embarked on a journey that would define his life, a journey deeply intertwined with the world of Porsche and, ultimately, black forest car parts.
His career trajectory soon led him from the gas station to a Porsche dealership. There, he honed his skills, undergoing rigorous factory certification training to become a specialist in engines and transmissions. A pivotal moment arrived in 1974 when Porsche launched the International Race of Champions series, featuring Penske-prepared Porsche RSRs. John was entrusted with the maintenance of the dealership’s car, driven by the legendary Mark Donahue. This experience ignited an unquenchable passion for racing within John. After the series concluded, he continued to maintain the RSR for its new owner. An unexpected opportunity arose at a driver’s school in Summit Point, West Virginia. When the owner had to return for an emergency, he offered John his place. This impromptu entry into racing marked the true beginning of John Forbes’ illustrious career, fueled by his hands-on experience with high-performance Porsches and a growing understanding of black forest car parts.
Alt text: John Forbes skillfully maneuvers his Porsche 914 race car around a track corner, showcasing his racing expertise and the performance capabilities of Black Forest car parts.
Leaving the dealership, John established Black Forest Racing in Delray Beach, Florida. His reputation for crafting race-winning cars spread rapidly, transforming his Porsche shop into a thriving success. One of his early clients, Jimmy Trindade, secured four consecutive GT2 championships in a 1975 RSR clone meticulously built by Black Forest Racing. John’s expertise wasn’t limited to building cars for others; he also achieved considerable success racing 914s himself. A notable victory came in 1989 when he triumphed over his long-time friend Bob Snodgrass of Brumos Porsche-Audi at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. Snodgrass was driving Peter Gregg’s former 914-6 GT, a car with a prestigious history of winning the first IMSA GT Championship. This victory was a testament to John’s racing prowess and the quality of the black forest car parts and preparation that went into his cars.
Alt text: Detailed view of a Porsche 914 engine bay, showcasing performance-oriented black forest car parts and meticulous engine work by Black Forest Racing.
John’s distinctive green and orange number 57 Porsche became a familiar and respected presence in SCCA vintage, HSR, and CARE series races for years. 1990 proved to be a banner year as he set vintage track records at Moroso, Road Atlanta, and Roebling Road, earning him the prestigious SCCA Driver of the Year award – an honor he cherishes deeply. In 2000, John participated in a GT championship race featuring a star-studded lineup of 60 2.5-liter cars, including multiple 914s fielded by Brumos Porsche–Audi, with drivers like Paul Newman and Hurley Haywood. After qualifying 12th, John masterfully navigated the race to take the lead in the final laps, ultimately securing victory and finally besting Hurley Haywood, who finished second. These racing achievements underscored the performance and reliability of Porsches prepared with black forest car parts and John’s expert touch.
Today, John remains a regular fixture on the race track in his iconic 914-6 GT, while also dedicating his expertise to building and maintaining both race and street air-cooled Porsches at Black Forest Racing. He is passionate about helping customers realize their racing aspirations, a passion evident in the numerous championship-winning cars that have emerged from his shop. His projects extend beyond the track; he once built a meticulous replica of the 1970 Monte Carlo Rally-winning 914-6 rally car for Italian rally driver Carlo Falcone. Authorized by Porsche, this replica, driven by original driver Bourn Waldegard in the vintage Monte Carlo Rally, meets the same stringent FIA racing specifications as the original, showcasing the dedication to authenticity and performance that defines black forest car parts and Black Forest Racing.
Now located just north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Black Forest Racing provides comprehensive services for air-cooled Porsches. From engine work to complete restorations, John’s facility is recognized as one of the premier Porsche shops in the nation. His particular affection for the 914 is evident in the numerous 914s entrusted to his care on any given day. For those seeking unparalleled expertise in air-cooled Porsches and high-quality black forest car parts, Black Forest Racing represents a legacy of racing success and meticulous craftsmanship built by John Forbes.
Black Forest Racing
6480 Denver Industrial Park Road
Denver, North Carolina 28037
Shop: 704-489-0741
Cell: 704-351-3304
