Few names resonate with Porsche 914 enthusiasts and racing aficionados quite like John Forbes. A Porsche mechanic since the early 1970s, Forbes has carved a legendary path in the world of vintage Porsche racing, particularly with the 914 model. His expertise extends beyond the track, making Black Forest Racing a go-to source for high-quality black forest car parts and specialized Porsche services. This is the story of John Forbes, a true icon in the Porsche world, and how his racing legacy translates to unparalleled expertise in Porsche car parts.
John’s journey with Porsche began unconventionally. While in high school and working at a New Jersey gas station, his automotive passion was initially ignited by a customer’s black 1958 Corvette. However, fate intervened when the Corvette owner replaced it with a 1969 Porsche 911S. Entrusting John with shop manuals, the owner unknowingly set in motion a lifelong dedication to Porsche. Despite his initial Corvette longing, John soon discovered a deeper appreciation for the precision and engineering of Porsche vehicles.
This early exposure led John to a Porsche dealership where he underwent rigorous factory certification, specializing as an engine and transmission expert. A pivotal moment arrived in 1974 when Porsche launched the International Race of Champions series, featuring Penske-prepared Porsche RSRs. Assigned to maintain the dealership’s car, John worked directly with racing legend Mark Donahue, the assigned driver. This experience ignited John’s passion for racing, setting the stage for his future endeavors in performance and black forest car parts. After the series, John continued working on the RSR for its new owner, a local doctor. An unexpected opportunity arose at a driver’s school in Summit Point, West Virginia, when the doctor had to return for an emergency. He offered John his place, a last-minute decision that launched John’s racing career and solidified his path in the high-performance automotive world.
Leaving the dealership, John established Black Forest Racing in Delray Beach, Florida. His burgeoning reputation for crafting race-winning cars quickly propelled his Porsche shop to success. This success was built upon a foundation of deep Porsche knowledge, including a comprehensive understanding of black forest car parts and their optimal application for performance. 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 own racing ventures in 914 race cars also yielded remarkable results. In 1989, he achieved a significant victory at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, defeating his friend Bob Snodgrass of Brumos Porsche-Audi. Snodgrass was driving Peter Gregg’s former 914-6 GT, a car with IMSA GT Championship pedigree. The rivalry intensified, leading Snodgrass to enlist sports car endurance world champion Hurley Haywood for a rematch at Sebring the following year. While John didn’t win that particular race against Haywood, his competitive spirit and car preparation expertise were undeniable.
John’s iconic green and orange number 57 Porsche 914-6 GT became a familiar and respected sight in SCCA vintage, HSR, and CARE series races for years. His dominance on the track in 1990 saw him set vintage track records at Moroso, Road Atlanta, and Roebling Road, culminating in the prestigious SCCA Driver of the Year award, an honor John deeply cherishes. The year 2000 brought another highlight when John competed in a GT championship race featuring 60 cars, including a star-studded lineup of 914s. Facing competition from Brumos Porsche–Audi, Paul Newman, and other notable drivers, John qualified 12th but surged to the lead in the final laps, ultimately securing victory and finally besting Hurley Haywood, who finished second. These racing achievements underscore John’s deep understanding of Porsche engineering and his ability to optimize performance using the finest black forest car parts.
Today, John remains active in vintage racing with his celebrated 914-6 GT, while also dedicating his expertise to building and restoring both race and street air-cooled Porsches at Black Forest Racing. He passionately assists customers in realizing their racing aspirations, leveraging his extensive knowledge of Porsche mechanics and black forest car parts. His shop’s reputation for building championship-caliber cars is a testament to his commitment to excellence. A notable project includes a meticulous replica of the 1970 Monte Carlo Rally-winning 914-6 rally car. Commissioned by Italian rally driver Carlo Falcone and authorized by the Porsche factory, this replica, built to FIA racing specifications, was even driven in the vintage Monte Carlo Rally by the original driver, Bourn Waldegard.
Relocated north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Black Forest Racing continues to provide comprehensive services for air-cooled Porsches. From engine work to complete restorations, John’s facility is recognized as a premier Porsche service center. However, his enduring passion for the 914 sets him apart. Black Forest Racing often houses numerous 914s, entrusted to John’s skilled hands for maintenance and restoration, showcasing his deep commitment to this iconic model and the availability of specialized black forest car parts. For enthusiasts seeking expertise in air-cooled Porsches and a reliable source for black forest car parts, Black Forest Racing, under the guidance of John Forbes, offers unparalleled knowledge and service rooted in a rich racing heritage.
Black Forest Racing
6480 Denver Industrial Park Road
Denver, North Carolina 28037
Shop: 704-489-0741
Cell: 704-351-3304
