Story Highlight
– Olaf Manthey celebrates his 70th birthday on April 21, 2025.
– Influential figure in German motorsport as a driver and team boss.
– Founded the successful “Manthey Racing” team in 1996.
– Achieved multiple victories, including the 24h Nürburgring race.
– Remains active in motorsport despite retiring from driving.
Full Story
Olaf Manthey, a prominent figure in German motorsport, is set to celebrate his 70th birthday on April 21, 2025. Hailing from Bonn, Manthey’s influence on the motorsport landscape is noteworthy, as he transitioned from an accomplished driver to a successful team manager and entrepreneur.
Born in 1955, Manthey’s early education took place at a secondary school in Remagen, after which he trained as a mechanical engineer. His fascination with motorsport ignited during a visit to a Formula 1 race at the Nürburgring with his father. Determined to become a racing driver, he began his journey at the age of 18, securing his racing license and starting his career in hill-climb events before experimenting with formula cars for a year.
Manthey eventually found his niche in touring car racing, making his debut in the Ford Sports Trophy in 1982. He won the championship on his first attempt with a Ford Escort RS 2000, a feat he repeated the following year. During this period, Manthey’s personal life also flourished; he married his wife, Renate, in 1982, who has been a steadfast supporter throughout his journey.
In 1984, he entered the German Production Cars Championship (DPM), which later evolved into the DTM. A significant contract with Austin Rover helped sustain his racing career, which he had nearly derailed by investing all his savings into the sport. Over two years, Manthey consistently finished second in the championship standings.
Manthey’s connection to Porsche began in 1990 with the establishment of the Porsche Carrera Cup. Initially facing challenges with the rear-wheel-drive Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cup (Type 964), he quickly adapted and clinched the title of the series’ inaugural champion.
His technical background as a mechanical engineer proved invaluable when, in 1994, he became the technical director at Persson Motorsport in the DTM. After the team exited the series, Manthey established his own racing team, Manthey Racing, in 1996. Under his leadership, the team quickly gained prominence, achieving impressive results, including four consecutive championships in the Porsche Supercup between 1997 and 2000, alongside driver Patrick Huisman.
Although Manthey took on the role of team principal, he also continued to race, focusing on endurance events at the Nürburgring. Between 1992 and 1995, he secured 22 overall victories in the VLN while driving a Mercedes 190 Evo II. His final race as a professional driver in 2005 was particularly emotional, culminating in a dominant win that solidified his status as the series’ most successful driver.
Following this, he shifted fully to his managerial responsibilities and achieved a long-desired victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2006, steering a striking yellow-green Porsche 911 GT3-MR, a design he championed despite initial resistance.
Manthey Racing continued to thrive, with the team winning the 24-hour race in subsequent years, attaining a remarkable record with victories in 2007, 2008, 2009, and most recently in 2021. The team’s success has remained unprecedented in the competition’s history.
A significant development in 2013 occurred when Manthey Racing merged with Raeder Motorsport, with Porsche AG acquiring a 51% stake in the company. This strategic move positioned Manthey Racing for a promising future, with brothers Martin and Nicolas Raeder assuming managerial roles. Although Manthey stepped back from daily operations in 2015, he remains closely involved with the company.
“Olaf laid the foundation for Manthey and has been a guiding force for us, even as things have changed,” stated Nicolas Raeder. The ethos and vision that Manthey instilled continue to influence the team. Martin Raeder praised his mentor’s innovative spirit and extensive network, which remains a valuable asset in the motorsport arena.
Manthey’s unwavering passion and openness to unconventional ideas have greatly contributed to his success and that of his team. Even at the age of 70, Olaf Manthey’s legacy as a motorsport icon endures, reflecting a lifetime of dedication to the sport he loves.
