From McQueen to McDreamy: Five Celebrity Porsche Racers—Track Time Tuesday Presented by Yokohama Tire’s ADVAN APEX

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman also found his skills on the track translated to his film work. The story goes that Hackman really fell for racing after he did a large part of the stunt driving in 1971’s The French Connection–a film that has one of the greatest chase scenes ever. By the late 1970s, he had established a career on the track, and a race-ready Porsche in his garage.

Some highlights of his impressive racing career include driving for Dan Gurney’s team in the 1983 24 Hours of Daytona, as well as for Formula Ford in the SCCA. Famed race instructor Bob Bondurant said that Hackman may be the most talented celebrity he ever taught. We’d expect no less from Popeye Doyle.

Photos: Porsche, PCA, Sports Car Digest, Rennlist

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.