At 96 years old, legendary Polish rally driver Sobiesław Zasada, also known as the 'Flying Pole', hasn't lost his passion for motorsport. Nearly six decades after winning one of Argentina's toughest rallies, he's returned to the country to revisit the scene of his famous victory.
Porsche helped organize the special reunion, bringing Zasada back for the 2026 Gran Premio Argentino Histórico. This time, however, he wasn't competing for victory behind the wheel.
Instead, the three-time European rally champion participated as a co-driver in a Porsche 911 Dakar wearing a special tribute livery. The car recreated the appearance of the red 911 that carried him to victory in 1967, complete with its original racing number, 405.
The occasion also brought Zasada face-to-face with a replica of his beloved original Porsche, affectionately nicknamed "Porschito." For a driver whose career has spanned decades and continents, it was a particularly memorable homecoming.
The Porsche Victory That Made History
In October 1967, Zasada entered Argentina's Gran Premio Internacional de Turismo, a demanding rally covering over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles). The route crossed mountains, deserts, and flooded plains, testing nearly 400 competitors.
Driving his red Porsche 911 alongside co-driver Jerzy Dobrzański, Zasada defeated a field that included factory-backed teams. Their car featured an intercom system that had never previously been used in an Argentinian competition, giving the pair a valuable communication advantage.
Zasada secured both the overall victory and first place in Class C, and the achievement became an important milestone in Porsche's international rallying history.
A Remarkable Career That Spanned Five Continents
Born in Poland in 1930, Zasada initially pursued athletics before a shoulder injury ended his Olympic javelin ambitions. He turned to motorsport in 1952 and went on to become Poland's most decorated rally driver.
His career includes three European rally championships, eight Polish national titles, and an extraordinary 148 rally victories. According to Porsche, he competed in more than 40 countries and covered nearly three million kilometers (1.86 million miles).
Still Eager To Race At 96
For his return to Argentina, Porsche prepared a 911 Dakar inspired by the original Porschito, complete with its distinctive number 405. A replica of the 1967 car was also presented during the celebrations.
While he participated as a co-driver this time, Zasada said his competitive instincts haven't disappeared. Reflecting on his historic victory, he offered a statement that perfectly captured his enduring enthusiasm.
"The race took place 59 years ago," Zasada said, "and if today it were exactly as it was at that moment, I would race it again, even at my current 96 years of age."
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