Bohren, Walt
Walt Bohren - 1978 IMSA Champion
Name/Title
Bohren, WaltEntry/Object ID
2025.1.62Description
Walt Bohren was an American sports‑car driver best known for his long association with Mazda and his success in IMSA’s small‑bore categories. Born February 4, 1948, in Trenton, New Jersey, he began racing on motorcycles before moving into Formula Fords and then IMSA competition. He first made his mark by winning the 1978 IMSA RS Championship in a Mazda RX‑2, which led to his transition into the GTU class. Driving Mazda RX‑7s for Racing Beat, Bohren won five races on his way to the 1980 IMSA GTU Championship, the defining achievement of his career. Bohren continued as a respected endurance racer through the early 1980s. He co‑drove the GTU‑winning car at the 1981 12 Hours of Sebring, competed in the GTO division, and made a notable appearance at the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 13th overall. Across 90 recorded career starts, he earned 7 wins, 14 podiums, 3 poles, and 4 fastest laps, reflecting both speed and consistency. Bohren died on February 8, 2011, after an accidental drowning near Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.Collection
Dr. Frederick A. Simeone Founder CollectionCategory
Race Car Drivers