Started in 1965 by Tullius, Group 44, Inc. racked up almost 300 outright victories during the tenure of the team. The Group 44 cars may not have always been the fastest cars on the track, but they were always the best prepared. This small, growing representation of Group 44,Inc. cars and cars driven by Bob Tullius during his racing career are a tribute to Tullius and the team and drivers that made them so memorable.
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| 1964 Triumph Spitfire: Standard Triumph entered a team of three Spitfires at Le Mans in 1964. This car was driven by Michael Rotschild and Bob Tullius and was classified 52nd at the finish due to an accident in the 3rd hour. The cars were entered in the Prototype class because of their aluminum bodies and alloy haed on the 1.2L engine, among other brake, suspension and transmission upgrades. Despite being handicapped by its small engine displacement, one team car finished 3rd in class. Twenty years later, Tullius would return to Le Mans with his Group 44 team and their Jaguar XJR-5. Model by SPARK 1/43 |
1965 Triumph TR4A IRS: The TR4A was built between 1965 and 1968. Updated with a new chassis, the TR4A had the option of live axle or indpendent rear suspension (IRS). These cars took 1-2-3 in class at Sebring in 1966. Group 44 successfully campaigned one of these cars in the 1966-67 seasons, just failing to win a National SCCA Championship in D Production. It gave way to the TR250 in 1968. We enjoy watching TR4's running in vintage racing today. Model by DINKY 1/43 (modified) |
1968 Triumph 250/TR5: BoB Tullius successfully campaigned this car in 1968, wining multiple races against more powerful and faster competition. Tullius and the TR250 were prominantly featured in Triumph advertising at the time. An important car in the Group 44 story! Model by K&R Replicas 1/43 (modified) |
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| Prized Photos!: |
1966 Ford-Lotus Cortina (Sebring 4-HR, 1967: Bob Tullius' Group 44 Racing campaigned a Lotus-Cortina in the Trans Am series in 1967. The car was entered in select events primarily on the East Coast USA, in the Under 2.0L division. This is how the car appeared at the Sebring 4-Hour race, where the Lotus was driven by Tony Adamowicz and failed to finish. Powered by a 1.6L Lotus twin-cam four-cylinder engine that produced 140 bhp and had a top speed of over 135 mph in race trim, the Cortina could not best the Porsche 911S' in its class. This model has been modified from stock by Old Irish Racing. Model by MINICHAMPS 1/43 |
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| 1966 Ford-Lotus Cortina (Sebring 4-HR, 1967): Another version of the Sebring car driven by Tony Adamowicz in 1967. He was a DNF in this race. Model by TROFEU 1/43 |
1970 Triumph GT6: Bob Tullius' Virginia based Group 44 was a major factor in SCCA racing in late 1960's and early 70's. They claimed several national class championships, including the 1969 E Production championship in a GT6. These 2.0L straight-six cars were coupe versions of the Spitfire, with the larger engine. In 1970 Tullius put his GT6 on the pole for another SCCA championship at Daytona, however the car retired while leading the race. Model by VITESSE (conversion) 1/43 |
1971 Triumph TR6: Before the Jaguars, Bob Tullius made a name for himself racing Triumphs. The TR6 replaced the TR5/TR250 that Tullius had raced and made it to the SCCA National Championships in 1972-1975. It was National Champion in D Production in 1975. In 1976 it was sold to Paul Newman who won the National Championship that year as well. Powered by a 2.5L straight-six, producing 230 hp, 125 hp more than a stock TR6! Model by SOLIDO 1/43 |
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| 1974 E-Type V12 SIII: This is the 5.3L V12 powered E-Type that Bob Tullius drove to the SCCA National Drivers Championship in B Production in 1975 and was runner-up in 1974. If the tires had not started to go away, the big cat would have won both years. As with the Huffaker car, Tullius had modest Jaguar support for the Group 44 racing effort. From here for Tullius, it was on to the SCCA's Trans Am for 1976 in the new XJS and ultimately IMSA and Le Mans in the XJR5. Model by PROVENCE MOULAGE 1/43 |
Champions!: East and West Coast SCCA Champions in B Production. Formidable cats! Models by PROVENCE MOULAGE 1/43 |
2005 XKR Group 44: For the 30th Anniversary of their SCCA Championship, I created a commemorative Group 44 Jaguar XKR. Since the XKR is the spiritual successor to the E-Type, it seemed fitting. A bit of whimsy. Model by MODEL ART 1/43 |
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| 1978 XJS: In 1976 Group 44 began developing and racing the XJS in the U.S. IMSA series. Coming off 5 victories in the '77 season, in '78 the team won 7 more, Tullius won the drivers title and the manufacturers championship for Jaguar. Powered by 560 bhp, 5.5L V12, the XJS outgunned the Corvettes all season long. Model by ALEZAN (kit) 1/43 |
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| 1978 XJ-SS: In 1976 Group 44 began developing and racing the XJS in the SCCA Trans-Am series. Coming off 5 victories in the '77 season, in '78 the team won 7 class wins more, In 1978, Tullius won the SCCA Trans-Am drivers title and the manufacturers championship for Jaguar. Powered by 580 bhp, 5.5L V12, the XJS outgunned the Corvettes all season long. Code named XJR-3, the body on the XJS was acid dipped to reduce weight. In fact so much weight was removed and the panels were so thin, the roill cage and frame were used for structural support. Model by RPM 1/43 |
1978 XJ-S: Model by MATRIX 1/43 |
1979 Triumph TR8: In 1979 British Leyland backed the Group 44 team in its development and racing program with the Triumph TR8. Bob Tullius realized the potential of the lightweight, aerodynamic V8 powered TR8 and proved that it was a race winner. In its debut race at the Watkins Glen 6 Hour the TR8 dominated the class against the Corvettes and Camaros and finished 1st in class and 7th overall. It was so successful in SCCA competition that the SCCA continued to give the TR8 added weight penalties. Tullius took the TR8 to the IMSA series where it finished 1st in class and 6th overall at the Sebring 12 Hours. The TR8 continued to dominate the GTO class over the Chevrolet Corvettes and Porsche RSR’s placing second in the IMSA GTO championship. Model by RPM 1/43 |
Group 44 Jaguar XJS and Triumph TR8: The British Leyland factory backed Group 44 team is one of the most recognizable in motorsports having gone on to race in the GTP category with the Jaguar powered GTP cars. The Triumph TR8 was one of the most successful SCCA and IMSA production based racing cars built. With 8 class wins in the 1979-1980 seasons and second place in the 1980 IMSA GTO points championship. From the 1960s into the 1980s, Bob Tullius’s Group 44 racing fielded some of the best-prepared and most visually appealing cars to run in the IMSA GTO, IMSA GTP and SCCA Trans-Am series.(Hemmings) Models by RPM 1/43 |
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| 1978 XJ-S: Model by SUBER FACTORY 1/43 |
1978 XJ-S: Model by SUBER FACTORY 1/43 |
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| 1984 XJR-5: Lee Dykstra penned the great lines of the XJR-5. With Jaguar support, Group 44 developed the car for IMSA racing in the USA, followed by the modified and further developed cars which ran at Le Mans in 1984 & 85. Powered by 6.0L, stock block, mid-engine V12, ultimately producing 650 bhp, this engine would be the basis for the great Jaguar prototype cars and Le Mans winners to come. Brian Redman and Doc Bundy drove this car (Ch#006)to the win at the Miami 3 Hr. Model by STARTER 1/43 |
1984 XJR-5: Successful SCCA racer Bob Tullius and his Group 44 team brought Jaguar back to the Sarthe circuit after a twenty year absence in 1984. The XJR-5 proved to be a very competitive car, with top speeds comparable to the Porsche and Lancia competition. Car #40 (Chassis 008) driven by John Watson, Tony Adamowicz & Claude Ballot-Lena retired due to an accident as a result of a flat tire. Click here for an interesting website on Tony Adamowicz's career. Model by MILESTONE MINIATURES 1/43 |
1984 XJR-5: The second team car at Le Mans in 1984, driven by Brian Redman, Doc Bundy and Bob Tullius in the GTP class. Powered by the 6.0L SOHC V12 Jaguar engine, the XJR-5 produced 650 bhp and had a top speed of 217 mph. The car retired after 21 hrs and being in 6th place, due to gearbox troubles. In my opinion, this is one, if not the best looking of the Group 6/GTP cars of that era. Model by Bizarre 1/43 |
1984 XJR-5 Model by AMR 1/43 |
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| 1985 XJR-5: Bob Tullius, Chip Robinson and Claude Ballot-Lena drove Chassis 008 to 13th place overall and first in the GTP Class at the 1985 Le Mans despite engine trouble. This was the swan song for Group 44 at Le Mans. Although they continued in IMSA in 1986 with little success, TWR was already providing Jaguar with wins in Europe and would become the sole Jaguar backed team for 1987, setting the stage for great Jaguar victories to come. Model by BIZARRE 1/43 |
1986 XJR-7: After close second place finishes at Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio and Portland, the team of Bob Tullius and Chip Robinson won the 1986 IMSA season finale, winning the 3 hr. race at Daytona. The 1987 season would not be as successful. The XJR-7 was the last Lee Dykstra designed Group 44 car before he went to work for TWR and Jaguar. It was a completely redesigned car. Group 44 team achieved some great successes, yet the team has always been underestimated. The Group 44 team remains one of the most successful teams in SCCA and IMSA racing. Model by PROVENCE MOULAGE 1/43 |
1985 XJR-5 Model by AUTOBARN 1/18 |
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| 1985 XJR-5: The GTP Class winning XJR-5 at Le Mans in 1985. This was a special run of 44 models made by The Jaguar Model Club, based on the Profil24 kit, it was handbuilt by Ian Burkinshaw of Pro Models. Unfortunately, about 20 were destroyed in a flood, making the actual number around 24 produced. Model by JAGUAR MODEL CAR CLUB 1/24 |
Road Atlanta 1985: The group 44 team placed 1st and 2nd at the IMSA Road Atlanta 500 Km at Road Atlanta during the 1985 season. This picture from my collection has been signed by all four team drivers, Hurley Haywood, Brian Redman, BoB Tullius and Chip Robinson. |
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| 1980 XJS: Bob Tullius won the IMSA championship driving a XJS in 1978, Jaguar the manufacturer's title. Group 44 efforts turned to the XJR prototypes, IMSA and Le Mans in the early 80's. This XJS is a "what if" exercise. I constructed this car based on what could have been, if Group 44 raced in the ETCC alongside the TWR cars. If the same success had carried over from IMSA, would Jaguar have put all their backing behind TWR? Model by ROAD SIGNATURE 1/18 (modified) |
1982 XJS: Bob Tullius, Bill Adam and Gordon Smiley drove this Group 44 entry at the Daytona 24 hours in 1982. Daytona was the tune-up for the Trans-Am series which Smiley intended to run in the car. Too modified to be eligible for the GTO class, itwas moved to the GTP class, against the Porsche 935s, Lola T600s, etc.. It finished 6th in class and 21st overall. The plan to run the Trans-Am was dropped when Smiley was killed at Indianapolis. Model by PROVENCE MOULAGE 1/43 |
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| 1979 Ferrari 512 BB/LM: N.A.R.T. entered this early 512 BB/LM (Chassis #26683) at Daytona in 1979, as one of three factory supported entries of the then new Pinninfarina designed silhoutte body. The high Daytona banking put too much strain on the suspension causing tire failure on this car, with the remaining two 512 BB?LM cars subsequently withdrawn. This car was driven by Bob Tullius, Jean-Pierre Delauney and Pat Bedard. Model by BEST 1/43 |
1988 Audi 200 Quattro Trans Am: Audi needed something to inject a positive image in N. America after the unintended acceleration fiasco with the 5000 and all the bad press that followed. Audi turned to BoB Tullius and his Group 44 Racing to manage Audi's entry in the SCCA Trans Am series in 1988. Using the 2.1L 200 Quattro, turbo charged and with four wheel drive, Audi hit on a successful formula for Trans Am dominance. It also helped lift the Trans Am series level of importance from a support race for IMSA, to a top level series again. Audi prepared three cars and shipped them to Group 44 just in time for their first race at Long Beach. Tullius and company immediately used the 510 bhp car to good effect, with Hurley Haywood taking 2nd place in that race and then winning the next at Dallas in this car. Haywood was joined by Hans-Joachim Stuck and Walter Rohl, who alternated with Stuck in the second car. Together they won eight of thirteen races between them and Audi won the manufacturers Championship, Haywood the Drivers Title. Audi moved to IMSA GTO for 1989, running their cars under Audi Sport. Model by PROVENCE MOULAGE 1/43 |
1988 Audi 200 Quattro Trans Am: Audi enlisted Group 44 to prepare two team cars for competition in the '88 Trans Am series. Hurley Haywood won the drivers championship with 8 wins out of 13 races. This car driven by Hans-Joachim Stuck won at Cleveland. Powered by a 2.1L 5-cylinder turbo producing 550 bhp, these cars were quick and with their all-wheel drive, out handled (manhandled?) the competition. Model by MINICHAMPS1/43 |
THE SIGNATURE PROJECT & RACING DIORAMAS
THE TRIPLE CROWN OF ENDURANCE RACES:
THE 24 HOURS of LE MANS 1923-2020
THE 12 Hours of SEBRING WINNERS
THE 24 HOURS of DAYTONA WINNERS
GREAT AUTOMOTIVE MAKES & RACING TEAMS:
ABARTH
ALFA ROMEO
ASTON MARTIN
AUDI
AUSTIN HEALEY & HEALEY
BMW
CHAPARRAL
CHEVROLET & GM POWER
CUNNINGHAM EQUIPE
DATSUN/NISSAN
ECURIE ECOSSE
FORD POWER: GT40's, MUSTANGS, MIRAGE & MORE
SHELBY -FORD'S: COBRAS, DAYTONAS, GT40's & MUSTANGS
GROUP 44, Inc.
LANCIA
LOLA SPORTS CARS
LOTUS
McLAREN
MASERATI
MERCEDES BENZ
MG CARS
TOYOTA
TRIUMPH
MISC. RACING AND PRODUCTION CARS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
AMERICAN, ASIAN, AUSTRALIAN
BRITISH
FRENCH
GERMAN & SWEDISH
ITALIAN & SPANISH
LAND SPEED RECORD CARS
VETERAN, CLASSIC & SPECIAL INTEREST CARS
DRIVER TRIBUTES:
THE OLD IRISH RACING HALL OF FAME
JUAN MANUEL FANGIO TRIBUTE
STIRLING MOSS TRIBUTE
WORLD DRIVER & CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONS 1950 - 1985
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