The 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship concluded at Bahrain International Circuit in Round 6, the final event of the LMGTE Am class in the WEC calendar as the category made way for the GT3-based LMGT3 era. GR Racing's No. 86 Porsche 911 RSR-19 was among the last entries to contest the class at the highest level, with Michael Wainwright, Riccardo Pera and Benjamin Barker completing a full season together as a recognised and consistent pairing in LMGTE Am.
The 911 RSR-19: Porsche's Pinnacle Customer GT Racer
The Porsche 911 RSR-19 was unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and became the definitive Porsche factory and customer GT racer in WEC and IMSA competition. Its 4.2-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, mounted mid-rear ahead of the rear axle, produces approximately 515 hp. For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the RSR-19 received updated aero bodywork styled after the 992-generation 911, giving it a visually distinct identity from earlier iterations while retaining its 991.2-based platform.
GR Racing and the End of an Era in LMGTE Am
GR Racing is a British motorsport outfit founded by Michael Wainwright, which competed at the highest level of gentleman-driver endurance racing through multiple WEC seasons. The No. 86 car ran in LMGTE Am for the full 2023 WEC season with Wainwright, Pera and Barker sharing duties at every round. Their characteristic white and blue livery with sponsor graphics made the car one of the more recognisable entries in the class. The 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain — the class finale — marked one of the final competitive appearances of GTE-specification machinery in the FIA WEC.
Spark Model: Precision in 1:43 Resin
This 1:43 scale model is produced by Spark Model, whose WEC and IMSA resin series is the benchmark for race-car miniatures at this scale. Spark's 1:43 models are built in resin with photo-etched and decal detailing, accurately reproducing sponsor liveries, aero elements and race-day configurations. The No. 86 GR Racing entry is reproduced as it appeared at the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain, complete with the updated 992-style bodywork that characterised the RSR-19's final competitive seasons.
Placing It in the Collection
This model belongs naturally alongside other Spark 1:43 WEC LMGTE Am entries from the 2023 season — the No. 86 from Bahrain pairs coherently with GR Racing's representations from Sebring, Spa and the 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year, forming a complete season narrative. Collectors focusing on the transition from GTE to LMGT3 machinery will find the 2023 RSR-19 entries historically significant. The car also sits well beside factory Porsche GT Team entries from the same period, such as the No. 91 and No. 92 cars.
Frequently asked questions
What race does this model represent?
The 2023 FIA WEC 8 Hours of Bahrain, Round 6 and the final round of the 2023 WEC LMGTE Am season, held at Bahrain International Circuit.
Who drove the No. 86 GR Racing Porsche at Bahrain in 2023?
Michael Wainwright, Riccardo Pera and Benjamin Barker, who shared the car throughout the full 2023 WEC season in LMGTE Am.
What is the RSR-19 and why does it carry '992' bodywork?
The 911 RSR-19 is a 991.2-based factory GT racer first shown in 2019. From 2022 onwards it was fitted with updated aero bodywork styled after the 992-generation 911, which is reflected in the car's appearance during the 2023 season.
Who makes this model and what material is it made from?
It is made by Spark Model in resin at 1:43 scale, consistent with Spark's standard WEC and IMSA production series.
