Randy Franklin Pobst (born June 26, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio), also known as "RFP" or "The Rocket," is an American race car driver and journalist for Motor Trend magazine.
Active in the SCCA World Challenge GT series and the Grand American series' GT class, Pobst was the 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2010 SCCA World Challenge GT champion, the 1996 North American Touring Car Championship title winner, and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 SCCA World Challenge TC vice-champion. He is also a two-time class winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, in 2001 and 2006.
Randy Pobst has more than 90 pro wins. He is currently a Mazda, Volvo, Audi and Porsche factory supported driver.
This is the raw laptime video you've been waiting for.
Both cars are bone stock:
1990 BMW M3 E30 (USA-specification), 2861 lb
1985 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 (European specification), 2845 lb
Both cars are wearing brand-new Vredestein Sprint + tires in their original size, 205/55-15
Laps conducted back-to-back, same day, both driven by SCCA Hall of Fame driver Randy Pobst.
The E30's front shocks blew on track; the W201's ABS failed en route to the track. Such is the life of old cars. All else being even, Randy's prediction is that the cars would have been within a few tenths if both issues were fixed.
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3EiY7sQWr4
RANDY POBST LAP TIMES at THUNDERHILL WEST (2-MILE)
1:21.51 2021 BMW M4 6-speed (G82)
1:22.12 2021 BMW M3 Competition (G80)
1:23.82 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera (991.2)
1:23.87 2016 BMW M3 Competition (F80)
1:23.89 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
1:25.38 2016 BMW M2
1:27.03 2006 BMW M3 ZCP (E46)
1:34.59 1985 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16
1:35.34 1990 BMW M3 (E30)
1:40.85 2021 Kia Telluride