EarlyApex.com: Looking Back: Porsche RS Spyder

When Porsche announced their intentions to return to prototype sports car racing in 2005, expectations were high, but the car exceeded even the loftiest of Porsche's dreams. Upon winning on debut at Laguna Seca at the final round of the 2005 ALMS season, sports car teams and fans new Porsche was on to something special. The RS Spyder reinvented the LMP2 class, turning it from an amateur and often unorganized class into a place a highly competitive and professional arena for manufacturers to showcase their latest technology. The Spyder would later go on to win the 2006, 2007 and 2008 ALMS LMP2 championships for Team Penske in dominating fashion. With the car's last race now behind it, we felt it was only fitting to pay one of the most dominating cars in recent memory a photo tribute, as it rides off into the sunset.

(2005) Official Unveiling of the RS Spyder

(2006) The Spyder's first Sebring proved to be a tough one. Both cars experienced troubles handing the P2 victory to Intersport Racing

(2006) After struggling at Sebring and Houston, the Spyder broke through for its first overall win, beating the all-conquering Audi R8

(2007) In 2007, Porsche made some major revisions to the Spyder after Acura announced their entry into the LMP2 class. Dyson Racing decided to renew its relationship with Porsche by purchasing two of these RS Spyder Evos, but struggled to match the pace of the heavily factory backed effort of Penske.

(2007) proved to be a landmark year for the RS Spyder, winning the P2 Championship and multiple races overall.

(2008) Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Emanuel Collard shocked the world by beating the diesels from Audi and Peugeout and claiming the overall win at Sebring in an LMP2 car. The first and only time this has happened.

(2008) Dyson's last race with the Spyder, the team would make the switch to a Mazda powered Lola coupe for 2009 and 2010

(2008) Dyson continued with the Spyder, but switched to a Lola after the season following another disappointing year.

(2008) A familiar sight: Acuras in hot pursuit of the #7. Penske won the LMP2 championship again, but Acura posed a real threat, making the 2008 championship come to a nail biting finish.