In the early 1980s, the Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA) reorganized their classification structure for motorsports.

An initial prototype concept, named the Porsche Gruppe B, debuted in 1983, after which plans were made to build the car for production and provide racing versions for customers as had been done with the 956.

[1] Making its first appearance at the May test for the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 961 was able to show its potential pace quickly by setting the tenth fastest lap time under the control of French driver René Metge.

[3] At the race in June, Metge was joined by fellow Frenchman Claude Ballot-Léna[1] and the two were able to qualify the car 26th.

[4] Later in 1986, the 961 was moved to the United States and entered in the Camel GT Championship's final round at Daytona International Speedway.

[6] Swiss driver Claude Haldi was assigned to partner René Metge, but the two were later joined by Kees Nierop whose 962C had been destroyed in a qualifying accident.

Although the 961 managed to run as high as 11th overall in the race, Kees Nierop crashed the car after a mis-shift.

The car was stopped and retired after it caught fire as Nierop attempted to return to the pit lane.