by Mike –
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is the venue for what used to be called the Monterey Historic Races but now are the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion. This is perhaps the biggest event of Monterey Car Week as measured by attendance. It is probably also the loudest. But what great sounds!
From the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca web site,
Approximately 550 race cars are invited to compete in the world’s premier motoring event, and are accepted based on the car’s authenticity, race provenance and period correctness.
All photos and captions by Kurt Oblinger.
Chris MacAllister in the ex-Denny Hulme Team McLaren M8F
More photos are in the slide show below.
2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Awards
Best Paddock Display – Presented to the best paddock display representative of the era:
Recipient: Pre-War Alley
Stand 21 – Awarded to the Most Period Authentic look
Recipient: Ed Archer
Ken Miles Trophy – Presented for the representation of a vintage car under 1500cc
Recipient: Don Martine: 1950 MGTD Von Nuemann Special
Can-Am Spirit Award – Presented to the competitor who showed the most persistence and performance all weekend long.
Recipient: Johan Woerheide
Henry Ford Trophy – Presented to the most significant Ford-powered entry
Recipient: Lynn Park: 1963 Shelby Cobra 289
The John Fitch Corvette Excellence Award – Presented to the most significant Corvette.
Recipient: Jeni Yeakel-Swanson: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette
The Phil Remington Award – Presented to the mechanic who demonstrates exceptional skill.
Recipient: Terry Forland
Bonhams Cup – Presented to participants in the featured morning races that best exemplifies the spirit of the event.
Race 4A – Steve Walker: 1973 BMW CSL
Race 4B – Bill Kirkwood: 1961 Elva Courier
Race 5B – Richard Dean: 1985 Ford Mustang
Race 7A – Brian Blain: 1967 McLaren M6A
The Chairman’s Award – Presented to the entrant whose car has historical significance to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Recipient: Jeffrey Abramson: 1959 Morgan Baby Doll
The Founders Trophy – Presented to the person who richly personifies historic racing.
Recipient: Jim Alder: 1952 Jaguar XK120
The Rolex Award for Excellence – Presented for Overall Excellence in each race.
Saturday Race Recipients:
Rolex Race 1A – Craig Barto: 1931 Bugatti Type 51
Rolex Race 2A – David Swig: 1958 Scarab MkI
Rolex Race 3A – Peter Smith: 1958 Austin Healey Sprite
Rolex Race 4A – Jean Bernard Bouvet: 1979 Chevrolet Corvette
Rolex Race 5A – Marc Devis: 1967 Lola T70
Rolex Race 6A – Tim De Silva: 1978 Osella BMW PA8
Rolex Race 7A – Emmett Murphy: 1972 McLaren M8F/P
Rolex Race 8A – Terry Lawlor: 1967 Shelby Mustang
Sunday Race Recipients
Rolex Race 1B – Kevin Adair: 1959 Austin Healey 3000S
Rolex Race 2B – Jacqulyn Mincheff: 1956 Lotus Eleven
Rolex Race 3B – Bob Earl: 1972 Ferrari 312PB
Rolex Race 4B – Craig Taylor: 1966 BMW 2002
Rolex Race 5B – Bill Ockerlund: 1991 Chevrolet Duracell Camaro
Rolex Race 6B – Sandra McNeil: 1963 Shelby Cobra 289
Rolex Race 7B – Greg Thornton: 1976 Lotus
The Spirit of Monterey – Presented to the driver or entrant who excels in the Spirit of the Weekend.
Recipient: James Bartel
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
The ex-Penske Racing Mark Donohue McLaren M6A Can-Am fronts a Byers bodied Volvo
Great summary, Mike, and wonderful shots by Kurt — many thanks. I got over there only for a few hours on Saturday so seeing these race shots is a treat. (Maybe next year I’ll try going on the warmup weekend.) I’m hoping that the county will support new management that can and will invest in modernizing Seca for the years to come, and the Historics / Reunion will keep happening for a long time.