Many of racing’s greatest: Hill, Moss, Gurney, Andretti, Rainey, Brabham, Rahal, Rossi, Follmer, McLaren, Shelby, to name a very few, have challenged this iconic track’s hills, curves, and famous “corkscrew”.
What an amazing event. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is an annual event held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. 60 years of Laguna Seca racing history in the paddock, competing on the track and on display.
Attendees had the chance to be a part of the largest gathering of historic road-racing vehicles in North America. As many as 550 historic race cars were accepted for entry. Each car had been evaluated for mechanical authenticity and race provenance from when it originally ran. This made for authentic, vintage auto racing at its best.
.. the largest gathering of historic road-racing vehicles in North America
There was also a Racing Through the Decades display that showcased 12 prominent racing vehicles with history at the iconic circuit. Included on display was the 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa that Pete Lovely drove to victory at the inaugural Laguna Seca event, the Pebble Beach Road Races in 1957.
Racing Through the Decades included a 1963 Shelby King Cobra, a 1973 Porsche 917/30, a 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 302, a 1983 March Indy Car (the first to win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca), a 1985 Porsche 962, a 1999 BMW V12 LMR, and several other unique notables on display for the fans.
Musician Nigel Olsson, known for his contributions to the music of superstar entertainer Elton John, was the pace car driver. McLaren ambassador Mika Häkkinen drove Emerson Fittipaldi’s 1974 world championship-winning McLaren M23. Häkkinen was filling in for Jenson Button, who was originally scheduled.
One of the most unique features of Laguna Seca is that visitors can camp on the surrounding hillsides with reservations. Both RV and tent camping are available in a clean, friendly environment. The park is just a short drive from the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur.
The Mazda Raceway is a gem, both for racers and race fans.
… authentic, vintage auto racing at its best
Rolex Race 1A – Craig Barto driving a 1931 Bugatti Type 51
Rolex Race 2A – David Swig driving a 1958 Scarab MkI
Rolex Race 3A – Peter Smith driving a 1958 Austin Healey Sprite
Rolex Race 4A – Jean Bernard Bouvet driving a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette
Rolex Race 5A – Marc Devis driving a 1967 Lola T70
Rolex Race 6A – Tim de Silva driving a 1978 Osella BMW PA8
Rolex Race 7A – Emmett Murphy driving a 1972 McLaren M8F/P
Rolex Race 8A – Terry Lawlor driving a 1967 Shelby Mustang
Rolex Race 1B – Kevin Adair driving a 1959 Austin Healey 3000S
Rolex Race 2B – Jacqulyn Mincheff driving a 1956 Lotus Eleven
Rolex Race 3B – Bob Earl driving a 1972 Ferrari 312PB
Rolex Race 4B – Craig Taylor driving a 1966 BMW 2002
Rolex Race 5B – Bill Ockerlund riving a 1991 Chevrolet Duracell Camaro
Rolex Race 6B – Sandra McNeil driving a 1963 Shelby Cobra 289
Rolex Race 7B – Greg Thornton driving a 1976 Lotus 77
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the December 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.
