Celebrating 60 Years—The 2017 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

September 4, 2017
Images by Shawn Glad

This year marked the 60th anniversary of Laguna Seca Raceway, celebrated during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion from August 17-20. The spotlight was on the raceway’s inaugural event, which took place on November 9, 1957, with Pete Lovely securing victory in a 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa. A special exhibit dedicated to this vehicle, along with other iconic cars and motorcycles that have graced Laguna Seca over the past six decades, was a major highlight.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion honors the legacy of motorsports, featuring over 500 historic and vintage racing cars. These vehicles, carefully selected for their historical significance and authenticity, competed across various race groups. This gathering celebrated the evolution of motorsport, honoring pivotal moments and milestones in racing history.

A special appearance by Formula One Champion Mika Hakkinen, who drove the championship-winning 1974 McLaren M23 that carried Emerson Fittipaldi to the 1974 Formula One World Championship, was a significant event.

1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rosa

This 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa, driven by Pete Lovely and co-owned with Fred Armbruster, famously won the first race ever held at Laguna Seca in 1957.

1974 McLaren M23

This 1974 McLaren M23, driven in exhibition by Mika Hakkinen, helped Emerson Fittipaldi clinch the 1974 Formula One World Championship. Seeing this historic car driven by a modern Formula One star like Hakkinen provided a unique bridge between different eras of racing.

1986 Rothman’s Porsche 959 ’86 Paris-Dakar Winner

This 1986 Rothman’s Porsche 959, driven by René Metge and Dominique Lemoyne, conquered one of the toughest endurance races in the world, the Paris-Dakar Rally, and has been preserved in the exact condition it was in when it crossed the finish line over 37 years ago.

1979 Porsche 935

This 1979 Porsche 935, is known for its “Hawaiian Tropic” livery and originally owned by Dick Barbour Racing. Driven by Rolf Stommelen, Dick Barbour, and Paul Newman, it achieved second overall and first in its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and continued its success with a second-place finish at the Watkins Glen World Championship round. Notably, this car also raced under the Apple Computer livery during the 1980 season.

Chassis: 009 0030
Driver: Adam Carolla
Group 4A
FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT
1973-1981

1958 Porsche 550A

This 1958 Porsche 550A maintains original and unrestored bodywork complete with racing battle scars, while mechanical components have been refreshed for safety and performance.

Chassis: 144
Driver: Tom Trabue
Group 6B
Sports Racing Cars under 2000cc
1955-1961

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
Chassis: 198-040-5500730
Driver: Alex Curtis
Group 5A
Sports Racing and GT Cars
1947-1955

GROUP 5A Sports Racing and GT Cars

Group 5A features Sports Racing and GT Cars from 1947 to 1955. The Corkscrew, known for its dramatic elevation changes and sharp turns, provides the perfect backdrop for these vintage machines.

1989 Mazda 767-B

This 1989 Mazda 767-B, known for its iconic orange-and-green Renown/CHARGE livery had significant achievements in GTP class races, including a win at the Fuji 1000km and a ninth overall finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989.

1970 BMW Alpina 2002 ti

This 1970 BMW Alpina 2002 ti, built by ALPINA in 1970, features Weber side draft carburetors, flared fenders, and three-piece ALPINA alloy wheels.

Chassis: 2628020
Driver: Bill Auberlen
Group 4A
FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT Cars
1973-1981