{"id":507786,"date":"2023-08-24T14:22:44","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T14:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportscardigest.com\/?p=507786"},"modified":"2024-03-09T08:17:46","modified_gmt":"2024-03-09T08:17:46","slug":"rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (2023) – Recap & Photo Gallery"},"content":{"rendered":"

A cornerstone of Monterey Car Week, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (RMMR)<\/a> is undoubtedly one of the preeminent vintage racing gatherings in the world. Spanning four days, the sheer breadth of machinery on display and racing on track is mind-bending, even for ardent enthusiasts of yesterday’s automotive stars. If you think seeing a 1976 Porsche 935<\/a> belch fire from its exhaust is “old school,” try watching a 1908 Locomobile make its way around the circuit, hissing and popping every few feet of the way. The Trans Am group featuring late 60s muscle cars is always a crowd-pleaser, as are the soft-serve ice-cream cones in the pits. Where ever you turn, something is stopping you in your tracks.<\/p>\n

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Ranson Webster’s 1976 Porsche 935 K3 burning off a little extra fuel on its way to turn 9. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Background<\/h2>\n

Sports cars and the Monterey Peninsula have gone hand and hand since the first Pebble Beach Road Races<\/a> sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America<\/a> (SCCA) in 1950. After six years of racing through the dangerous Del Monte Forest, the Laguna Seca Road course was built early in 1957 using decommissioned Fort Ord land. In 1974, sports car enthusiast Steve Earle decided the need for exercising these unique machines had grown to the point where he established the Monterey Historics, held during the same weekend of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance<\/a>. A new era in vintage racing was born, eventually transforming over time into what is referred to as the Rolex Reunion.<\/p>\n

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Chris MacAllister captured between shadows in his 1976 Ferrari 312 T2. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Corvette turns 70<\/h2>\n

If ever there was a “Baseball and Apple pie” story on wheels, it would be the Chevrolet Corvette<\/a>. Born in the early 1950s with a fiberglass body and inline 6-cylinder engine, the 150 hp convertible was more on the “sporty” side than being a genuine sports car. Competition would soon enter from Ford’s Thunderbird, among others, and a V8 soon became available, further popularizing the Corvette.<\/p>\n

Often ahead of their competition, Corvettes utilized disc brakes, fuel injection, and large displacement engines that were hard to beat on track. As early as 1960, a Corvette won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans; an extraordinary feat it would earn no less than nine times. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Corvette, and this weekend’s racing showcased Corvettes from numerous eras giving fans a front-row seat to the evolution of an American icon.<\/p>\n

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The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283 of Edward Hugo leads several Corvettes into the Corkscrew. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heritage display<\/h2>\n

Situated under a large tent in the paddock, fans this year got to walk through dozens of famous Corvettes, each with a story. Several were owned by the General Motors Heritage Collection, meaning they are one-of-a-kind milestones representing a chapter in Corvette’s legacy. For the ultra-rare, both CERV I and CERV II were on display (CERV stands for Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle).<\/p>\n

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From the GM Heritage Collection, this 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray racer gave visitors a glimpse of an era when GM was secretly developing the Corvette during the ban on factory racing. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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This 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS was only raced one, at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Overheating yieled in a DNF. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Favorite Race groups<\/h2>\n

Unlike attending a professional race weekend, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion offers spectators an “up close and personal” look at various racing cars spanning a century in time. Each group has a unique personality and offers something the others don’t. Some of my favorite groups included:<\/p>\n

1955-1967 SCCA Production\u2014Small Displacement<\/h3>\n

Post-WWII Sports car racing in America was built on small-bore European cars, and Group 1 exemplifies this with Porsche Speedsters, MGs, Alfas, etc.<\/p>\n

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Traffic jam heading into turn 6 with Robert Davis leading the way behind the wheel of his 1953 Siata 208S 8V. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bill Lyon drops into the famous Corkscrew piloting his 1960 Porsche RS 60 Spyder. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1961-1971 FIA Manufacturers Championship<\/h3>\n
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Gray Gregory, in his 1969 Chevron B16, chases a few Porsches into the turn 8 Corkscrew. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1927 – 1955 Grand Prix\/Open Wheel Single Seat Racing Cars<\/h3>\n

While these cars may date before WWII, don’t let that fool you in their technology and speed. Many are supercharged and utilize overhead-cam engines, far ahead of their time. It’s exciting to watch the Bugatti<\/a> racers approach turns as some use the hand-brake lever on the outside of the car to help slow it down.<\/p>\n

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Rick Rawlins, no stranger to pre-war racers, makes time behind the wheel of a 1926 Bugatti 37A. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Kurt Engelhorn looked smooth all weekend long running a 1955 Maserati 250 F. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1972-1981 FIA, IMSA<\/a>, GT, GTX, AAGT, GTU, Trans Am<\/h3>\n
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Mike Thurlow thunders down the hill into turn 9, piloting his 1976 Chevrolet Corvette “Greenwood Wide Body.” Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1966-1974 Can-Am\/1963-1968 USRRC<\/h3>\n

The Canadian American Challenge Cup<\/a> will always be remembered by its brutish-powered racers built to a minimal set of rules. American fuel-injected V8s ruled the earth until Porsche decided to spoil the fun with its turbocharged 917<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Chris Springer ran smoothly all weekend long behind the wheel of his 1972 McLaren M8F Can-Am racer. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Gunnar Jeannette pilots the ultra-rare 1969 Porsche 917PA (Porsche \u2013 Audi) powered by a 5-litre flat-12. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1966-1972 Trans-Am.<\/h3>\n

Fender rubbing road racing using American muscle cars powered by iron block push-rod V8s with open exhaust. Talk about excitement!<\/p>\n

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Jim Hague enjoys some track time in the ex-Peter Greg 1970 Ford Boss 302. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Joshua Feiber slides his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro down the famous Corkscrew turn. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Formula 5000.<\/h3>\n

Think of America’s version of Formula 1 in the 1970s. Push-rod V8s ruled the earth, and primitive wings front and rear gave downforce. While looking pretty fancy, most of these cars are primitive in nature that were physically demanding to drive.<\/p>\n

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Kirt Bennett dominated the Formula 5000 run group all weekend in his 1976 Lola 332 F5000. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Zak Brown takes a weekend off his F1 schedule to enjoy his 1974 Lola T332 F5000 racer at the Rolex Reunion. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1955-1967 SCCA Production – Large Displacement<\/h3>\n
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Patrick Byrne, in his 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327, enters the Corkscrew. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1966-1985 Formula One \u2013 non-turbo.<\/h3>\n

Undoubtedly, this group represents the pinnacle in open-wheel racing during an era of innovation. Most cars use a Cosworth V8 engine to help minimize disparity and maintenance costs. Friday’s race was a fan favorite, especially with IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown competing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Position<\/td>\nName<\/td>\nYear Make\/Model Displacement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/td>\nSteve Romak<\/td>\n1985\u00a0 Tyrrell\u00a0 12\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\nCharles Nearburg<\/td>\n1981\u00a0 Williams\u00a0 FW07C\u00a0\u00a0 2992<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\nDanny Baker<\/td>\n1976\u00a0 McLaren\u00a0 M23\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\nDario Franchitti<\/td>\n1974\u00a0 Brabham BT44 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\nMartin Lauber<\/td>\n1976\u00a0 Penske\u00a0 PC4\u00a0\u00a0 2993<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\n“Robert “”Bud””” Moeller<\/td>\n1982\u00a0 Williams\u00a0 FW08\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\nCal Meeker<\/td>\n1979\u00a0 Tyrrell\u00a0 009 F1\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\nCarlos de Quesada<\/td>\n1977\u00a0 McLaren\u00a0 M26\u00a0\u00a0 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\nChris Locke<\/td>\n1976\u00a0 Lotus\u00a0 77\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/td>\nGray Gregory<\/td>\n1976\u00a0 March\u00a0 761\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/td>\nKevin Weeda<\/td>\n1982\u00a0 Lotus\u00a0 91\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12<\/td>\nDwight Matheson<\/td>\n1979\u00a0 Tyrrell\u00a0 9\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13<\/td>\nNiky Griot<\/td>\n1976\u00a0 March\u00a0 761\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14<\/td>\nZak Brown<\/td>\n1980\u00a0 Williams\u00a0\u00a0 FW07\/B\u00a0\u00a0 2993<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15<\/td>\nOctavio Rincon<\/td>\n1982\u00a0 March\u00a0 March 821 F1\u00a0\u00a0 2993<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16<\/td>\nRichard Griot<\/td>\n1974\u00a0 March\u00a0 741 F1\u00a0\u00a0 2933<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
17<\/td>\nChris MacAllister<\/td>\n1976\u00a0 Ferrari\u00a0 312 T2\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
18<\/td>\nMichael Eckstein<\/td>\n1972\u00a0 William Iso Marlboro\u00a0 F1\u00a0\u00a0 300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
19<\/td>\nAlex Dodd<\/td>\n1975\u00a0 Shadow\u00a0\u00a0 DN5B\u00a0\u00a0 2993<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
20<\/td>\nCharles Warner<\/td>\n1979\u00a0 SHADOW\u00a0 DN9\u00a0\u00a0 3000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Zak Brown exits turn 11 and accelerates towards Start\/Finish in his 1980 Williams FW07\/B. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Group 12 – 1947-1960 Front-Engined Sports Racing and GT<\/h3>\n

“Backyard specials” and V8 transplants were infamous in the 1950s for spoiling the fun of the refined European sports cars (like the Ferrari below) that often cost two or three times as much. Many used inexpensive flat-heads, while the more competitive entries ran overhead-valve engines like the Buick “Nail-head” or Cadillac 331. Using primitive drum brakes, these cars slide a lot in the corners and are an authentic link to the golden era of sports car racing.<\/p>\n

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Ned Spieker is always a welcome site behind the wheel of his 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Ardent vintage racer Al Arciero navigates turn 11 in his 1958 Lister Knobbly. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Group 13 – 1981-2007 GTP, Group C, DP, WSC, LMP & GT1<\/h3>\n
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Bruce Marquand enjoys blue skies and clear track navigating turn 7 in his 1984 Jaguar XJR5. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ROLEX awards<\/h2>\n

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion annually recognizes the spirit of competition with extraordinary cars during the prize-giving, and not who finishes first. This year\u2019s recipients were:<\/p>\n