Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates excellence with prestigious awards

The 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion concluded with a sequence of awards that acknowledged distinctive performances, sportsmanship, and vital contributions on the occasion that celebrated 50 years of historic racing. Held on the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the occasion introduced collectively racing fanatics from across the globe, celebrating each the vehicles and the people who deliver them to life.

The awards have been introduced by Kevin Harris who has hosted the Stay Broadcast alongside Jonathan Inexperienced for lots of the previous historic races. Particular thanks got to the employees at WeatherTech Raceway, the Laguna Seca Volunteer Affiliation, the contributors and choice committee and the occasion Grand Marshal Invoice Warner, who went above and past his duties all weekend.

Particular recognition

This yr’s occasion marked a poignant milestone with the retirement of Dick Sisich, who has been the voice of the historic races and all the opposite main occasions at Laguna Seca for the previous 60 years. In a heartfelt tribute, Sisich was honored with a signed poster, thanking him for his many years of dedication.

Dick Sisich says his goodbyes. Picture by Robert Watt

Ken Miles Award

In honor of Ken Miles, this prestigious award was introduced to Michael Kaleel for his distinctive driving of the 1962 Lola Mk 1 within the Briggs Cunningham Trophy Race. The award acknowledges the excellent efficiency of a automotive beneath 1500cc that’s well-prepared, pushed expertly, and holds historic significance.

Phil Remington Award

Awarded by Ford, the Phil Remington Award celebrates the dedication of mechanics who go above and past. This yr’s honoree, Brian Garzelli, was acknowledged for his excellent work with Competitors Touring Automobiles.

Henry Ford Trophy

Matt Crandall was awarded the Henry Ford Trophy for exemplifying the aggressive spirit of Henry Ford. Crandall’s efficiency within the 1964 Ford Falcon throughout the Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy race was a testomony to Ford’s enduring legacy in motorsport.

Bonhams Award – The Ardour and Spirit

Introduced by Bonhams, this award celebrates distinctive sportsmanship. Michael Doyle, driving his 1961 Jaguar XKE within the Ken Miles Sixties GT group, was acknowledged for his wonderful driving and beneficiant help to fellow racer Jenson Button.

John Fitch Corvette Award

Patrick Byrne acquired the John Fitch Corvette Award for his immaculate restoration and illustration of Corvette racing historical past along with his 1963 Cut up Window Corvette within the Ken Miles group.

Picture by Tony Campbell

Rolex Group Awards

Rolex continued its custom of honoring drivers who exemplify total excellence in every of the occasion’s races:

Group 1: Skip Barber Cup: Max Minshul, driving his 1981 Royale RP31

Group 2: Briggs S. Cunningham Trophy: Nick Worth, in his 1959 Sadler Meyer Particular

Group 3: John Morton Trophy Race: Francisco Guzman, driving his 1959 Porsche 550 Durlite Spyder

Group 4A: Hurley Haywood IMSA GTP, FIA Group C Trophy: Duncan MacKellar, in his 1989 Porsche 962C

Group 4B: Hurley Haywood IMSA GTO and Trans AM Trophy: Steve Schuler, driving his 1986 Roush Ford IMSA Mustang

Group 5: Ragtime Racers Exhibition: Rick Rawlins, in his 1920 Ford Board Monitor Racer

Group 6: Ken Miles Sixties GT Trophy: Chris Beighton, racing his 1964 Sunbeam Le Mans Tiger

Group 7: Scott Pruett Legends of Endurance: Max Moritz, in his 2010 Porsche 997

Group 8: Peter Gregg Trophy: Alex McDowell, driving his 1972 Nissan Skyline GTR

Group 9: Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy: Richard Goldsmith, in his 1970 Dodge Challenger

Group 10: Mario Andretti Trophy: John Dimmer, driving his 1971 Tyrrell 009

Group 11: Pedro Rodriguez Trophy: Ethan Shippert, in Grey Gregory’s 1969 Chevron B16

Group 12: Jim Corridor USRRC Cup: Amy Gould, driving the 1964 Porsche Platypus

Group 13: Dan Gurney Saloon Automobile Trophy: David Woodhouse, in his 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S

The complete listing of race leads to every group could be discovered on the monitor’s web site.

Spirit of Monterey Award

Probably the most prestigious award of the weekend, the Spirit of Monterey, was introduced to Marnix Dillenius for his excellent efficiency and embodiment of the occasion’s spirit. Dillenius, racing his 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ within the John Morton group, has been part of the Monterey Historics since its inception in 1974. His title shall be engraved on a brand new perpetual trophy displayed yearly within the Driver’s Membership.

The Spirit of Monterey Award went to Marnix Dillenius. Picture by Robert Watt

Looking forward to 2025

The 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will have fun the seventy fifth anniversary of Method 1. The occasion will characteristic Method 1 vehicles in a prestigious heritage show and two F1 run teams alongside lots of the conventional and common teams that followers have come to like.

The prize giving ceremony is all the time a particular fruits of an extended week of racing. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion continues to honor the legacy and keenness of motorsport, bringing collectively historic vehicles and the individuals who love them in an unmatched celebration of velocity, historical past, and camaraderie.

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