Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2024 Honours Historic Racing Legends With Prestigious Awards

Published: Thursday, August 22, 2024, 0:03 [IST]

The 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion concluded with a series of awards recognising exceptional performances, sportsmanship, and significant contributions. Held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the event celebrated 50 years of historic racing. Racing enthusiasts from around the globe gathered to honour both the cars and individuals who bring them to life.

Special thanks were extended to the staff at WeatherTech Raceway, the Laguna Seca Volunteer Association, participants, and the selection committee. Event Grand Marshal Bill Warner was also commended for his exceptional efforts throughout the weekend. Kevin Harris presented the awards alongside Jonathan Green, who has co-hosted many past historic races.

This year marked a significant milestone with Dick Sisich's retirement. Sisich has been the voice of historic races and other major events at Laguna Seca for 60 years. In a heartfelt tribute, he was honoured with a signed poster, thanking him for his decades of dedication.

The Ken Miles Award was given to Michael Kaleel for his outstanding driving of the 1962 Lola Mk 1 in the Briggs Cunningham Trophy Race. This award recognises exceptional performance in a car under 1500cc that is well-prepared and holds historical significance.

Phil Remington Award

Brian Garzelli received the Phil Remington Award from Ford. This award celebrates mechanics who go above and beyond in their dedication. Garzelli was recognised for his outstanding work with Competition Touring Cars.

Henry Ford Trophy

Matt Crandall was awarded the Henry Ford Trophy for exemplifying Henry Ford's competitive spirit. Crandall’s performance in the 1964 Ford Falcon during the Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy race highlighted Ford’s enduring legacy in motorsport.

Bonhams Award – The Passion and Spirit

The Bonhams Award celebrates exceptional sportsmanship and was presented to Michael Doyle. Doyle drove his 1961 Jaguar XKE in the Ken Miles Sixties GT group and provided generous assistance to fellow racer Jenson Button.

John Fitch Corvette Award

Patrick Byrne received the John Fitch Corvette Award for his immaculate restoration and representation of Corvette racing history with his 1963 Split Window Corvette in the Ken Miles group.

Rolex Group Awards

Rolex continued its tradition of honouring drivers who exemplify overall excellence in each race:

Group 1: Max Minshul, driving his 1981 Royale RP31 (Skip Barber Cup)
Group 2: Nick Price, in his 1959 Sadler Meyer Special (Briggs S. Cunningham Trophy)
Group 3: Francisco Guzman, driving his 1959 Porsche 550 Durlite Spyder (John Morton Trophy Race)
Group 4A: Duncan MacKellar, in his 1989 Porsche 962C (Hurley Haywood IMSA GTP, FIA Group C Trophy)
Group 4B: Steve Schuler, driving his 1986 Roush Ford IMSA Mustang (Hurley Haywood IMSA GTO and Trans AM Trophy)
Group 5: Rick Rawlins, in his 1920 Ford Board Track Racer (Ragtime Racers Exhibition)
Group 6: Chris Beighton, racing his 1964 Sunbeam Le Mans Tiger (Ken Miles Sixties GT Trophy)
Group 7: Max Moritz, in his 2010 Porsche 997 (Scott Pruett Legends of Endurance)
Group 8: Alex McDowell, driving his 1972 Nissan Skyline GTR (Peter Gregg Trophy)
Group 9: Richard Goldsmith, in his 1970 Dodge Challenger (Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy)
Group 10: John Dimmer, driving his 1971 Tyrrell 009 (Mario Andretti Trophy)
Group 11: Ethan Shippert, in Gray Gregory’s Chevron B16 (Pedro Rodriguez Trophy)
Group 12: Amy Gould, driving her Porsche Platypus (Jim Hall USRRC Cup)
Group13:

The Spirit of Monterey Award

The most prestigious award of the weekend was presented to Marnix Dillenius for embodying the event’s spirit through outstanding performance. Dillenius raced a 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ in the John Morton group and has participated since its inception in1974.His name will be engraved on a new perpetual trophy displayed annually in Driver’s Club.

A Look Ahead to Next Year

An exciting announcement revealed that next year’s event will celebrate Formula One's75th anniversary.The2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will feature Formula One cars in a heritage display alongside two F1 run groups.This addition complements traditional groups fans love.

The prize-giving ceremony is always a special culmination of a long week of racing.The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion continues to honour motorsport's legacy by bringing together historic cars and passionate enthusiasts for an unmatched celebration of speed,camaraderie,and history.