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Rennsport Reunion V 2015

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Rennsport Reunion V 2015 Photos and Stories.

Porsche Historic car show and car race, 2015-10-25 - 2015-10-27, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, US


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Rennsport Reunion V 2015


Back in 2001, Porsche racecar driver Brian Redman, though Brian Redman's Intercontinental Events, Inc. and Porsche Cars North America, Inc. teamed up to run old Porsche race cars at the Lime Rock Park race track.

Rennsport Reunion "V" 2015 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey Bay Area, California.

Bob Carlson of PCNA with Redman put together the first Reunion at Lime Rock Park in 2001 with the backing of Porsche Cars North America for Porsche racecar owners wanting to get together and have a weekend racing their Porsches and reliving 'old times'.

The CamAm races were a big thing at Laguna Seca during the Porsche 917's day, so when the Rennsport Reunion came to Laguna Seca in 2011 for the 4th running, it was decided that the Reunion would return for the 5th Running.

Rennsport Reunion "V" 2015.

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

End of Saterday Show at the pits.
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

This is a weekend for Porsche lovers from all over the world and is strongly supported by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Porsche Cars North America and the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, Germany.

This writer has had the pleasure to attend and photograph 3 Reunions, II at Daytona, IV and V at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

I will brake this report into 2 sections; An overall statement on the event and a personal report on the my experiences of photographing these amazing cars on track and at the infield display area.

The Reunion has evolved, as all things do, into a multi facetted collection of all things Porsche. The infield 'Park' had food, autograph signings with current and past Porsche race car drivers, such as, Ickx, Bell, Stuck, Haywood, Mass, Bergmeister, Long, and Bleekemolen, to name just a few. A stage held interviews with people engaged with Porsche a many levels. A record crowd of 57,531 Porsche enthusiasts made it to the track.

At the south end of the infield, across the highly visible Michelin Tire bridge, there were rows of venders selling everything from Rennsport Reunion "V" souvenirs, to spare parts for 356 Porsches.

Farther along, at the end of the field, was the Porsche Club of America, (PCA) car corral parking and display.

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 Porsche Club of America show at Rennsport Reunion V

Porsche Club of America show
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

But, back at the north end of the track, at the start/finish line, was the paddock, holding an amazing collection of cars from the Porsche Museum, Zuffenhausen and other private collections. Here was a large tent, with 75 cars in the Chopard Heritage Display, and pit garages with an overwhelming selection of Porsche racecars, each with detailed signage giving history and technical information the car.

Filling the rest of the paddock were 2,000 Porsche cars in the corral parking areas, each in their assigned 'working area', with owners, drivers, and crew in attendance, the cars that came to race.

All was open and accessible to all ticket holders. Every one need a 3 day pass so that they could spend 1 day each just looking at the racing on the track, walking the paddock and wandering the PCA display area.

So what did I do. What is it like to have an assignment to photograph and cover this international Porsche event and posses an all-access media/photographers pass?

My weekend started early Friday morning on a 2 hour drive from my home just east of San Francisco. I loaded my 2 cameras, 4 lens, and miscellaneous back up gear into the front end and back seat of my 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S and had my reservation for my room.

After the pleasant drive south to Monterey, I stopped for my access and parking pass, then proceeded on to the track. I arrived around 10:30 AM and hitched a ride on one of the volunteer Veteran's carts to the track. The photographers 'safety meeting' was at 1:00 PM so I had some time to photograph the paddock before I could go onto the track.

After the Safety meeting, with my 'photographers vest', now on my back I was off to the Corkscrew to catch the afternoon sun on the cars as they dropped down the left-right set of turns. This occupied me for most of the afternoon until near the end of the day. A good way to retreat off the top o f the hill is to follow the cars down the track, shooting as I go and getting some interesting light from the setting sun.

I get to share conversation with photographers and participants throughout the day, both on and off the track. One car crew person was from New Zealand, and a young man, who was very excited to be at the Corkscrew was from Paris and by being there had achieved one of his dreams, to shoot at the "World Famous Corkscrew".

Another conversation was with a chap from Porsche AG, who was 'watching over' the event for the 'mother company'. I asked him if this was his first time at Laguna Seca, "Yes" and had he a chance to drive the track. "NO to busy". "That is to bad" I said "You have traveled all that way and no track time".

I had failed to get onto the track at Rennsport IV and therefore also did not get to the very top/back section of the track and shoot Turn 6, the Rahal Straight and Turn 7 &8. The is the place to be for the morning sun.

I was determined to not fail to reach the backside this year.

Saturday.

Up at 5:00 AM and at the Rahal Straight as the sun cleared the top of the hills East of the track and the ground fog moved up the Salinas Monterey Highway below me.

At 8:00 AM sharp the first cars left the pits for their war-up lap. Cold air, cold tires, cold reflexes. The cars climbing the hill to Turn 6 were in the Rennsport's V, PCA Sholar-Friedman Cup class, These were some of the latest and fastest of the Porsches in the class grouping, including 993 RSR's to 2012 GTC 5 Cup cars, a 2012 GTA2 GT3R. In other words, a lot of HP and large racing slicks.

Assuming a loss of attention, number 155, the 2012 GTA2 GT3R launched itself, from the middle of the warming-up pack of Porsches threading through Turn 6 and after several rotations, shoved its nose into the tire barrier on the inside of the turn. I just caught the dust out of the corner of my eye and turned to see the car finish the last rotations and kiss the barrier leaving a pricey bit of Porsche parts laying in the dirt. 155 drove back onto the track and back to the pits, most likely thinking "I should of had that second cup of coffee be fore getting in to this thing.

After the Green Flag said 'GO' #23 a 1973 GT4 RSR ended up parked on the tarmac just at the end of Turn 6 with a strange 'point' to the right front wheel. The 'haul truck' was called out and #23 was taken away.

After the fast and rowdy bunch was done, the Grumd Cup was launched. These were remarkably slower demonstrating how much as transpired within automotive engineering. The earliest car was a 1952 356 America Roadster and went up to a 1959 718 RSK F2 (Center Steer).

The Eifel Trophy group consisted of 6 cylinder 911 and 914 cars. Great shots with the sun lighting them.

The Weissch Cup Group brought the Racers that really made Porsche a household name, the 'Plastic' Porsches. The 908's--917's. This was mostly a Museum on display--at Speed. No other place can one see and hear such automotive artistry genius and history moving past, at 100 MPH, just feet away at full sound.

As the Carrera Trophy group cam onto the track I had reached the top-outside of Turn 8- the entrance into the Corkscrew. This gave me a interesting view of the 911 and 935 seemly driving off a cliff into the trees. Great fun to watch.

Next up was the Stuttgart Cup group. But by this time I had climbed back over the fence, the access gate lock would not respond to any codes I received at the Safety Meeting, crossed the bridge and caught a cart to the media center for lunch, which was not ready. I grabbed a infield hamburger and got a ride back to the bottom of the Corkscrew ready for the parade laps.

Just before 12:00 the exhibition laps started with the guest drivers and many of the cars on exhibit making laps at good speeds. This went on to about 1:00 when the Grumd Cup cars had their first race, followed by the Eifel Trophy group and Rennsport Reunion Cup races. The Rennsport Reunion Cup race was the Porsche GT3 Cup cars having a go at each other for championship points.

At 3:20 the exhibition laps started again and ended the track time. the day ended with a concours show out on pit lane. This always results in a 'crush of cars and people. As I had already had the pleasure of seeing these magnificent machines up-close and on the track, I deferred any real estate that my body would be taking up to some other person. I had dinner and wine in Monterey at a newly established food and drink place and as I was setting alone at the bar, a good conversation was started with 2 chaps from San Diego and someplace in Texas.

Sunday. After the early push Saturday, I made a slower start and spent the morning in the paddock and in the PCA section. As I had already covered all the cars running on the track Sunday was a slow and enjoyable day to mostly look at the cars and talk to people.

I left early for the drive north back home, but it being Sunday afternoon, I drove straight into a long stop-and-go on Highway 1 adding nearly an extra hour to the trip.

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Early Friday
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Still Early Friday not many in the 'Park'
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015


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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Former Porsche drivers sign autographs
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015


Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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Patrick Long  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Patrick Long
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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 Jorg Bergmeister Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Jorg Bergmeister
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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 Jorg Bergmeister Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Jorg Bergmeister
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

911 and 935 at the 'Corkscrew'
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

'Corkscrew'
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

'Corkscrew'
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

'Corkscrew'
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V 2015

Porsche Museum Cars at 'Corkscrew'
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V


Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

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  Rennsport Reunion V

It's over and going home
Rennsport Reunion V
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California 2015

Porsche Rennsport Reunion V Named IHMA Motorsports Event of the Year

LONDON, November 19, 2015 – The Porsche Rennsport Reunion V, held this past September at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., was today named Motorsport Event of the Year at the fifth annual International Historic Motoring Awards, in association with EFG International and Octane magazine. The announcement came at a black tie gala held here at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in celebration of the very best of the historic motoring industry.

The group of eight international finalists represent the pinnacle in heritage motoring events. In addition to the Porsche Rennsport Reunion V and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, also held this year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and nominated for a third consecutive year, the finalists included: the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona, Eifel Rallye Festival, Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort, Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport, and Silverstone Classic 2015.

"This is a superb honor to be recognized by such a prestigious panel of judges," said Gil Campbell, CEO/General Manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, upon accepting the award. "The success of Porsche Rennsport Reunion V is a testament to the international success and popularity of Porsche and the unique place it has created in motorsports history. We are also very fortunate to have the unwavering support of hundreds of SCRAMP volunteers who help us stage the event, and the guidance the Board of Directors and Governing Committee. It made for a very special weekend of at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the entire Monterey Peninsula."

Porsche Rennsport Reunion V provided a spectacular conclusion to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca's 2015 major events calendar. A three-day crowd of almost 60,000 enthusiasts witnessed the largest gathering in the world of Porsche race cars, with 321 historic entries taking to the track to rekindle memories of yesteryear as well as fan the flames of excitement for the famous marque's current lineup of U.S. and international competition, including the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup USA. In addition to the nonstop on-track activity, nearly 1,500 Porsche vehicles were on display, including more than a nine direct from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, 64 other historically significant cars in the Chopard Heritage Display, and more than 1,400 filling 20 model-specific corrals with the help of the Porsche Club of America. Finally, there was the list of legendary race car drivers on hand who earned Porsche its unparalleled success over the past seven decades: Jacky Ickx, Hurley Haywood, Vic Elford, Hans Stuck, Patrick Long, Jörg Bergmeister, Wolf Henzler, Mark Webber and this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans winners Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber to name just a few.

The judging panel consisted of some of the most influential individuals in the motoring world. They are Derek Bell, Horst Brüning, Robert Coucher, Ben Cussons, Berthold Dörrich, Ed Gilbertson, McKeel Hagerty, Shiro Horie, Ben Horton, Simon Kidston, Dave Kinney, Jay Leno, Nick Mason, Jochen Mass, Bruce Meyer, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Patrick Peter, Murray Smith, Peter Stevens and Duncan Wiltshire (chair of judges).

The IHMA Motorsport Event of the Year is for all competitive historic motorsport events anywhere in the world, from race meetings to trials and road or off-road rallies. The judges looked for a memorable event, not just a spectacular individual race within a meeting or stage within a rally.

"It is highly gratifying that a distinguished group of international judges valued Porsche Rennsport Reunion V so highly," said Andre Oosthuizen, Vice President, Marketing, Porsche Cars North America. "From the record three-day attendance at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to the amazing quality of race and street cars both on display and racing, our celebration of all things Porsche at Le Mans was unprecedented. This acknowledgment is greatly appreciated."

Source: David Hart, Public Relations Manager, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca



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