With 15 race classes at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and many of the grids exceeding 50 cars, you could easily write a book on each year’s event. Try as I might, it’s probably best I just get on with this.
I’ve already spotlighted the Nissans in the corral and around the paddock that showed up from all over the West Coast, as well as the race-ready Nissans attacking Laguna Seca. I’ve also given you a good look at, and listen of, the awesome rotary power found at the RMMR. But what about everything else? The pre-war cars, GT classes, Formula 1, and on and on down the varied list of vintage racers that attend the event? These all deserve some attention too, but there’s just far, far too much to talk about in detail.
Are you even still reading this, or have you already moved on to the imagery? I can’t say I blame you if you have because words can hardly serve to explain how special this event is. Still, I’ll do my best to sum it up before leaving you to your own devices in the giant gallery below.
Each year I come here I’m just absolutely blown away by the variety, the sounds, the smells, and the excitement of everyone around the grandstands and in the paddock.
Where else will you find a grid of F1 cars cruising by, while old school Mustangs and Camaros warm their motors up in the hot pits? Not too many places.
A general admission ticket grants you excellent access to all of the action around the paddock where you can bother mechanics and butt your head into most tents. Just tread lightly, because their mood will depend a lot on how their decades-old race car has been running.
Still, most are more than happy to indulge in the history of their cars and to share with you the ins and outs of what it feels like behind the wheel.
If you’re like me and enjoy goofing off with a camera, the best part of it all is that there are loads of fantastic vantage points around the course which are free of fences. A 200mm lens will be plenty to go home with some shots you’re proud of, especially on a crop body.
The hardest part about the whole thing is trying to figure out where you ought to be at any given time. There are actually entire areas of the paddock that I completely missed this year, having to bounce around other events and areas on the circuit in an effort to get shots from different angles of each run group. It’s a good problem to have, though, because it means no matter where you are at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, you’ll find yourself in a sea of awesomeness.
Next year’s feature is IMSA, and I’m looking forward to it already.
Trevor Yale Ryan
Instagram: tyrphoto
TYRphoto.com
Thank you for sharing your efforts, this looks to have been an epic event. I don't get a chance to travel very often, but I will have to make it to this next year. Such a fantastic mix of machinery, being used and not just parked. Automotive excellence.
You should, you definitely won't regret it. Loads happening around Monterey so make sure you plan accordingly.
That red corvette with a little loving oversteer out of the corkscrew is definitely being treated by the owner right. Skidding a 60's Muscle Track car around Laguna Seca is definitely added to my bucket list.
I'm sure it's not but it very much looks like Clarkson in the ¿McClaren? in the b&w photo
I LOVE the old Trans Am cars and the oddballs ( olds and is that a Monza!?).
Oldsmobiles were rad, and yes that's a Monza. The #20 car qualified eighth and finished first in the Bonham Cup on Saturday
I 've had a sweet spot for monzas and vegas since I was a kid.
The Monza is a Dekon Built Monza, owned and driven by Ken Epsman, he's a good friend of my boss and a hilarious guy. He usually brings 3 or 4 of his cars to the Historics every year and drives the piss out of all of them. He lost a wheel going into turn 5 two years ago and it flew into the spectator stands! luckily no one got hurt.
Wow...seriously great photos.
Dream event.
Thanks Brian!
Nailed it
Good stuff man!
Awesome shots! Cool to see a photo with Ken Smith in his Lola F5000 (number 11) going through the corkscrew in the spread. He is rumoured to be the longest active driver (racing at a national championship level) in the world. Currently 77 years young and drives that F5000 like a 18-year old!