Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1010195
170 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 8 meet the people who drove these vehicles. That atmosphere does not otherwise exist in racing," Haywood says. "Drivers don't really get to stand face-to-face with the fans, and fans don't get to ask questions with no time limit. But that's what Rennsport produces: unfettered access to the drivers and the cars." This year marks the reunion's third spin through Monterey County, following previous Laguna Seca stops in 2011 and 2015. Events at the track also inspired the original Rennsport idea. "Rennsport came to be after a wildly success- ful [Porsche] turn as the featured marque at the 1998 Monterey Historics, which saw record attendance at Laguna Seca," says Engelman. "The first Rennsport Reunion came together in 2001 in Lime Rock, Conn. It has taken place every three to four years since, moving to the West Coast for 2011. What was once an event that featured mostly historic racing has grown into a four-day happening of all things Porsche." Nearly 60,000 owners, collectors and fans attended the 2015 Rennsport on the Monterey Peninsula. Porsche Club of America members alone brought more than 1,300 Porsche models to the show fields, race groups and display lots. Organizers expect to top those numbers during this year's festivities, in part because so many Porsche owners and enthusiasts call California home. The track and the wider desti- nation also attract spectators. "WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has proven to be a great location and par tner for our last two Rennspor t Reunions. The pre- dictable weather and proximity to cultural cen- ters like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea make Rennspor t not just a car weekend, but a great destination for families," says Engelman. "The historic track is also ideal for the vintage race cars, while providing the room needed to park almost 1,500 Porsche spor ts cars for track-side display." "It's a super race track," agrees Haywood, "and it's not spread out over a huge area. When we do events here, things are condensed into a nucleus that's easy to navigate, so you can see all the exhibits without having to walk long distances." Exhibits and events at this year's Rennsport will showcase both vintage and recent Porsche race cars, with a special focus on the marque's compe- tition-winning vehicles from the past 70 years. "From little-known hill climb wins and the grueling 6,200-mile Paris-Dakar off-road race, to world championships and record wins at all of the major sports car venues like the 24 Hours Nearly 60,000 Porsche fans attended the 2015 Porsche Rennsport Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. "What started as a small gathering of Porsche folks has become a huge, world- wide event," says celebrated Porsche race driver Hurley Haywood. Photos: Porsche Cars North America