Left to Right: Earl Bamber, Rebecca Sigler, J.C. and Jennifer France, Will and Sarah Bamber, Morgan and Mason Filippi, Tonya and Thomas Merrill, Kristy Simpson, and Madeline Stewart
At first glance, “runway” and “raceway” didn’t usually share the same sentence unless, of course, it was Wags on the Runway, where high fashion and high horsepower casually mingled over lunch like old friends.
Held just before the roar of engines took over WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Stubhub Monterey Sportscar Championship, this delightfully offbeat kickoff event traded pit lane intensity for patio charm. Hosted at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, the gathering blended hors d’oeuvres and lunch with a fashion show that felt equal parts Monaco chic and Central Coast ease. The event was narrated by noted motorsports broadcaster Ralph Sheheen and attended by Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca .
But the real twist and the reason it stuck with people was who took to the runway. Yes, there were stylish looks curated by the trendy retailer Pamplemousse Boutique, modeled by the wives and girlfriends of IMSA drivers. But sharing the spotlight were four-legged costars, adoptable dogs from SPCA Monterey County, trotting confidently alongside their human counterparts.
And if seasoned race fans were hard to impress, the dogs made it look easy. They did not just participate, they stole the show, leaving even the most glamorous outfits playing supporting roles.
Tonya Merrill’s smile perfectly captures the afternoon vibe as she strolls through the patio during Wags on the Runway, a benefit lunch supporting the Monterey County SPCA.
For Lauren Merrill, owner of Pamplemousse in Carmel and provider of the dresses for the two-legged models, the weekend carried a personal touch, as her son Thomas was set to compete in the event behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 Evo.
(L to R) Mason Filippi, Madeline Stewart, and Earl Bamber enjoy lunch on the patio at Casa Munras during the Wags on the Runway fashion show.
There was something refreshingly human about the whole affair. Away from helmets and lap times, drivers cheered from the sidelines as their partners took center stage, smiling just a bit wider than they typically do once the race weekend gets underway. It served as a reminder that motorsport was not only about speed, it was also about community, personality, and occasionally, a perfectly timed wag of a tail.
Guests enjoyed a warm sunny afternoon eating lunch outdoors on the patio at Casa Munras prior to the Wags on the Runway fashion show.
By the time the last look was shown and the final photo was snapped, Wags on the Runway had done exactly what it set out to do, kick off race weekend with style, heart, and just enough whimsy to make even the most serious racing purist crack a smile. And in a world of split-second margins, that might have been the most memorable finish of all.
Gallery
Left to Right: Earl Bamber, Rebecca Sigler, J.C. and Jennifer France, Will and Sarah Bamber, Morgan and Mason Filippi, Tonya and Thomas Merrill, Kristy Simpson, and Madeline Stewart
Sarah Bamber shakes the paw of her runway companion at the Wags on the Runway fashion show benefitting the Monterey County SPCA.
Sarah Bamber enjoys her moment on the runway at Casa Munras during the Wags on the Runway fashion show.
Morgan Filippi, wearing chic couture from Pamplemousse, walks the runway with her dog from the SPCA.
Rebecca Sigler enjoys her moment strolling throught the patio at Casa Munras during a benefit luncheon and fashion show for the Monterey County SPCA.
Kristy Simpson enjoys a cuddly moment with her SPCA dog during the Wags on the Runway charity lunch benefitting the Monterey County SPCA.
Morgan Filippi, wearing a blue sundress provided by Carmel boutique Pamplemousse, pets Fiona as they get ready to walk the runway.
Tonya Merrill’s smile perfectly captures the afternoon vibe as she strolls through the patio during Wags on the Runway, a benefit lunch supporting the Monterey County SPCA.
Jennifer France wears an outfit provided by Pamplemousse of Carmel.
Jennifer France, wife of J.C. France and owner of Action Express Racing team, walks an SPCA dog at Wags on the Runway.
(L to R) Mason Filippi, Madeline Stewart, and Earl Bamber enjoy lunch on the patio at Casa Munras during the Wags on the Runway fashion show.
Sports announcer Ralph Sheheen speaks with racecar driver Will Bamber
Racecar driver Thomas Merrill
Racecar driver Madeline Stewart
Racecar driver Mason Filippi
Racecar driver Earl Bamber
An SPCA dog receiving a little attention during the Wags on the Runway event.
Esteban restaurant at Casa Munras served up a delicious lunch for guests who came to support Wags on the Runway.
Guests enjoyed a warm sunny afternoon eating lunch outdoors on the patio at Casa Munras prior to the Wags on the Runway fashion show.
Delectable hors d’oeuvres were served to guests prior to the Wags on the Runway luncheon and fashion show.
Bryan from Esteban Restaurant at Casa Munras provided attentive service during the Wags on the Runway charity lunch benefitting the Monterey SPCA.
