Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion 2017

The Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion 2017 was held August 12-13 at the 11-turn, 2.238-mile Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, California. Formerly known as Monterey Pre-Historics, the event is held the weekend before the larger Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The 2017 running of the Monterey Pre-Reunion was again open to the public, allowing spectators to enjoy a more relaxed paddock environment and a glimpse of the following weekend.

The Pre-Reunion is designed to give Monterey Motorsports Reunion entrants — many of whom have never raced on the technical Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca — track time before the green flag officially drops the following weekend. Typically about 50-75 percent of the cars that race in the Reunion also attend the Pre-Reunion and this year was no different, with more than 300 historic racing cars on track compared to 550 for the 2017 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

Cars from the Formula Juniors participating on their Diamond Jubilee World Tour to European sports cars from the 1950s to more recent prototypes from the 1970s and 1980s and a variety of different classic machines competed among 10 run groups and a two-race format. Although the emphasis for the racers was to have fun on the track and test their cars before this weekend’s extravaganza, some particularly spirited performances resulted in race victories.

Dyke Ridgley and Dave Zurlinden swapped first-place finishes in Group 1 (1947-1955 Sports Racing and GT Cars). Zurlinden wheeled his 1953 Tatum GMC Special to the Race 1 win on Saturday with Ridgley’s 1953 Jaguar C-Type following close, and they swapped positions in Race 2 on Sunday. Ridgley tripled-up with a pair of wins in Group 3 (1955-1961 Sports Racing Cars under & over 2000cc) in his other car, a 1960 Chaparral I that once belonged to Jim Hall.

Group 2 (1955-1962 GT Cars) was dominated by Alec Hugo’s 1962 Porsche 356B, a regular at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Chris Drake collected top honors on both days in Group 4 (1958-1960 Formula Jr. — front engine/drum brakes). Drake ran in front of the pack with one of only six 1961 Elva 300s ever built and one of only four known to still exist. The other Formula Junior group (1961-1963 Formula Junior — disc brakes) featuring a Saturday win by Timothy de Silva. On Sunday, Scott Drnek was the leader in Race 2 with his 1963 Brabham BT-6.

Race 1 and Race 2 in Group 5 (1961-1966 GT Cars under 2500cc) were swept by Brazilian driver Dalmo de Vasconcelos. The Rio de Janeiro native made the most of the 189 cubic inches powering his 1965 Lotus.

Decorated racer Bruce Canepa was at the top of the list on both days in Group 6 (1973-1981 FIA, IMSA GT, GTX, AAGT Car). Canepa’s 1979 Porsche 935 is the last factory-built 935 before Porsche stopped production to concentrate on prototype racing.

Group 7 (1963-1966 GT Cars over 2500cc) had different winners on Saturday and Sunday. Jeffrey Abramson got the win in Race 1 with his 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster while Alex MacAllister took Race 2 in his 1966 Ford GT40.

Keith Frieser won Race 1 in Group 8 (1970-1984 Sports Racing Cars under 2100cc) with the Canadian driver setting the pace in his 1972 Lola T290. Mike Thurlow raced to the front in Race 2 with his 1973 Lola T294 once raced by Augie Pabst.

The run group that closed the show was Group 10 (1981-1991 FIA, IMSA GTO, GTP Cars). In a 1986 Porsche 962 that won in its debut at the 1986 Six Hours of Riverside with Price Cobb driving, Zak Brown earned top honors on both days. Brown is currently the Executive Director of McLaren Technology Group.

Notable and interesting entrants at the 2017 Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion included Peter Giddings’ 1953 Lancia D24/5; Dyke Ridgley’s Jaguar C-Type, 1958 Scarab MkI, 1960 Chaparral I and 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight; Robert Bodin’s 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour De France’; Wolfgang Friedrichs’ 1954 Aston Martin DB3S and 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT; Herb Wetanson’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta; Jeffrey Abramson’s 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider; Alex Curtis’ 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe; Jonathan Feiber’s 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage; Ned Spieker’s 1957 Maserati 200SI and 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta; Chip Connor’s 1980 Porsche 935J and Chris MacAllister’s 1966 Ford GT40 and 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA; among a host of others.

Similar to 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, Sports Car Digest also documented the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion 2017, with Senior Photographer Dennis Gray highlighting the entrants enjoying their track time at Laguna Seca.

Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion 2017 – Photo Gallery (photos: Dennis Gray)

Aston Martin DBR3 DennisGray — Aston Martin DBR3

Keith Frieser - 1984 Mercury Capri DennisGray — Keith Frieser – 1984 Mercury Capri

Zak Brown - 1981 Porsche 935 DennisGray — Zak Brown – 1981 Porsche 935

Robert Bodin - 1957 Devin Ryan SR-001 DennisGray — Robert Bodin – 1957 Devin Ryan SR-001

Ron Goodman - 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe DennisGray — Ron Goodman – 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe

Lee Giannone - 1985 Porsche 962 DennisGray — Lee Giannone – 1985 Porsche 962

Peter Strauss - 1963 Brabham BT6 DennisGray — Peter Strauss – 1963 Brabham BT6

Kaid Marouf - 1960 Alfa Romeo SZ DennisGray — Kaid Marouf – 1960 Alfa Romeo SZ

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce DennisGray — Camilo Steuer – 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce

Ned Spieker - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta DennisGray — Ned Spieker – 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

Peter Smith - 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite DennisGray — Peter Smith – 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite

Herbert Wetanson - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta DennisGray — Herbert Wetanson – 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

George Batcabe - 1956 Porsche Speedster DennisGray — George Batcabe – 1956 Porsche Speedster

Daniel Schwartz - 1958 Turner 950S DennisGray — Daniel Schwartz – 1958 Turner 950S

Tancredi D'Amore - 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider DennisGray — Tancredi D\’Amore – 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

David Buchanan - 1956 Alfa Romeo Sebring Spyder DennisGray — David Buchanan – 1956 Alfa Romeo Sebring Spyder

Pair of Porsche 356 DennisGray — Pair of Porsche 356

Lars Mapstead - 1951 Jaguar XK120 DennisGray — Lars Mapstead – 1951 Jaguar XK120

William H. Lyon - 1952 MG TD Schiaretti Special DennisGray — William H. Lyon – 1952 MG TD Schiaretti Special

Rob Manson - 1953 Kurtis 500S DennisGray — Rob Manson – 1953 Kurtis 500S

Ferrari 500 Mondial DennisGray — Ferrari 500 Mondial

Wolfgang Friedrichs - 1954 Aston Martin DB3S DennisGray — Wolfgang Friedrichs – 1954 Aston Martin DB3S

Peter Giddings - 1953 Lancia D24/5 DennisGray — Peter Giddings – 1953 Lancia D24/5

Jack Perkins - 1954 Warrior Bristol DennisGray — Jack Perkins – 1954 Warrior Bristol

Marcus Bicknell - 1952 Streets Manning Special DennisGray — Marcus Bicknell – 1952 Streets Manning Special

Dave Zurlinden - 1953 Tatum GMC Special DennisGray — Dave Zurlinden – 1953 Tatum GMC Special

Robert Davis - 1953 Siata 208S DennisGray — Robert Davis – 1953 Siata 208S

Stu Hanssen - 1951 Baldwin Special DennisGray — Stu Hanssen – 1951 Baldwin Special

Jeff Marx - 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL DennisGray — Jeff Marx – 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Doug Sallen - 1952 Morgan Plus 4 DennisGray — Doug Sallen – 1952 Morgan Plus 4

Randall Smalley Sr - 1985 Jaguar XJR-5 DennisGray — Randall Smalley Sr – 1985 Jaguar XJR-5

Gordon Johnson - 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme DennisGray — Gordon Johnson – 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Bill Ockerlund - 1991 Chevrolet Duracell Camaro DennisGray — Bill Ockerlund – 1991 Chevrolet Duracell Camaro

Zak Brown - 1986 Porsche 962 DennisGray — Zak Brown – 1986 Porsche 962

Steve Schuler - 1991 Ford Roush Mustang DennisGray — Steve Schuler – 1991 Ford Roush Mustang

Philip Mendelovitz - 1989 Nissan 240SX DennisGray — Philip Mendelovitz – 1989 Nissan 240SX

Ross Myers - 1985 Ford Roush Mustang DennisGray — Ross Myers – 1985 Ford Roush Mustang

Wade Carter - 1984 Porsche 962 DennisGray — Wade Carter – 1984 Porsche 962

Dyke Ridgley - 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight DennisGray — Dyke Ridgley – 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight

Chris MacAllister - 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 DennisGray — Chris MacAllister – 1964 Shelby Cobra 289

Ranson Webster - 1976 Porsche 935 K3 DennisGray — Ranson Webster – 1976 Porsche 935 K3

Tom Hedges - 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo DennisGray — Tom Hedges – 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo

Jon LeCarner - 1951 Allard K2 DennisGray — Jon LeCarner – 1951 Allard K2

Olga Neulist Reindlova - 1969 Porsche 911 DennisGray — Olga Neulist Reindlova – 1969 Porsche 911

Jonathan Feiber - 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 DennisGray — Jonathan Feiber – 1960 Maserati Tipo 61

Jim Weissenborn - 1959 Byers CR90 MG Special DennisGray — Jim Weissenborn – 1959 Byers CR90 MG Special

David Swig - 1958 Scarab MkI DennisGray — David Swig – 1958 Scarab MkI

Cameron Healy - 1953 Porsche Cooper Pooper DennisGray — Cameron Healy – 1953 Porsche Cooper Pooper

Robert Kauffman - 1990 AAR Eagle Mk II GTP DennisGray — Robert Kauffman – 1990 AAR Eagle Mk II GTP

Kenneth Davis - 1985 Roush Mercury Capri DennisGray — Kenneth Davis – 1985 Roush Mercury Capri

DennisGray — Jonathan Feiber’s 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 leads David Swig’s 1958 Scarab MkI up the hill towards turn seven.

Douglas Klink -1952 Allard K2 DennisGray — Douglas Klink -1952 Allard K2

Erickson Shirley - 1959 Lister Costin DennisGray — Erickson Shirley – 1959 Lister Costin

Robert Kauffman - 1959 Lister Costin Prototype DennisGray — Robert Kauffman – 1959 Lister Costin Prototype

Greg Meyer three wheeling in his 1959 Sadler MkIV DennisGray — Greg Meyer three wheeling in his 1959 Sadler MkIV

David Swig texting in his Scarab going up the hill towards turn seven. DennisGray — David Swig texting in his Scarab going up the hill towards turn seven.

Steven Lawrence - 1959 Lotus 17 DennisGray — Steven Lawrence – 1959 Lotus 17

Steve Schmidt - 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster DennisGray — Steve Schmidt – 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

Ranson Webster - 1961 Porsche Abarth Carrera DennisGray — Ranson Webster – 1961 Porsche Abarth Carrera

Camilo Steuer - 1959 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce DennisGray — Camilo Steuer – 1959 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Augie Grasis - 1953 Allard-Cadillac J2X DennisGray — Augie Grasis – 1953 Allard-Cadillac J2X

Terry Cowan - 1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite Coupe DennisGray — Terry Cowan – 1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite Coupe

Augie Grasis-1953 Cadillac Allard J2X DennisGray — Augie Grasis-1953 Cadillac Allard J2X

David Nelson - 1955 Triumph TR2 DennisGray — David Nelson – 1955 Triumph TR2

Ernie Spada Jr. - 1984 Porsche 962 DennisGray — Ernie Spada Jr. – 1984 Porsche 962

Kurt Schultz - 1986 Porsche 962C DennisGray — Kurt Schultz – 1986 Porsche 962C

Dyke Ridgley - 1953 Jaguar C-Type DennisGray — Dyke Ridgley – 1953 Jaguar C-Type

Phillip Ribbs - 1963 Lotus 27 DennisGray — Phillip Ribbs – 1963 Lotus 27

James Claridge - 1963 Lola Mk5A DennisGray — James Claridge – 1963 Lola Mk5A

Danny Baker - 1963 Lotus 27 DennisGray — Danny Baker – 1963 Lotus 27

Timothy de Silva - 1962 Gemini MkIV DennisGray — Timothy de Silva – 1962 Gemini MkIV

Beautiful pair of Lotus Formula Juniors DennisGray — Beautiful pair of Lotus Formula Juniors

Robert Bodin - 1958 Ferrari Tour De France DennisGray — Robert Bodin – 1958 Ferrari Tour De France

Ted Herb - 1951 Allard K2 DennisGray — Ted Herb – 1951 Allard K2

Wolfgang Friedrichs - 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT DennisGray — Wolfgang Friedrichs – 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT

David Roberts - 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster DennisGray — David Roberts – 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

Steve Schmidt - 1958 Porsche Speedster DennisGray — Steve Schmidt – 1958 Porsche Speedster

Dave Handy - 1962 Austin Mini Cooper DennisGray — Dave Handy – 1962 Austin Mini Cooper

Bryan Hill - 1956 Chevrolet Corvette DennisGray — Bryan Hill – 1956 Chevrolet Corvette

Max Jamiesson - 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster DennisGray — Max Jamiesson – 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster

Charles Christensen - 1959 Porsche 356 Super Convertible D DennisGray — Charles Christensen – 1959 Porsche 356 Super Convertible D

Vincent Vento - 1952 Allard J2X DennisGray — Vincent Vento – 1952 Allard J2X

Wolfgang Friedrichs in his 1954 Aston Martin DB3S exiting turn three. DennisGray — Wolfgang Friedrichs in his 1954 Aston Martin DB3S exiting turn three.

Peter Giddings in his 1953 Lancia D24/5 . DennisGray — Peter Giddings in his 1953 Lancia D24/5 .

Augie Grasis - 1953 Allard Cadillac J2X in turn three Saturday morning. DennisGray — Augie Grasis – 1953 Allard Cadillac J2X in turn three Saturday morning.

Edward Hugo-1956 Porsche 356A DennisGray — Edward Hugo-1956 Porsche 356A

Ned Spieker's 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta DennisGray — Ned Spieker\’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

Wolfgang Friedrichs' 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT in turn three Saturday morning DennisGray — Wolfgang Friedrichs\’ 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT in turn three Saturday morning

Dyke Ridgley -1960 Chaparral Mk. 1 DennisGray — Dyke Ridgley -1960 Chaparral Mk. 1

Robert Kauffman’s 1959 Lister Chevrolet Costin Prototype. DennisGray — Robert Kauffman’s 1959 Lister Chevrolet Costin Prototype.

Danny Baker’s 1963 Lotus 27 in turn two Saturday afternoon. DennisGray — Danny Baker’s 1963 Lotus 27 in turn two Saturday afternoon.

Colin Nursey - 1962 Lotus 22 DennisGray — Colin Nursey – 1962 Lotus 22

Lee Giannone's 1985 Porsche 962 in turn two Saturday morning DennisGray — Lee Giannone\’s 1985 Porsche 962 in turn two Saturday morning

Dyke Ridgley's 1953 Jaguar C-Type XKC 053 DennisGray — Dyke Ridgley\’s 1953 Jaguar C-Type XKC 053

Peter Giddings exits turn eleven Saturday afternoon in his 1953 Lancia D24/5 DennisGray — Peter Giddings exits turn eleven Saturday afternoon in his 1953 Lancia D24/5

Chris MacAllister’s 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 DennisGray — Chris MacAllister’s 1964 Shelby Cobra 289

Harinda De Silva’s 1978 Osella PA8 BMW in turn five Saturday afternoon DennisGray — Harinda De Silva’s 1978 Osella PA8 BMW in turn five Saturday afternoon

Harinda De Silva's 1962 Gemini MkIV in turn five's oil dry Saturday afternoon. DennisGray — Harinda De Silva\’s 1962 Gemini MkIV in turn five\’s oil dry Saturday afternoon.

Ernie Spada Jr.’s 1984 Porsche 962 in turn five late Saturday afternoon. DennisGray — Ernie Spada Jr.’s 1984 Porsche 962 in turn five late Saturday afternoon.

Terry Hefty - 1959 Cooper Monaco T49 DennisGray — Terry Hefty – 1959 Cooper Monaco T49

Robert S. Davis - 1965 Lotus 7 DennisGray — Robert S. Davis – 1965 Lotus 7

Fred Burke - 1962 Cooper Monaco-Ferrari DennisGray — Fred Burke – 1962 Cooper Monaco-Ferrari

Brandon Adrian - 1967 Alfa Romeo GTA 1600 Corsa DennisGray — Brandon Adrian – 1967 Alfa Romeo GTA 1600 Corsa

Robert Bodin -1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' DennisGray — Robert Bodin -1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta \’Tour de France\’

Piers Gormly - 1959 Byers Volvo Sports Racer DennisGray — Piers Gormly – 1959 Byers Volvo Sports Racer

Revs Institute - 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 DennisGray — Revs Institute – 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6

Ned Spieker - 1957 Maserati 200SI DennisGray — Ned Spieker – 1957 Maserati 200SI

Herb Wetanson's 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta DennisGray — Herb Wetanson\’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

Duncan Rabagliati - 1959 Alexis HF1 DennisGray — Duncan Rabagliati – 1959 Alexis HF1

Jonathan Feiber's 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage DennisGray — Jonathan Feiber\’s 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage

Jim Yule - 1959 Elva 100 DennisGray — Jim Yule – 1959 Elva 100

Stan Anderes - 1956 Lotus Eleven DennisGray — Stan Anderes – 1956 Lotus Eleven

Steve Schmidt's1976 Porsche 935 K3 DennisGray — Steve Schmidt\’s1976 Porsche 935 K3

Mike Fisher - 1959 Bo Car XP5 DennisGray — Mike Fisher – 1959 Bo Car XP5

Bruce Canepa's immortal 1979 Porsche 935 DennisGray — Bruce Canepa\’s 1979 Porsche 935

Bob Roth - 1963 Genie Sports Racer DennisGray — Bob Roth – 1963 Genie Sports Racer

Chip Conner's1980 Porsche 935J DennisGray — Chip Conner\’s1980 Porsche 935J

Karl Krause - 1965 Turner MkIII Speciale DennisGray — Karl Krause – 1965 Turner MkIII Speciale

Dyke Ridgley's 1960 Chaparral I DennisGray — Dyke Ridgley\’s 1960 Chaparral I

Joseph Colasacco - 1959 Stanguellini Formula Junior DennisGray — Joseph Colasacco – 1959 Stanguellini Formula Junior

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