Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2012

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2012 was staged August 16-19 on the 11-turn, 2.238 mile Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, California.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion presents special awards, but not for winning a race. These go to individuals who embody the spirit of the weekend, the passion of historic car racing and the restoration and preservation of the many phenomenal cars present.

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The Paragon of Speed Award – In recognition of a lifetime’s pursuit of speed, and unerring support of automobile racing.
Winner: Fred Knoop

Best Paddock Display – Presented to the best paddock display representative of the era.
Winner: Brian Blain with his 1911 National

Road and Track Magazine Award – Presented to the car we would most like to race.
Winner: Rob Walton for his 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe

Henry Ford Trophy – Presented to the most significant Ford-powered entry.
Winner: Jim Click and his 289 Shelby Cobra

The Brilliance Award – Presented to the owner of the car with Exceptional History and Unquestionable Provenance.
Winner: Peter Mullin for his 1950 Talbot Lago T26c Grand Prix car.

Ken Miles Trophy – Presented for the representation of a vintage car under 1500cc.
Winner: Tom Trabue for his 1959 Porsche 550A Spyder

Monterey Reunion Pre-War Trophy – Presented to the most outstanding Pre-War entry.
Winner: Brian Blain and his 1911 National

Pierce Manifolds Carb Award – Presented to the best performing Shelby Cobra.
Winner: Sandra McNeil for her 1963 Shelby Cobra 289

The Phil Remington Award – A new award named after one of the all-time great mechanics and fabricators, Phil Remington. Presented to the mechanic who demonstrates exceptional skill.
Winner: Dennis Etcheverry with Norman Racing Group restoring vintage race cars

The President’s Cup – Presented to the entrant whose car has historical significance to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Winner: Don Racine and his 1952 Aardvark Modified

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The Founders Trophy – In honor of Steve and Debbie Earle. This award is presented to the person who richly personifies historic racing.
Winner: To the remembrance of a truly passionate and involved person who was instrumental in growing this sport, Martin Swig

Bonhams 1793 Cup – Presented to participants in the featured morning races that best exemplifies the spirit of the event.
Race 3A (Shelby Cobra) – Jim McCashin for his 1965 Shelby Cobra 427
Race 8A (Formula Atlantic) – Bob Baker and his 1977 Ralt Atlantic
Race 9A (Trans-Am) – Mike Joy for his drive in the 1970 Dodge Challenger
Race 8B (Stock Cars) – Gary Sousa and his 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Rolex Award for Excellence – Presented for Overall Excellence in each race category, as determined by an independent panel.
Winners:
Rolex Race 1A – Alan Travis driving a 1907 Renault Vanderbilt Racer
Rolex Race 2A – Mark Sange driving a 1948 Kurtis Midget
Rolex Race 3A – Lorne Leibel driving a 1964 Shelby Cobra 289
Rolex Race 4A – Leonard Turnbeaugh in a 1958 Porsche 356A
Rolex Race 5A – Johan Woerheide driving a 1965 Lola T70
Rolex Race 6A – Dennis Singleton driving a 1974 Porsche 911 RSR
Rolex Race 7A – Terry Gough driving a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Rolex Race 8A – Daniel Marvin driving a 1976 March 76B
Rolex Race 9A – Ken Adams driving a 1969 Ford Mustang
Rolex Race 1B – Frank Zucchi driving a 1960 Piranha Racer
Rolex Race 2B – Tupper Robinson driving a 1958 Bandini Formula Junior
Rolex Race 3B – Carl Moore driving a 1960 Maserati Type 61 Birdcage
Rolex Race 4B – Harinda de Silva driving a 1978 Osella PA8
Rolex Race 5B – Sharon Wardman driving a 1963 Rene Bonnet D’Jet
Rolex Race 6B – Rick Knoop driving a 1984 Group 44 Jaguar GTP
Rolex Race 7B – Andre Lara Resende driving a 1965 Lotus 26R
Rolex Race 8B – Tom Klauer driving a 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Spirit of Monterey – Presented to the driver who excels in the Spirit of the Weekend.
Winner: Mr. Lynn Park for his on-track performance and invaluable support with the Shelby Cobra group.

In addition to Dennis Gray’s report and photo gallery and Tim Scott’s Shelby Cobra race and picture gallery, photographer Michael DiPleco offers the following perspective on the 2012 Monterey Reunion.

Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2012 – Top 10 Photos (As chosen by Sports Car Digest)