MONTEREY, Calif. (October 5, 2023) ― “Icons of Porsche” marked the seventh installment of the highly anticipated Porsche Rennsport Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The German sports car manufacturer celebrated its 75th anniversary of racing heritage in a spectacular event from September 28 – October 1 returning for a fourth time to the historic track located in Monterey.
Porsche Rennsport Reunion, often dubbed simply as “Rennsport,” (German for racing) is a must-attend event for motorsport enthusiasts, Porsche aficionados, and anyone with a passion for automotive history. Over the years, Rennsport has gained a reputation as a thrilling, family-friendly experience that brings together the Porsche community from all corners of the globe and this year broke the record with 91,000 in total attendance over the four days.
Over 300 entries competed across seven different classes in a spectacular display of authentic race cars representing a wide array of Porsche heritage. TAG Heuer partnered with Porsche to showcase some of the most iconic of these cars in a heritage display tent in the paddock where fans could experience some of the cars that changed the trajectory of Porsche and racing history before watching them out on track.
Following its Icons of Porsche theme were iconic names in Porsche racing history as legends were spotted walking about enjoying the event all weekend. Fans could meet these icons at one of two autograph sessions held every day of the event, each consisting of a dozen or more personalities, such as Patrick Long, Mark Webber, Felipe Nasr, Kevin Jeannette, Norbert Singer, Derek Bell, Jackie Oliver, Hurley Haywood, David Hobbs and Jacky Ickx among them.
Porsche continued its innovation storyline by utilizing the event for a U.S. debut of the Mission X concept, the Vision 357 Speedster concept and the new 911 S/T. The global debut of the new 911 GT3 R Rennsport was a highlight and as Motor Trend put it, “Porsche threw out the rulebook when working on this limited edition, seven-figure race car.” Fans enjoyed watching it fly around the track all weekend long.
Rennsport has always been a family gathering and Porsche stayed true to that promise with fan activities for all ages. Kids, adults, race car drivers and even some Porsche design team members took part in the coloring wall of cars, so much so that it filled up twice. Mobil 1 promoted a scavenger hunt for car enthusiasts to find some of the most iconic cars in the paddock. Hot Wheels had an interactive display and custom livery on display all weekend long. Optimus Prime and the new Porsche Autobot, Mirage stood tall on either side of the stage where the new Transformers movie “Rise of The Beasts” played on Friday night. Saturday night brought out the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Doobie Brothers for hundreds of fans to enjoy their masterful hits. Other family friendly cameos were made by Pixar Cars, Porsche tractor racing, arcade games, photo booths, an interactive garage that walked fans through the different decades in Porsche racing and so much more.
The Esports arena was jam packed all weekend with the anticipated final of the Porsche Championship. Randall Hayward emerged as the champion on Sunday afternoon with Robert Heck finishing in second and Donavan Parker placing third. The Hagerty Marketplace was bustling with activity and shopping that stretched across multiple rows, and on the inside of turn 3 fans could cast their vote for the Porsche Restoration Competition. A 1991 911 Carrera 4 Coupe entered by Porsche Beverly Hills was selected for the Individualization category, while a 1994 911 Turbo 3.6 Type 964 from Napleton Westmont Porsche won the Restoration category. Finally, a 1996 911 Turbo Type 993 entered by Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas was singled out as the Preservation and People’s Choice winner for its sympathetic and careful conservation.
The Porsche Carrera Cup North America returned for another stop in its series championship with two races on Sunday. Tom Sargent and Will Martin both took home first place points that inches them closer to the current leader Riley Dickenson and as they sit as #2 and #3 in the drivers’ standings respectively.
“It’s been a privilege to host our seventh Rennsport Reunion. The ingredients were just perfect, from legendary drivers from our past and present through to the presence of amazing new cars and additions to appeal to wider audiences that have never appeared at any Rennsport, such as Esports. The common component was the enthusiasm of everyone attending, the wonder, pride and excitement – it truly made Rennsport special. Here’s to the next one!”
Ayesha Coker, Vice President of Marketing at Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7 was indeed a resounding success, uniting generations of Porsche enthusiasts and celebrating the brand’s illustrious racing history. Attendees left with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of admiration for Porsche’s racing legacy.
“It was an honor for Monterey to be selected as host for the fourth time, but the real delight came from seeing Rennsport unfold to the amazement and joy of guests and participants. The WeatherTech Raceway team and volunteers from the Laguna Seca Volunteer Association and various service clubs outdid themselves. And all the while providing exemplary service to each person who came into Laguna Seca. From the Tapping of the Keg to open Rennsport to the closing awards ceremony, it was an experience unlike any other.”
John Narigi, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca President and General Manager