When Monterey hit its 50th anniversary of historic racing at the hallowed WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, it wasn’t just another motorsport event—it was a high-speed love letter to the past. Amid the echoes of engines roaring through the Corkscrew and cheers from fans around the globe, the 2024 Reunion crowned heroes both behind the wheel and in the pits.
We bid farewell to an icon this year. Sixty years behind the microphone, Dick Sisich finally took his bow. Honored with a signed poster, this beloved voice of Laguna Seca’s historic races was given a heartfelt homage for a lifetime of dedication.
Silver Screen Awards for Wheels and Wrenches
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Ken Miles Award: Michael Kaleel rocked the track in his 1962 Lola Mk 1, capturing the charm and punch of the under‑1500cc class.
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Phil Remington Award: Mechanics aren’t always in the spotlight—until Brian Garzelli’s craftsmanship in Competition Touring Cars earned him this top nod from Ford.
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Henry Ford Trophy: Matt Crandall channeled the spirit of Henry Ford behind the wheel of his 1964 Falcon, proving old-school muscle never dies.
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Bonhams – The Passion and Spirit: Michael Doyle didn’t just drive fast in his 1961 Jaguar XKE—he showed true camaraderie by being there for fellow legend Jenson Button.
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John Fitch Corvette Award: Patrick Byrne’s meticulous restoration of a ‘63 Split Window Corvette was a nod to racing heritage as slick as the car itself.
Rolex Reigns Over Racing Excellence
Rolex handed out a constellation of trophies, each shining brightly with skill, history, and heart. From Max Minshul’s 1981 Royale RP31 in the Skip Barber Cup to Amy Gould’s Porsche Platypus capturing the Jim Hall USRRC Cup—and everything in between—these winners revved up a heck of a show.
The Crown Jewel: Spirit of Monterey
Marnix Dillenius, behind the wheel of his ‘64 Alfa Romeo TZ, earned the ultimate honor: the Spirit of Monterey. Not just for his driving, but for being a part of this legacy—since day one in 1974. His name now graces a perpetual trophy in the Driver’s Club, a shining symbol of his place in history.
Rev your engines for 2025: Monterey will shift gears to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One, with a special heritage display and not one, but two F1 run groups joining the lineup—marking a bold new chapter in the Reunion’s legacy.
Final Lap Takeaway
This was more than an awards ceremony—it was a roaring tribute to motorsport culture, to those who keep the track alive, and to the timeless romance between man and machine. As we look forward to next year’s F1 tribute, the 2024 Reunion reminds us: at Monterey, history doesn’t just pass by—it accelerates.
photo credit: Lisa Watt
