MONTEREY, Calif., August 9, 2026 — The Pre-Reunion roared to life Saturday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a full day of practice and qualifying featuring many of the world’s finest historic race cars, setting the stage for the first two races of Monterey Car Week on Sunday.
The day culminated with one of the weekend’s most anticipated traditions — the Corkscrew Hillclimb, the only time of the year competitors race up the legendary Corkscrew, reversing direction on one of motorsport’s most iconic stretches of pavement.
Defending champion Christine Sloss successfully defended her Corkscrew Hillclimb title, taking the overall victory in her Ferrari SF90 XX Spider.
Christine Sloss celebrates back-to-back Corkscrew Hillclimb victories. Photo: Tony Campbell
While Sloss claimed the fastest time at 30.482 seconds, Andri Musiienko of Ontario, Canada, earned the People’s Choice Award in his 2015 Porsche Macan. Musiienko had the crowd roaring as he attacked the uphill course in full drift — including an unforgettable reverse drift on his way up the Corkscrew.
Richard Spritz captured the Formula Junior Award behind the wheel of his 1960 Huffaker BMC Mk 1, recording a best time of 37.985 seconds from the front straight to the top of Turn 9.
Adding another entertaining twist to this year’s Hillclimb, Ross Merrill, along with sons Thomas Merrill and Jonathan Merrill, took on the course aboard three go-karts in tandem, proving one of the event’s most memorable sights.
The action continues Sunday with the first two races of Monterey Car Week as the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion concludes and competitors prepare for next week’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
Race groups, schedules and event information, along with ticket and hospitality options for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, are available at WeatherTechRaceway.com.
About the ROLEX Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Recognized as one of the world’s premier motorsport lifestyle gatherings, the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will celebrate Japanese Performance as its featured marque. Led by Grand Marshal Peter Brock, the event will showcase legendary race cars and manufacturers that helped shape global motorsports, including Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Yamaha, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mitsubishi.
The four-day celebration, August 12-15, 2026, also features the Bonhams|Cars auction, the return of Historic IROC, a new JDM Car Show, historic INDYCARS and hundreds of the world’s finest historic race cars and motorcycles competing on the iconic 11-turn circuit, creating an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts and collectors alike. Tickets and hospitality packages are available at weathertechraceway.com.
About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California, operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501c(3) non-profit. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The 2.238-mile raceway features 11 challenging turns and approximately 180 feet of elevation change, including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. Friends of Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year. Find out how you can get involved at FriendsOfLagunaSeca.org.
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Hypercars, World Champion GP Riders, IROC Legends Heighten Entertainment and Experiences at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Six American World Champions Reunite at Laguna Seca for Historic Celebration of Japanese Motorsport