MONTEREY, Calif., July 30, 2026 — Christine Sloss returns to defend her Corkscrew Hillclimb title as a field of challengers looks to best her winning time of 29.535 seconds. The Carmel resident was a fan favorite and was loudly cheered as she raced uphill in her bright yellow 2025 Ferrari SF90 XX Spider.
With just one week to go until the Corkscrew Hillclimb, participants as far away as Melbourne, Australia, and Dartford, England are among the Monterey Pre-Reunion drivers gearing up to challenge the iconic series of turns by racing in the opposite direction.
Now in its fifth year, the race-against-the-clock has become the highlight of the Monterey Pre-Reunion, Saturday, August 8, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which serves as the prelude to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 12–15. Sloss’ Ferrari SF90 XX Spider provides guests with a preview of the first-ever Hypercar & Supercar rally that will arrive at Laguna Seca, where there will be exhibition laps on Saturday, Aug. 15.
This year’s Hillclimb will bring a spirited family atmosphere. Benjamin Sloss returns to take on the Corkscrew, and Christine’s winning time, in his 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale. Making their debut is the go-kart tandem team of Ross, Thomas and Jonathan Merrill, who will race the clock — and one another — for family bragging rights.
Meanwhile, returning from Australia for his fifth appearance is Paul Freestone in his brilliantly prepared 1958 Austin Healey. While it’s not the fastest car in the group, he is probably the driver sporting the widest grin as he races up the hill to take the checkered flag after cresting the Corkscrew.
“Each year, fans line up along the fences from turn 11 up through the Corkscrew to watch this special race,” says April Henderson, vice president of events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “While it’s highly unusual for cars to travel in this direction, the racing line and runoffs are perfectly in sync to provide a fast, fun and safe environment. It is certainly not something people get to see every day.”
The fastest recorded time was captured in 2024 by former Formula 1 driver Max Chilton in the McMurtry Spéirling fan car during its U.S. debut. This British electric hypercar with its massive downforce stunned the crowd with a 21.958-second run up the hill.
Tickets for the Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb on Saturday, Aug. 8 are available in advance at WeatherTechRaceway.com or at the gate.
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 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 package 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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Four-Wheel and Two-Wheel Champions Reunite at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion