Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Celebrates Excellence with Prestigious Awards

The 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion concluded with a series of awards that recognized exceptional performances, sportsmanship, and significant contributions at the event that celebrated 50 years of historic racing. Held at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the event brought together racing enthusiasts from around the globe, celebrating both the cars and the individuals who bring them to life.

The awards were presented by Kevin Harris who has hosted the Live Broadcast alongside Jonathan Green for many of the past historic races. Special thanks were given to the staff at WeatherTech Raceway, the Laguna Seca Volunteer Association, the participants and selection committee and the event Grand Marshal Bill Warner, who went above and beyond his duties all weekend.

Special Recognition
This year’s event marked a poignant milestone with the retirement of Dick Sisich, who has been the voice of the historic races and all the other major events at Laguna Seca for the past 60 years. In a heartfelt tribute, Sisich was honored with a signed poster, thanking him for his decades of dedication.

Dick Sisich says his goodbyes. Photo by Robert Watt

Ken Miles Award
In honor of Ken Miles, this prestigious award was presented to Michael Kaleel for his exceptional driving of the 1962 Lola Mk 1 in the Briggs Cunningham Trophy Race. The award recognizes the outstanding performance of a car under 1500cc that is well-prepared, driven expertly, and holds historical significance.

Phil Remington Award
Awarded by Ford, the Phil Remington Award celebrates the dedication of mechanics who go above and beyond. This year’s honoree, Brian Garzelli, was recognized for his outstanding work with Competition Touring Cars.

Henry Ford Trophy
Matt Crandall was awarded the Henry Ford Trophy for exemplifying the competitive spirit of Henry Ford. Crandall’s performance in the 1964 Ford Falcon during the Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy race was a testament to Ford’s enduring legacy in motorsport.

Bonhams Award – The Passion and Spirit
Presented by Bonhams, this award celebrates exceptional sportsmanship. Michael Doyle, driving his 1961 Jaguar XKE in the Ken Miles Sixties GT group, was recognized for his excellent driving and generous assistance to fellow racer Jenson Button.

John Fitch Corvette Award
Patrick Byrne received the John Fitch Corvette Award for his immaculate restoration and representation of Corvette racing history with his 1963 Split Window Corvette in the Ken Miles group.

Photo by Tony Campbell

Rolex Group Awards
Rolex continued its tradition of honoring drivers who exemplify overall excellence in each of the event’s races:

• Group 1: Skip Barber Cup: Max Minshul, driving his 1981 Royale RP31
• Group 2: Briggs S. Cunningham Trophy: Nick Price, in his 1959 Sadler Meyer Special
• Group 3: John Morton Trophy Race: Francisco Guzman, driving his 1959 Porsche 550 Durlite Spyder
• Group 4A: Hurley Haywood IMSA GTP, FIA Group C Trophy: Duncan MacKellar, in his 1989 Porsche 962C
• Group 4B: Hurley Haywood IMSA GTO and Trans AM Trophy: Steve Schuler, driving his 1986 Roush Ford IMSA Mustang
• Group 5: Ragtime Racers Exhibition: Rick Rawlins, in his 1920 Ford Board Track Racer
• Group 6: Ken Miles Sixties GT Trophy: Chris Beighton, racing his 1964 Sunbeam Le Mans Tiger
• Group 7: Scott Pruett Legends of Endurance: Max Moritz, in his 2010 Porsche 997
• Group 8: Peter Gregg Trophy: Alex McDowell, driving his 1972 Nissan Skyline GTR
• Group 9: Parnelli Jones Trans Am Trophy: Richard Goldsmith, in his 1970 Dodge Challenger
• Group 10: Mario Andretti Trophy: John Dimmer, driving his 1971 Tyrrell 009
• Group 11: Pedro Rodriguez Trophy: Ethan Shippert, in Gray Gregory’s 1969 Chevron B16
• Group 12: Jim Hall USRRC Cup: Amy Gould, driving the 1964 Porsche Platypus
• Group 13: Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy: David Woodhouse, in his 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S

Spirit of Monterey Award
The most prestigious award of the weekend, the Spirit of Monterey, was presented to Marnix Dillenius for his outstanding performance and embodiment of the event’s spirit. Dillenius, racing his 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ in the John Morton group, has been a part of the Monterey Historics since its inception in 1974. His name will be engraved on a new perpetual trophy displayed annually in the Driver’s Club.

Our Spirit of Monterey Award went to Marnix Dillenius. Photo by Robert Watt

Looking Ahead to 2025
In a thrilling announcement, it was revealed that the 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One. The event will feature Formula One cars in a prestigious heritage display and two F1 run groups alongside many of the traditional and popular groups that fans have come to love.

The prize giving ceremony is always a special culmination of a long week of racing. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion continues to honor the legacy and passion of motorsport, bringing together historic cars and the people who love them in an unmatched celebration of speed, history, and camaraderie.