shutter / stop: Rennsport Reunion IV

"Odd Skid Marks"

This will be a blog that mixes two of my interests, photography and cars - to be more specific - It will be about Porsche's and an excuse to publish a number of Porsche Photo's one of my guilt pleasures.

This year we (northern Californians) were forntunate enough to host and attend one of the largest iof not the largest gatherings of Porsche's that has ever been held. Called Rennsport Reunion IV - it was held for the 1st time on the west coast, specifically at Laguna Seca in Monterey California. The previous three Reunions were scheduled in an ad hoc manner and all had been held on the east coast. So this was a big deal for Porsche lovers - So both Joy and I decided to splurge and attend.

"RS Spyder Nose"

"Split Personality 962"

The 1st impression was the overwhelming number of cars present. I do not know the final count of Porsche's present but the row upon row, upon rows of 911's (taildraggers), 356's, 914's, Boxsters, Caymans, etc... was just mind boggling. There were a tremendous amount of historic race cars present, ranging from 4 Cam Carreras, Spyders, special builts like Elva-Porsche's, Bobsy-Porsche's, Platypus, etc... Then there were the 908, 917, 935, 956 and 962's that dominated endurance racing and succesfully beat the likes of Ferrari, Ford, BMW, Lancia and others to numerous victories and championships. The history and accomplishment of this little car maker in Zuffenhausen Germany was in full view and is quite impressive.

"Oops at the Corkscrew"

Didier's RS Spyder

A bit more subtle was the way Porsche has influenced racing and in turn their production cars by bringing different technologies to the forefront. The Turbopanzers (the 917 Turbo's) introduced Turbocharging to the 911 Turbo which in turn led to many other companies making Turbo machines available at all proce points. Porsche demonstrated Hybrid technology by racing their 911 Hybrid, and creating a high end $800k 918 Spyder sports car with similar technology.

"Turbo Panzer"

Hybrid Technology

"Not a Prius"

There were many races on the track and many cars to see in the paddock and by the end of the weekend, after three days of Porsche overload, both Joy and I were satiated, tired and ready to go home. I hope you enjoy some of the visual memories I have attached to this blog.