Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates 50 years of historic racing in Monterey

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) - The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion welcomed drivers, race fans, and car enthusiasts from around the world. All of them sharing their love of cars while celebrating 50 years of historic racing in Monterey.

Drivers like Lee Hower had this event circled on the calendar.

"They always bring together a really amazing group of cars," Hower said. "But this year in particular, there are cars from Formula One cars, to sports cars, to cars from the 50s. The quality of them and the history of them are all really remarkable."

Walking through the paddock was like going through an exhibit, only the featured museum pieces wouldn't stay still for long.

"It's really neat to see the cars in motion and hear them and smell them," Hower said. "Cars are supposed to be moving things, not just static things."

The opportunity to participate in an event like this was not lost on driver James Alder.

"It's wonderful to be a part of [the Reunion] because we're getting to use these cars the way in which they were originally intended," Alder said.

But while drivers showcased their cars on the track, winning wasn't the focus.

"We kind of have everything to lose and nothing to gain," Alder said. "There's no trophies for places, but just the fact that they're allowing us to run the cars the way they originally did, in my opinion, I feel very privileged."

While the Reunion is just barely in the rearview mirror, all eyes are already on next year. That's because WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca announced the marque for the 2025 Reunion: Formula One.

The racing series will celebrate its 75th anniversary.