Record 80,000 Spectators at Rennsport Reunion VI

Porsche passion fueled a record turnout of fans at Rennsport Reunion VI, with more than 80,000 spectators flocking to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca last weekend for the world’s largest Porsche festival.

The family reunion of historic race cars, legendary drivers and engineers and Porsche owners and enthusiasts packed the historic Californian circuit for four days of action, featuring 2,000 vehicles and countless campions and contender from 70 years of Porsche’s motorsport involvement.

Official attendance was 81,550, according to raceway officials, marking the largest at Laguna Seca in five years and breaking the previous Rennsport record of 60,000 at the previous event in 2015.

Beyond the numbers, there was fascination for seven decades of stunning Porsche models, from the blistering-fast 919 Hybrid Evo to bright-red Porsche tractors from the brand’s early days.

The original 356 “No. 1” Roadster was on display and even took to the track, piloted by none other than Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG and son of Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, who built the first Porsche sports car.

“Every Porsche car has a soul, and Rennsport has its own soul thanks to the emotional response of enthusiasts who come from around the world,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

“We are deeply grateful to the champion drivers and brilliant engineers behind more than 30,000 Porsche motorsports victories so far – who help us develop on the track what we bring to the street.

“Celebrating this heritage together with the extended Porsche family of fans made Rennsport Reunion VI the biggest and best yet, and the most thrilling.”

Adding to the excitement of Rennsport was the world premiere of the Porsche 935 race car.

Featuring a body reminiscent of the legendary Porsche 935/78, the 700-horsepower competition vehicle will be produced in a limited number of 77 units. Based on the street-legal 911 GT2 RS high-performance sports car, the technology in the Porsche 935 is geared towards clubsport events on racetracks.

Rennsport attendees were also treated to the U.S. premiere of the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept, based on the current 991 generation and offering a preview of a potential new equipment range from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

Approximately 50 legendary drivers, 500 historic and customer cars, including 350 cars in competition, and the full Porsche Factory Team were in attendance, giving all Porsche enthusiasts a thrill for their senses. In addition, 1,600 Porsche cars were on display in the Porsche Club of America corral.

The festival also featured four days of autograph sessions, on-stage interviews, concerts, and various meet-and-greets around the Porsche Park in the Paddock with champion drivers, including Hurley Haywood, Derek Bell, and Jacky Ickx, and factory drivers, including 919 Hybrid Evo driver Timo Bernhard.

Winners of the event include Pierce Marshall in the No. 12 2008 Riley Daytona Prototype (Group 1), Gunnar Jeannette in the No. 4 1969 Porsche 908 (Group 2) and the No. 31 2007 Porsche RS Spyder (Group 6), Thomas Gruber in the No. 58 1971 Porsche 914-6 (Group 3), Patrick Long in the No. 5 1983 Porsche Fabcar 935 (Group 4), Gregory Campbell in the No. 356 1955 Porsche Devin Speedster (Group 5) and Jorg Bergmeister in the No. 17 2012 Porsche GT3 RSR (Group 7).

RESULTS: Sunday Races