Porsche named as feature marque for 2009 Monterey Historics

One of our favorite events of the Monterey Weekend is the Historic Automobile Races featuring hundreds of vintage racecars at the famed Laguna Seca racetrack. The historical value of the automobiles combined with the ease of access to the cars and owners in the paddock make it a spectator favorite. Ensuring that each event is unique, the races feature a different marque or theme every year. The past few years have seen fantastic collections of Alfa Romeos, Indy Roadsters, Coopers, and Chaparrals. For 2009 Porsche will be the featured marque (previously featured in 1982 and 1998), joining Ferrari and Alfa Romeo as the only makes to be selected three times. Everything from early Speedsters to the 956 Group C cars will be on track. If you're a Porsche nut, we would highly recommend that you start making travel plans for next August. More details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Monterey Historics]

PRESS RELEASE:

MONTEREY, Calif. – Following the recent success of this year's 35th anniversary of the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota, General Racing, the official event organizer, announced today the dates for the 2009 event. The 36th annual running of the world-famous races and auto exposition will take place on August 14-16, 2009, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Ticket sales will commence on November 17, 2008, and can be purchased online at: www.laguna-seca.com.

Each year, a featured marque is chosen to commemorate the event. This annual celebration of a specific manufacturer has intrigued thousands of compassionate enthusiasts from around the world. In 2009, the featured marque will be Porsche.

"We are extremely excited to honor Porsche and its incredible racing heritage at the 36th Rolex Monterey Historics," said Steve Earle, founder of the event and president of General Racing. "With great cars from the early Speedsters, and Spyders, to the 917's and the Group C cars, this event will be an auto enthusiasts dream, and we look forward to seeing these vehicles on the track."

The 35th anniversary of the Rolex Monterey Historics recently concluded on August 17, 2008. Fans had the opportunity to meet legendary driver and guest of honor Mario Andretti and witness him take the track in his 1979 Lotus.

Enthusiasts also experienced the Rolex "Moments in Time" display, which featured a range of significant cars with a focus on the early to mid 1900's. Highlighting the display was the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C-2900B Mille Miglia Spyder that Phil Hill drove to first place in the Del Monte Trophy Race in 1951 at Pebble Beach, which is currently part of fashion designer Ralph Lauren's collection. The 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes, a car that remains in original condition with all its original body panels, engine, transmission, and chassis components, was also featured.