BRUMOS at Rennsport III: Reuniting, Racing, and Remembering

Rennsport III: Reuniting, Racing, and Remembering
Jacksonville, FL - Porsche fans and drivers alike have impatiently waited since 2004 for the return of the popular Rennsport Reunion. This year’s event marks the third of these gatherings, as 2007 sees a return to the location of the hugely successful second reunion – Daytona International Speedway.

The Rennsport Reunion brings together an unrivaled collection of significant Porsches, both vintage and current models, along with many of their famous drivers, and it all takes place November 2nd – 4th in Daytona. The event is sponsored by Porsche Cars North America, and is organized by legendary Porsche driver Brian Redman’s Intercontinental Events, Inc. group, and is open to the public. Co-Grand Marshals for 2007 are Peter Schwarzenbauer, PCNA President and CEO, and Betty Jo Turner, editor of Porsche Club of America’s Porsche Panorama magazine.

While the 2004 event celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 911, the focus for this year is on race cars – the Porsche 917 is highlighted, with the 25th anniversary of the racing debut of the 956/962 prototypes also featured. While racing is undoubtedly a big part of the program, which includes races for both historic and contemporary entries, there is something for every Porsche fan during this three day event weekend. The kick-off event set for Friday afternoon is a Porsche Club lapping session, which would allow attendees who drive their Porsche there to tour the track at Daytona International Speedway. Another eagerly anticipated event is the Concours d’Sport, the first concours for race cars ever held at a Rennsport Event, which is slated for Saturday afternoon. For model enthusiasts, there is even a Porsche model car contest, which includes ten judged categories.

Sure to be very popular is the Saturday Swap meet, open from 10 AM to 2 PM, which features Porsche-only items – toys, memorabilia, technical literature, and many other related items are included, with proceeds going to benefit Camp Boggy Creek for Children. Test drives will also be offered on a daily basis for those who have not yet had a chance to get behind the wheel of the versatile Porsche Cayman. But as popular as the significant cars are, many fans attend to see what may be the largest gathering of legendary Porsche drivers in one place. In addition to the Brumos drivers – Hurley Haywood, J.C. France, Darren Law, and David Donohue – the Saturday autograph session offers fans the unparalleled opportunity to meet, talk with, and collect signatures of a large number of the most famous Porsche drivers, both past and present.

One feature of the reunion which has received little press is the ambitious History of Porsche Display. Sponsored by the Porsche Club of America, the display sought a representative example of each Porsche production car manufactured. The cars recruited were those which are well maintained and in stock condition. Committee Chairman Steve Gaglione reports that approximately 55-60 cars are expected in the comprehensive display, which will be open all day Friday through Sunday.

As in past Rennsport events, this year’s reunion features heavy participation from Brumos Porsche and Brumos Racing. The Brumos Collection will contribute several of its significant and historic race cars for display and participation during the weekend. A tentative list of these vehicles can be found following this article.

This Rennsport will be particularly meaningful this year to Brumos, however. In an especially fitting tribute, Bob Snodgrass, CEO of Brumos who died unexpectedly in April, 2007, will be remembered. The event is to be dedicated to the memory of Bob, as his love of Porsches and many significant contributions to motorsports will be highlighted in a feature story for the Rennsport program.

For complete details, scheduling, and ticket information, visit www.rennsport2007.com or, by phone, contact Daytona International Speedway at 1 -800-PITSHOP.

Brumos Vehicles: Rennsport III

The Brumos Collection - Race Cars:

962 - #03, owned and raced by A.J. Foyt, acquired by Brumos in 1990, final of 3 Holbert Racing built chassis, also raced by Hurley Haywood.

917 – 1972-1973, originally purchased in 1972 for Peter Gregg, rebuilt after a crash
and last driven by him at the ’72 finale, then raced by Hurley Haywood in 1973

935 – 1979, Peter Gregg’s last race car, winner of 1979 IMSA Championship, maintained exactly as raced in 1979.
RSR- 1975, #43 Ecurie Escargot car, in modified Brumos scheme, Hurley Haywood drove to win the Daytona 24 Hours in 1977

914 - Original, 1st IMSA Camel GT Championship car in 1971, driven by Hurley Haywood & Peter Gregg

914 - GT Roadster built for Bob Snodgrass to race, was his last personal race car, HSR Championship winner

910 – 1967, #15, won Monza in 1968 with Porsche factory livery

959 – 1986, first true SuperCar, one of only 268 street legal versions ever built

SuperCar – 1992 IMSA SuperCar championship-winning Turbo

550 Spyder- 1955, Chassis #550-030, first of the purpose-built Porsche race cars, raced by Porsche’s Public Relation Director and racing boss Baron Huschke von Hanstein. Purchased by Brumos’ Bill Benecker, who raced it for over 10 years, recently restored to its original configuration.

356 C2 – 1965 Carrera 2, one of the final run of 356’s built

Other:

“Buster” – 1968 Mercedes-Benz Race Car Transporter, converted from a city bus at the Mercedes factory and finished at the Porsche factory, used by the Porsche factory race team from 1968 – 1989.

“Nellie-Belle” – Ford Louisville Transport Truck with hydraulic lift, purchased new by Peter Gregg to transport Brumos race cars, used until 1979.

Porsche 908 – Owned by Friedrich Kozka, currently being serviced by Brumos Racing, to be transported with the Brumos group to Rennsport

Article posted on: 07-Nov-01