2018 Monterey Motorsports Reunion Artwork Revealed
Three iconic cars from Nissan’s and Datsun's racing past are celebrated in the official poster art for the annual Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca August 23-26. It is the first time in the event’s storied history that a Japanese automaker has been honored as featured marque.
Setting the racing stage was the BRE Datsun 510. The team of BRE founder and designer Peter Brock and driver John Morton went on to dominate the 1970-1972 National Championships, thereby firmly establishing Datsun as a considerable force on the racing map.
The second car in the poster trilogy is the IMSA GTU championship-winning GTU driven by Geoff Brabham, who in 1988, won nearly every race (eight consecutively), on his way to securing the IMSA Manufacturers Championship. Nissan followed its 1988 win with titles in 1989 and 1990.
The “newest” car in the poster is the No. 75 Nissan 300ZX that Steve Millen drove to the 1992 and 1994 Drivers’ Championship titles. The powerfully reliable 300ZX captured impressive wins in 1994 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Millen once again returns to the cockpit at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in race group 7B.
“It was important to capture different eras of Nissan history in one image, and I think these three cars beginning with the iconic Datsun 510 in its red, white and blue BRE livery will resonate with fans of all ages,” explained Bill Patterson, the official artist of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “I can’t wait to see these cars up close and hear them breathe to life.”
Patterson’s art will be available in limited-edition 24x36-inch posters that are sold exclusively in the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Official Store beginning at the Monterey Pre-Reunion Aug. 18 and 19. Patterson will also be present throughout the weekend of Aug. 23-26 to meet with visitors and conduct autograph sessions.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is one of the cornerstones of the world-renowned Monterey Classic Car Week that is held annually in the coastal community. Visitors worldwide descend on the area to enjoy the historic cars in action and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, along with the supporting activities that comprise the vibrant motoring week.
