The Buzzetta Family Takes on Porsche’s Honorary Rennsport 7: Icons of Porsche
After a 5 year hiatus, the Porsche community convened together in Monterey, California, to commemorate Porsche’s revered racing legacy. This special occasion, the Rennsport Reunion 7, marked Porsche’s 75th Anniversary and drew a staggering 91,000 car enthusiasts to partake in their exciting events and festivities.
“It’s like Disneyland for Porsche enthusiasts.” –Greg Hudock, Excellence Mag, Rennsport Reunion 7: No Ivory Towers at Rennsport
The Rennsport Reunion 7 (RR7) had a turnout so monumental that it had set a record-breaking attendance! The RR7 is officially considered the largest Rennsport event in history.
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The Rennsport Reunion was the perfect opportunity for fanatics to get up close and personal with more than 300 Porsche production and racing cars, sourced from the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen as well as from personal private collections!
To add to the excitement, the Buzzetta family had the exceptional opportunity to showcase both their 1964 Elva-Porsche and 1964 Porsche 904 in the Werks Trophy Class AND race their family’s vintage Porsche vehicles! Joe Buzzetta Jr., proprietor of Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, piloted the 1964 Elva-Porsche, while James Buzzetta Jr., General Manager of Genesis of Smithtown, took the wheel of the 1964 Porsche 904. Their father, Jim Buzzetta, dealership principal of Mercedes-Benz of Huntington, was there during every step of the experience- from taking in the sights and sounds of the exhilarating RR7, to rooting for James and Joe Jr during every single blistering mile around Porsche’s west-coast, outdoor track!
At RR7, the Buzzetta Family’s remarkable Porsche 904 was selected as one of approx. 65 vehicles featured in the Concours.
The Buzzetta Family’s 1964 Porsche 904 was awarded the title of:
“Wolfgang Porsche’s Favorite”!
This special acknowledgment was awarded to the Buzzetta Family due to the deeply personal connection the Porsche 904 has with Wolfgang’s father, who designed the aforementioned model. The silver 1964 Porsche 904 achieved notable victories, including the Targo Florio in 1964, a Class Victory at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hours by James’ Grandfather, and multiple podium finishes worldwide.
Porsche’s RR7 had more in store, showcasing the new 911 Porsche Carrera T in a heartwarming tribute to historical Porsche pioneers.
Among these pioneers was Joe Buzzetta Sr., whose name adorned the hood.
The new Porsche Carrera T was specially adorned to pay homage to Joe Buzzetta and other remarkable individuals who played pivotal roles in Porsche’s history and fan community.
The event featured numerous race car drivers and figures from both the Porsche factory and the Porsche Family. The Buzzetta Family cherished the opportunity to reconnect with the Porsche Family on the West Coast, engaging in heartwarming conversations.
“Once again, fans and owners of racing cars were united in their passion. That’s what makes the atmosphere so special…It felt like the best kind of family reunion.” –Alwin Springer, Grand Marshal for RR7, very first CEO and former President of Porsche Motorsport North America, Porsche announces Grand Marshals for Rennsport Reunion 7
Much like the Buzzetta Family, Alwin Springer, co-Grand Marshal of RR7, also has his foundational roots completely encased in Porsche passion! Over the course of 50 years, Alwin bloomed from being a technician to ultimately being CEO of Porsche North America! From January of 1990 to February of 2004, Alwin described his job’s goal as simply being: “the next race. We focused everything on the next win.” Throughout his career, Alwin never considered if/how he would impact the Porsche community, but after doing his best for many years, he is bestowed and beyond touched by this prestigious nomination.
“We didn’t think about creating a legacy, but this is a result of that…I never dreamed one day I would be honored in this way.” –Springer
Alwin Springer (right) shares the honor of not just attending, but preceding over the Rennsport Reunion 7, with Patrick Long (left). Patrick Long, 18-year veteran driver of the Porsche Works Team and 3-time IMSA champion, including 24 of Le Mans, Daytona, and 12 Hours of Sebring, was beyond excited to be able to experience, share stories, and co-lead the largest Porsche event thus far!
“The icons of Porsche have influenced what has happened on track and on the street no matter what their titles might be.” –Patrick Long, Porsche announces Grand Marshals for Rennsport Reunion 7
Fun Fact! Patrick Long went head-to-head at the RR7, racing a Porsche tractor against Jörg Bergmeister, Porsche ambassador and test development driver.
Competition Auto Group would love to express gratitude to photographers Stephen Landau (@imageluminaries)
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and @taderfader on Instagram,
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for capturing stunning shots and visuals of the Buzzetta family both on and off of the track.
We cannot extend grand enough thanks towards Porsche for the invitation all the way out to the West Coast, and for the profound honoring of Joe Buzzetta Sr.! The Buzzetta Family’s experience was indescribably amazing, filled with wild west coast memories and genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
