Zak and Mika indulge in some big bore fun

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Is there a better place to spend part of one's summer break than Car Week at Monterey in California?

From the fascinating auctions to the indispensable Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach's Quail Lodge, the cluster of events draws everyone who's anyone in the automobile world.

But just a few miles up the road, nestled in the undulating hills, resides Laguna Seca, home of the Rolex Monterey Reunion, a celebration of motorsport's history.

McLaren's Zak Brown will be on track this weekend, racing a Porsche 935 in the 1973-1981 FIA, IMSA, GT class.

But the McLaren boss has brought along a special guest to share the fun. Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen slot himself behind the wheel of a 1970 McLaren M8D/3 Can-Am car for some big bore raucous running on Friday. And the Finn gave it a big thumbs up.

We note that Mika looks quite the part in those 2019 McLaren F1 overalls.

As for Brown, the McLaren boss posted an enticing message on Twitter for the F1 team's young hopefuls, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.