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Reno Rennsport was established in 1980 as a BMW repair shop. In 2008, under new ownership it was expanded to focus on BMW, Mini and Porsche. As an independent shop Rennsport provides service and repair for BMW, Porsche and Mini cars at competitive pricing versus the dealership.  The shop also provides performance and race development for BMW and Porsche cars. Supporting and maintaining cars that compete in NASA, SCCA, PCA, SVRA vintage racing, Spec BMW and Porsche Racing Club’s Spec 911 and GTL series.  Reno Rennsport is proud to be a local small business serving the northern Nevada area for over 35 years.

Reno Rennsport – A passion for safety, reliability and performance.


 

The Team:

Mat Lowrance

Mat Lowrance

Partner, Head of Race Development & Special Projects

Mat brings over 45 years of mechanical and engineering experience primarily with Porsche cars. He began his career in the bay area servicing early air cooled Porsche’s. Mat worked on and owned a number of 911 S’s RSR’s, RS and other collectible models. He also helped develop and maintain professional race cars such as the 935’s that were campaigned in the IMSA series. He also built and campaigned his own Porsches in several professional IMSA races throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s. After IMSA he moved to regional racing in SCCA where he acquired dozens of podium finishes. He is responsible for building a number of front running club racing Porsches in both Spec 911 and GT race classes. Once he relocated to Reno he became the lead Porsche specialist for Sport Haus for 28 years. Mat became a partner of Reno Rennsport in 2009.

Jess Lattin

Jess Lattin

Partner- Porsche Master Technician

Jess began his career with the Porsche dealership in Reno over 15 years ago. He has logged over 1,000 hours of Porsche factory training in Porsche’s North American facilities. He earned their highest certification as a Porsche technician and was the head technician for the dealership for many years. Jess has exceptional expertise with water cooled Porsches and newer models. He has significant training and experience working on 996’s,997’s, 991’s, Cayenne’s, Cayman’s, Panamera’s and even the 918 and Carrera GT. He was one of the first few Technicians in the US to complete 996 and 997 engine displacement enlargements. Jess also brings experience with other foreign exotic super cars such as Ferrari, Bentley and Lamborghini. Jess is the Technical Chairman on the board for Porsche Club of America’s Sierra Nevada Region.

John Trautwein

John Trautwein

Partner, Head of Shop Operations

John brings over 10 years of experience as Rennsport’s head BMW Technician. He is also intimately involved with Rennsport’s Porsche work and helps manage all large builds and projects at the shop. John became a partner in 2014. He is known for exotic BMW Stroker projects, turbo and supercharger builds, but has also built Porsche spec 911 race cars and prepared several Mini Coopers for race competition in SCCA. John has extensive training and certifications for water cooled Porsche engine management and mechanical systems. He has also completed comprehensive certifications for Mini Coopers. When he’s not at the shop he enjoys spending time with his wife Hannah and two daughters Lilly and Layla.

Brian Lowrance

Brian Lowrance

Partner, Head of Business Operations

Brian has over a decade of experience in finance and corporate operations. He holds a Bachelors degree In Business Administration from Cal Poly and has numerous financial designations. Brian has spent nearly 20 years racing and developing Porsches with his father Mat. He currently campaigns a 1969 Porsche 911 in the Porsche Racing Club’s Spec 911 series. Brian became a partner at Rennsport in 2016.

Sonny Bonito Sr.

Sonny Bonito Sr.

Senior BMW Technician

Sonny has been working solely on BMWs for the past 25 plus years. He is factory trained by BMW and spent over 5 years at the BMW dealership before deciding to join Rennsport. Sonny is the Lead Master Technician at Rennsport for all BMW work. Sonny also develops and maintains numerous BMW race cars that compete in SCCA regional and national races. He also campaigned his own BMW for a full season of SCCA racing. Sonny helps manage all of Rennsport’s custom BMW builds and projects.

Rick Ricketts

Rick Ricketts

Service Writer

Rick Joined Rennsport because he has a passion for european makes, particularly BMW. He has over 5 years experience in management and corporate operations. Most recently, he was the Assistant Service Manager at Dolan Toyota. Rick is also an enthusiast mechanic and has done several projects with his own BMW’s.

Rob Cocchiara

Rob Cocchiara

Apprentice Technician

Rob had a passion for automotive science since an early age. He grew up in the Reno area and spent much of his time in high school in the auto shop. He developed excellent fabrication and welding skills early on. Prior to Rennsport, Rob was an apprentice plumber. Now he spends his time learning and working around cars he has a passion for.

Charles Paya

Charles Paya

Senior BMW Technician

Chuck is an experienced BMW technician with a decade of factory training and experience. Chuck attended a formal Tech school before joining BMW. He also ran is own independent performance shop in Las Vegas for a number of years. Chuck has deep factory BMW experience and is a strong asset to the Rennsport team.