Tens of thousands of motorsport and classic car fans who make their annual pilgrimage to Monterey each August will be rewarded with yet another immersive automotive experience unlike anywhere in the world. There will be 550 historic cars racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, interactive displays, rows and rows of cars being worked on in their pits and motorsport legends milling about in the open paddock as part of the experience.
In keeping with long-standing tradition, one automotive make will be honored as featured marque. This year’s honor goes to BMW, which is celebrating its full, rich 100th anniversary. The patriarchs of the brand, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, instilled a robust DNA in the company in 1916 through the combination of their respective businesses. Beginning as an aircraft engine manufacturer, adding motorcycles in 1923 and automobiles in 1928, a century later BMW has become one of the world’s most respected, innovative and popular brands.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca features authentic, race-proven cars that remain period and mechanically correct from when they originally ran. From the early pre-war cars like a 1916 National AC and 1927 Bugatti T37A Grand Prix car to the ground-pounding Can-Am cars from Lola, McLaren and Shadow, the senses will be fully rewarded.
The week officially kicks off the prior weekend on Friday, Aug. 12 with the Monterey Race Car Classic in downtown Monterey. Approximately 30 race cars from among 300-plus cars competing in the Monterey Pre-Reunion (Aug. 18 and 19) depart Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca under full California Highway Patrol escort to Alvarado Street for a two-hour festive show. A popular highlight is when all the cars fire up, rev their engines and depart the quiet street for their return to Mazda Raceway.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which along with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are cornerstones of the week, shifts into gear Thursday, Aug. 18 with each race group on track. Practice and qualifying sessions for all 15 race groups continue on Friday, providing visitors with the opportunity to see all 550 cars on track in 20-minute sessions.
On Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 20 and 21), the 15 groups are divided into A and B sessions. The A groups have two races on Saturday, while the B groups have two races Sunday. The individual groups are:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday (A Group)
Pre-1940 Sports Racing and Touring and 1927-1951 Racing
1955 – 1962 GT
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing over 2000cc
1973 – 1981 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT, GTU
1963 – 1968 USRRC & Can-Am
1970 – 1984 Sports Racing under 2100cc
1966 – 1972 Trans-Am
1968 – 1974 Can-Am (50th anniversary celebration)
Thursday, Friday & Sunday (B Group)
1947 – 1955 Sports Racing and GT
1961 – 1966 GT under 2500cc
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing under 2000cc
1963 – 1973 FIA Manufacturers Championship
1963 – 1966 GT over 2500cc
1981 – 1991 FIA Manufacturers Championship; IMSA GTO/GTP
1967 – 1984 Formula One
In addition to the continuous on-track action, there are engaging autograph and Q&A sessions with legendary drivers, fine wine and cheese tastings, and shopping among the myriad activities for guests to enjoy.
To view or download the complete schedule, visit www.MazdaRaceway.com and click on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion events page.
There are a variety of VIP hospitality packages, multi-day tickets and single day ticket packages available. For full details, visit www.MazdaRaceway.com or call the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca ticket office at 831-242-8200.
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