2 minute read
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
written by David M. Brown
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion returns to historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca August 12–15, this year honoring 55 years of Ford in the Trans-Am Pony Wars.
Historic auto racing has been central to Monterey Car Week for 47 years, and this year the track marks its 64th year providing automotive and motorcycle racing events. Every August, approximately 70,000 fans of historic racing visit the circuit where more than 500 historic and periodcorrect cars from nearly every era compete and are displayed.
One week earlier, 300-plus cars will participate in the Monterey Pre-Reunion Races, August 7 and 8. A day before, August 6, Monterey Classic Car Week officially begins when historic race cars leave the track with a police escort for a Race Car Show in downtown Monterey.
During the August 12–15 weekend, competitors will race in these groups: Pre-1920 exhibition race; 1966-1985 Formula One; 1920-1951 Racing Cars; 1947-1955 Sports Racing and GT; 1955-1964 GT; 1963-1966 GT over 2500cc; 1973-1981 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT, GTU; FIA Manufacturers Championship; 1981-1991 IMSA GTO, GTP, Trans-Am; 1955-1961 Sports Racing under/over 2100cc; 1961-1966 GT under 2500cc; 1966-1972 Trans-Am; 1983-2016 Endurance Legends; and 1963-1978 IndyCar.
There are no prizes or points for winning. Individual awards, however, include The Spirit of Monterey for the driver or entrant who excels in the spirit of the weekend; the Ken Miles Trophy, for a vintage car under 1500cc; the Rolex Award for Excellence in each category; the Gary Byrd Foundation award for a pre-war car; and the Henry Ford Trophy for the best of that marque.
In addition, the Phil Remington Trophy is given to the best mechanic; the Stand 21 Trophy for the car with the most period-authentic look; the John Fitch Excellence Award for the best Corvette; and a Best Paddock Display. Finally, the Bonhams Cup is awarded to the driver who best exemplifies the spirit of the event in featured morning race groups.
Also scheduled are Q&As with special guests of the Motorsports Reunion and autograph sessions with racing notables.
“The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is the largest event of the week, and is the only one that puts these amazing authentic historic race cars on the track to do what they were originally constructed to do, and that’s compete at speed,” says Barry Toepke, director of Heritage Events and PR of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “It is an automotive museum springing to life with over 500 cars in 14 race groups ranging from 1911 to more recent years taking to the race track.”
Race schedules, entry lists and ticket information are at weathertechraceway.com. Tickets range from single-day tickets to luxury VIP suite and marque-specific car corral pricing. Or, call 831.242.8200 during business hours or email, tickets@laguna-seca.com. Premier and reserved event camping is available to book at 831.242.8200.
