If you find yourself at Monterey Car Week during August 14-17, 2024, you may want to stop by WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca because the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a very special exhibit of historic race cars.
Yup, it’s been 50 years since Steven Earle formed the Monterey Historic Automobile Races (its original name before sponsorship), an event that eschews professionals for enthusiasts. There’s no awards or trophies or anything like that though, since Rolex started its sponsorship, a watch and original Bill Patterson painting have been presented to the entrant who embodies a particular spirit.
“When Steven Earle founded the event as the Monterey Historic Automobile Races in 1974, it set the wheels in motion with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world’s most prestigious concours, for the creation of what has become the internationally acclaimed Monterey Car Week,” says John Narigi, president of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Laguna Seca was originally built in 1957. Not only has the track changed shape since its inception, but in 1974 the Laguna Seca Raceway property also happened to be deeded to the Monterey County Parks Department.
The “extraordinary” collection of “significant” race cars (presented by Motul) that will be on display in the paddock will include these confirmed vehicles, with more to come:
- 1926 Miller
- 1955 Jaguar D-Type
- 1956 Maserati 250F
- 1967 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Fleron
- 1955 Mercedes-Benz W196
- 1966 Gurney Eagle Indy Car
- 1999 BMW V12 LMR
- 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
- 1988 Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo
- 1979 Porsche 935
“Each car has incredible race history and are being generously provided by private collectors, museums and automakers who want to be part of the historic racing celebration in Monterey,” says the curator of this special exhibit, Ellen Bireley. “Laguna Seca is America’s birthplace of creating an event solely for historic race cars with proven provenances where owners may enjoy them safely at speed. It’s exciting to work with everyone to bring this from concept to completion.”
For tickets and more information, go to WeatherTechRaceway.com.
