Returning to their familiar home where they ran unbridled in the ‘60s and early ‘70s, thundering Can-Am cars will be a popular group this year at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Held August 14-17 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the event is a collection of 550 authentic and period-correct race cars from nearly every decade of motorsports.
It will be difficult to ignore the guttural rumble of 30-plus authentic Can-Am cars as they accelerate out of Turn 11 and down the straightaway to the start/finish bridge. These very same cars from the “anything goes” era of motorsports raced here in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s to enormous crowds watching from the hillsides.
The original Can-Am series attracted the world’s finest drivers. The Who’s Who of driving included Mark Donohue, George Follmer, Jim Hall, Phil Hill, Denny Hulme, Jacky Ickx, Vic Elford, Bruce McLaren and John Surtees, to name just a few.
The grid is dominated by McLarens, Shadows and Lolas. “The Can-Am group is a popular one for fans and participants alike as they represent the true definition of win at any cost,” said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “These cars retain their characteristic look and certainly sounds and they are a welcoming site in their spiritual home.”
The Can-Am group is one of 15 race groups featured at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. They will be on track in Group 3B, racing on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary is Maserati, which is this year’s featured marque. Visitors will have the chance to visit the Maserati heritage display in the race paddock, exploring the company’s past, present and even future.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is one of the cornerstones of the renowned Monterey Classic Car Week and is the largest event held annually in the scenic coastal community. Visitors worldwide descend on the community to enjoy the historic cars in action, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the myriad of supporting activities that comprise the motoring week.
Advance general admission tickets to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion are on sale beginning at $50 (Friday) and a three-day ticket at $130, which includes a complimentary souvenir magazine. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Hospitality packages begin at $200 per person.
For complete ticket information, click here.