The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is an annual celebration each August of automotive history and memorable racing moments in time. Yet, for the caretakers of these remarkable machines the process begins October 26 with the opening of registration to submit a car to be considered for one of the 550 positions on the grid August 18-21 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
The entry request continues through January 31, 2016 and is conducted exclusively online at MazdaRaceway.com. The seven-person Governing Committee then considers each car based on its authenticity, race provenance and the historical accuracy of its mechanical preparation and livery. This is a distinguishing hallmark of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which adheres to a strict code of authenticity, earning it a nomination and finalist consideration as Motorsport Event of the Year in next month’s International Historic Motoring Awards.
The 2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion takes a decidedly German flair as the 100th anniversary of BMW will be feted as featured marque. Bavarian Motor Works has an enormously rich history and has been involved in motor racing since its earliest days.
The race groups for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion are:
Pre-1940 Sports Racing and Touring and 1927 – 1951 Racing
1955 – 1962 GT
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing under 2000cc
1973 – 1981 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT, GTU
1963 – 1966 GT over 2500cc
1967 – 1984 Formula One
1966 – 1972 Trans-Am
1963 – 1968 USRRC
1947 – 1955 Sports Racing and GT
1963 – 1973 FIA Manufacturers Championship
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing over 2000cc
1970 – 1984 Sports Racing under 2100cc
1981 – 1991 FIA Manufacturers Championship; IMSA GTO/GTP
1961 – 1966 GT under 2500cc
1968 – 1974 Can-Am
Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, said, “The selection process is a thrilling, yet arduous, job for the committee but the end result is a field that receives international attention. We are so looking forward to hosting the world’s international motorsport fans in August.”
As the largest event of the Monterey Classic Car Week, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion relives motorsport history at the iconic circuit which has been the scene of America’s golden years of sports car racing since its inception in 1957. 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 of activities for guests to enjoy.
For entry request information beginning October 26, visit the MazdaRaceway.com homepage and click on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion image. Drivers may also request entry into the Monterey Pre-Reunion, held the weekend prior on August 13 and 14.
Race groups for the Monterey Pre-Reunion are:
1955 �? 1962 GT cars
1973 �? 1991 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT, GTU/GTO
1963 �? 1966 GT cars over 2500 cc
1955 �? 1961 Sports Racing cars under & over 2000cc
1970 �? 1984 Sports Racing cars under 2100cc
1947 �? 1955 Sports Racing and GT cars
1961 �? 1966 GT cars under 2500cc
1968 �? 1976 2.5 Liter Trans Am
1958 �? 1963 Formula Junior
1963 �? 1968 USRRC & Can�?Am
1966 �? 1972 Trans�?Am
Advance tickets to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will go on sale December 2.
