An automobile museum that bursts to life is one way to describe the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. It is an international gathering of rarely seen race cars that spans decades of racing history by returning them to the race track to compete as they once did. Entering its 37th year, the event is a cornerstone of the famed Monterey Classic Car Week that annually attracts thousands to the picturesque Monterey peninsula for concours events, auctions and a sundry of activities. 

When: August 19-21, 2011
  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California

Ticket
Information: 800-327-7322; MazdaRaceway.com

Feature: Each year an automotive marque is honored for its historical significance. This year, one of Britain’s most enduring motor car companies will be honored: Jaguar and the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type and the 60th anniversary of Jaguar’s first win (of seven) at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was won in a C-Type.

Race Groups: Only 550 entries will be accepted for the 17 race groups from among nearly 1,000 entry requests. Each car undergoes a rigorous examination to ensure its authenticity and historical significance prior to being accepted and grouped according to age and engine size. The purpose of the event is to encourage the restoration, preservation and use of historic sports and race cars. This is the distinguishing hallmark of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

Pre 1940 Sports Racing and Touring Cars
1929 – 1940 Racing Cars
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing Cars under 2000cc
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc
1947 – 1955 Sports Racing and GT Cars
1955 – 1962 GT Cars
1961 – 1966 GT Cars under 2500cc
1963 – 1966 GT Cars over 2500cc
1958 – 1963 Formula Junior Cars
1960 – 1968 Sports Racing USRRC Cars
1964 – 1969 FIA Mfg. Championship Cars
1966 – 1972 Trans Am
1970 – 1976 FIA Mfg. Championship Cars
1973 – 1982 IMSA GT, GTX AAGT Cars
1981 – 1989 FIA Mfg. Championship & IMSA GTP
1966 – 1983 Formula 1
1969 – 1974 Can-Am

Race History: The first race was in 1974 (then called the Monterey Historic Automobile Races® organized by General Racing) and attracted 60 cars and a handful of fans. Over the years, the event grew to become the premier historic race in the country and one of the top international events of the year that features authentic, period-correct cars. For drivers, it’s not about how fast you drive, but how well you drive fast. Utmost importance is placed on driver conduct, safety and preservation of the cars.

Throughout the years, there is one central theme. From the big names like Porsche and Ferrari to smaller companies like Miller and Allard, each year commemorates a special achievement. Last year, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion focused on the accomplishments of one person: Dan Gurney-the cars he built and the cars he drove.