MONTEREY, Calif. – History will descend on California’s coast as more than 450 historic automobiles take the track during the 35th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota on August 15-17, 2008, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The event is highlighted by the attendance of world-renowned driver Mario Andretti, the official guest of honor; the salute to the Alfa Romeo, the first featured marque at the event in 1975; and, legendary drivers Danny Sullivan, Derek Bell, John Watson, Eddie Cheever, Johnny Herbert, Jean-Pierre Jarier, Alan Jones, and Patrick Tambay, who will compete against current F1 driver Timo Glock in the Toyota Race of Legends.
“With a superior collection of historic automobiles taking the track, this is certain to be a spectacular weekend,” said Steve Earle, president of General Racing Ltd, the official race organizer. “
A sampling of the exciting vehicles that fans will witness include a six-wheeled 1976 Tyrrell P34, a 1960 Kurtis-Epperly Indy Roadster, a Lance Reventlow’s 1958 Scarab Mk3, a 1960 Maserati T-61 “Birdcage”, and a 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes.”
Historically significant vehicles including Historic F1, Trans-Am, Can-Am and IMSA racecars will also be featured.
Qualifying practice sessions will be held on Friday along with special demonstration laps by Mario Andretti. Also on Friday, Ferrari Historic Challenge Groups will race 10 laps to finish the day.
On Saturday, the event will kickoff with the Toyota Race of Legends featuring ex-Formula One drivers. Races will continue throughout the afternoon including 1925-1950 Racing Cars, 1950-1960 Sports Racing Cars, 1966-1972 Historic Trans-Am Cars, 1966-1974 Historic Can-Am Cars, and 1964-1975 FIA Sports Racing Cars. Mario Andretti will take a demonstrative spin in the Lotus 79. The Formula Junior events will also occur on Saturday.
Related
The weekend will wrap up with racing excitement on Sunday beginning with a parade of Alfa Romeos. The races will include 1955-1966 Production Sports Cars, 1967-1978 Historic F-1 Cars, and 1972-1983 Historic IMSA Cars. Race winners will be honored at a sunset prize ceremony on Sunday evening.
Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Organized by General Racing, Ltd., the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races is an “automotive museum brought to life,” and the largest event, with over 40,000 visitors, of the renowned classic car weekend in Monterey, Calif. With a broad appeal, it attracts a diverse group of visitors and participants – including children, families, collectors, sports enthusiasts and automotive history buffs. The 35th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota will be held August 15-17, 2008 at the historic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Content from our partners
General Racing
General Racing stages events across the United States to celebrate classic, historic, and vintage racing cars where they can be shown and driven as intended. General Racing encourages the restoration of the cars as they once were and helps to preserve and promote and the history of motors ports through these events.
General Racing’s premier event, the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, is located at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California. This event, now in its 35th year, has become one of the world’s greatest vintage race weekends. Other General Racing events are The Wine Country Classic, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma CA, May 30-June 1; The Rolex Vintage Festival, Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT, August 29-Sept.1 and Coronado Speed Festival, NAS North Island, Coronado, CA, Sept. 27-28.
Additional information is available at www.generalracing.com.
