A Look at Monterey Classic Car Week 2016, Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance and Rolex

It’s been a busy week for Rolex this week, as the brand demonstrates its automobile history and spirit throughout Monterey Classic Car Week. Held in Monterey California, the week consists of a host of events that draw automobile enthusiasts from around the world. These include the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Pebble Beach Tour D’ Elegance presented by Rolex, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (where Rolex is the Official Timepiece), and the famed Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance held on the 18^th fairway of the legendary golf course, and of which Rolex has been the Official Timepiece since 1997.

With breathtaking panaromic views of the Monterey peninsula, and equally as enviable views of classic vintage cars, this is not the place for the feint of heart. Beginning yesterday and running until this Sunday the 21 of August, these  incredible days bring together motorsports history, heritage and a passion for speed, endurance and tradition.

Of particular note this year is the 100^th anniversary of German manufacture, BMW, and so there will be special emphasis on the brand. Additionally, among all of the races and rallies, more than 550 historic cars that span nearly every era of motorsports history will be seen.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Rolex has been the title sponsor since 2010) is the largest event during this extravaganza and is staged at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the scene of America’s golden years of sports car racing since 1957. This circuit is particularly intense thanks to the 11 turns over the 2.2-mile counter-clockwise course, which includes the famed Corkscrew – a 1,000-foot crooked plunge of track.

The overall Winner at this event receives not only the Spirit of Monterey Award, but also a steel and gold Daytona watch. The Best of Show at the Quail also receives the Daytona.

Following the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Tour D’ Elegance presented by Rolex takes place, wherein the cars  drive an 80-mile scenic route to show off their luxurious look and recall some of the famed races that took place along the roads.

It all culminates on Sunday at the Concours D’Elegance Pebble Beach, with more than 200 prized automobiles on display at the 18^th  fairway of the course with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. The cars are judged on design, historical authenticity and finishing. The best cars are selected as First in Class, and those winners drive to the front of the Lodge to receive their honors. The judges then further inspect this small group and pick just one Best of Show vintage automobile to win the much-coveted victory.

Rolex’s intense involvement with the events of the week underscores the brand’s long-standing relationship with motor sports that dates back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier at the wheel of Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, supporting iconic endurance races and classic car presentations such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood Revival, and Formula 1.