Rolex, Monterey Car Week, Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance All Full Speed Ahead

This week marks the much-anticipated Monterey  Car week, which kicks off with the incredible Pebble Beach Tour d’ Elegance® presented by Rolex – a prestigious drive along the coast – followed by the fast-paced Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at the legendary Laguna Seca racetrack and culminating in the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance—the world’s most prestigious vintage automobile show. Surrounding the event are a host of auctions, and other tours, including The Quail, A  Motorsports Gathering, for which Rolex also partners — all held on the breathtaking Pacific coastline.

Rolex has been a major player in the heritage event for almost 25 years. The brand first became a partner of the Pebble  Beach Concours d’ Elegance in 1997 and since then has bolstered its support of the entire Monterey Car Week. I have had the privilege of attending this event with Rolex and can say first-hand that it is an unparalleled immersion into the vintage automobile world.  Unfortunately, last year the event was stolen by the pandemic, but this year it is back in full tour d’ force.

Because of last year’s postponement, this year marks the deferred 70th anniversary edition of the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. First held in 1950, the Concours celebrates exquisite cars from across the generations and their enduring influence on society.

Looking ahead to the automotive celebrations, Rolex Testimonee and multiple Formula 1® race winner Mark Webber, whom we have interviewed in the past, says: “These events are truly wonderful because they honour the heritage of the car and highlight the extraordinary technical and mechanical advancements of the last century. The 70th anniversary celebrations at Pebble Beach will be unique and very special – the effort, artistry, love and passion put into the vehicles on display will be incredible. Seeing all the cars gathered at Pebble Beach during my visit in 2019, as well as witnessing Rolex’s ongoing support of motoring tradition, is something I will never forget.”

The week began yesterday with more than 150 entrants joining the Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance® presented by Rolex and motoring the famed 17-mile-drive through Carmel Valley and along Highway 1 to Big Sur. The Tour offers visitors an opportunity to see some of the challengers for the Pebble Beach Best of Show Award on Sunday. Also started yesterday and running to Sunday August 15 is the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race with hundreds of historic cars racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Today, in Carmel Valley, the past, present and future of the automobile worlds collide at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering garden party.

The culmination is on Sunday, August 15, 2021, when the finest cars and enthusiasts gather on the 18^th Fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links for the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. Away from the competition, the event will present new concept designs and innovative super cars as part of its commitment to the future. The ultimate accolade, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® Best of Show, is awarded during the closing ceremony and the winning owner presented with a specially engraved Rolex timepiece.