Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races 2007
Monterey, California

34TH ROLEX MONTEREY HISTORIC
AUTOMOBILE RACES, 2007
Its all about racing! As Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca celebrates its 50th Anniversary, The 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007, the largest event held during the renowned classic car weekend in Monterey California, will honor the legacy of Indy's "Roadster Era," as well as champion drivers

Each year The Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races pays tribute to motor racing history, historic automobiles and the people who made them. Each year, more than 375 of the finest historic race and sports cars are entered in 14 race groups that span nearly every era of motorsports history.

Along with the significant cars there will be several well-known drivers competing; include John Morton, Andy Porterfield, Chuck Daigh, Pete Lovely, Bobby Rahal and Brian Redman.

Bobby Rahal in a 1972 Lola T-290
Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, 2007

Brain Redman in a 1966 Ford GT-40
Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, 2007

As if this all is not enough on Saturday, August 18, 2007, fans can see top drivers from past eras behind the wheel, as Toyota will host the inaugural "Race of Legends," in which drivers holding championships from nearly every level of racing, including Formula One, the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of LeMans, will compete in an eight-lap charity race on Saturday driving 215 hp Scion tC sport coupes. The field consists of names such as Bobby Unser, Al Unser Sr., Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Rahal, Parnelli Jones, Vic Elford, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ove Andersson and Derek Bell.

Parnelli Jones keeps Bobby Unser at bay during the "Race of Legends" as they round the track and finish fifth and sixth, respectively
Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, 2007

The race results are as follows:
1. Derek Bell (GBR)
2. Bobby Rahal (USA)
3. Emerson Fittipaldi (BRA)
4. Al Unser, Sr. (USA)
5. Parnelli Jones (USA)
6. Bobby Unser (USA)
7. Ove Andersson (SWE)
8. Larry Bowman* (USA)
9. Vic Elford* (GBR)
10. Johnny Rutherford* (USA)
*DNF
Amateur driver Larry Bowman of Redwood City, Calif., who joined the legends by winning an auction to compete in the race, was knocked off track and out of the race early. Bowman bid $16,100 in a charity auction, which benefits the Salinas Valley Memorial Foundation, helping to support children's health care and wellness needs throughout California's Central coast.

Taking The S Turn
Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, 2007

Indy Roadster History
Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, 2007

Indy Roadster History
In 1946, Frank Kurtis began designing cars specifically for Indy 500, the Ross Page special being his first. The Indy Roadster was introduced in 1952 and was specially designed to accommodate the repetitive turns of the 2.5-mile oval by placing more weight on the inner left-hand of the vehicle. In addition, the Roadster was much lighter and quicker. The Kurtis Roadster dominated the Indy 500 lineup for several years.

In 1955, a mechanic named A.J. Watson arrived at Indy and took the "roadster" to a new level. He modified a Kurtis-built roadster for the John Zink Team and won the race. Overall, Watson built some 23 roadsters, including the cars that won the 500 in 1959-60, 1962 and 1963. When A.J. Foyt, Jr., recorded the last 500 victory for a front-engine car in 1964, he, too, was driving a Watson roadster. Watson-built cars won the race seven times, which leaves him tied for the record for most wins by a builder. Watson, a legend in motorsports, will be honored in person at the Rolex Monterey Historic.

Overall, the Indy Roadster won the Indy 500 twelve consecutive times (1953-1964).

"By conquering the great challenges of the Indy 500 races, the Roadster left an innovative mark in the history of automotive engineering," said Earle. "Our event will not only honor the various Roadster models but those who participated in the entire Indy Roadster Era, including drivers, mechanics and team owners."

Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007
On Track Photos
Monterey, California

Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, California, 2007

Ferrari Anniversary at Laguna Seca
Another anniversary this year at Laguna Seca will be celebrated by Ferrari, which was the winner of the first race at Laguna Seca, the "8th Annual Pebble Beach at Laguna Seca - National Championship Sports Car Road Races". Friday will have a Ferrari Historic Challenge races, which includes historically significant Ferraris, Maseratis and Alfa Romeos that contributed to the racing heritage of Ferrari cars today. Also a display by Ferrari Classiche and a gathering of Ferrari F40s, celebrating its 20th anniversary, along with honoring Pete Lovely, winner of the first main event at Laguna Seca in November 1957, driving a Ferrari 500TR. Pete will race his Lotus 11 on Saturday and then be inducted into the "Legends of Laguna Seca."

PRESS RELEASES, 2007

LEGENDARY DRIVERS BRING MOTORSPORTS HISTORY TO LIFE
Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007

Legendary Drivers Take the Track in Historic Roadster Commemorationbr>Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007

FERRARIS TAKE CENTER STAGE DURING DAY TWO
Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007

Honoree Pete Lovely caps memorable weekend with victory
Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007

Final seven groups take the track for Sunday's afternoon competitions
Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 2007

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Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races 2007 Monterey, California

Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races 2007
Monterey, California