Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2015 Getting Ready

"The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion" set in the hills just east of Monterey California at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This world wide gathering of vintage and historic race cars runs from Friday through Sunday in the August Monterey Car Week. Hundreds of nearly priceless vintage and historic cars race at speed around the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca putting on a show that is one of the best in the world.

Sir Jackie Steward Named Special Guest at Picnic in the Park.

Back in in May 1965 a young and mostly unknown Stewart made his U.S. racing debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca driving a factory Lotus Cortina sedan to a 13th-place overall finish in the USRRC race.

"The Flying Scot", as Jackie, was called went on to earn three Formula 1 World Championships (1969, 1971, 1973) driving for Tyrrell winning 27 races (still eighth-most all time). Jackie also gained 43 podium finishes and 17 pole positions in just 99 starts from 1965 to 1973. Stewart's fame in the U.S. was further bolstered by a successful television broadcasting career as a motor racing analyst from 1971 to 1986.

Sir Jackie Stewart will join sports car legend and award-winning winemaker Scott Pruett, as the Picnic in the Park's honored guest, and noted motorsports historian Murray Smith will join them to recount stories and tales from their unmatched and distinguished motorsports careers.

With a nod to Director Ron Howard's 2013 movie drama "Rush" 30 historic Formula 1 cars will line up on the grid this years August 14-16 at the iconic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca road course. In this collection are the same cars that were originally involved in the actual epic driving battle for the 1976 F1 World Championship between Ferrari's Niki Lauda and McLaren's James Hunt (who won by a scant one point)

This years inclusion of the 3-liter Formula 1 cars that raced between 1967 and 1984 in the world's premier racing series will have several European drivers, that will experience their first time driving Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,"

The 3-liter Formula 1 cars bearing their famous driver names, the likes of Hunt, Lauda, Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi, have been restored to their original specifications and livery. Only authentic cars that pass the strict scrutineering process are accepted to compete in the historic car race.

There also will be 40 racing Shelby GT350s, which is this year's featured marque to honor the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Shelby GT350. Ford Motor Company will be on site supporting the achievement with what will be a memorable paddock heritage display.

Tyrrell 002 1971
Brands-Masters UK 2011
Tim Surman Photo

Shelby GT350 1966
Sonoma Historic Races Infineon 2011

Tyrrell P34 1976
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2008