SETTING STANDARDS: MONTEREY CLASSIC CAR WEEK
Company press release.
Monterey Classic Car Week has been a fixture in the minds of motor sport aficionados since its earliest origins in 1950. A celebration of the automobile, the weeklong gathering is in fact a collection of several independent events that take place on or near the Monterey Peninsula in California. Four of the pinnacle moments are: the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex (14 August), The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (15 August), the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (17 August) and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (15 -17 August).
The occasion is considered a true reference point for those who appreciate the virtues of the classic car, and Rolex has been deeply involved since 1997. The roots can be traced back to 1950 when a group of sports car owners decided to create a road race and concours at Pebble Beach. Over the succeeding 60 or so years, the number of events that make up the week have grown in number and diversity, and spectators are drawn to the peninsula from around the world.
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been held on its traditional third Sunday in August since 1972, and during proceedings approximately 200 of the most prized collector cars take pride of place on the famous 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Vehicles are judged for historical accuracy, technical merit and style, but not for their speed - although one of the key criteria is that all cars must be drivable. While class wins are highly valued, the most coveted prize of all is the 'Best of Show'. Rolex has been Official Timepiece of the Concours and partner of The Lodge at Pebble Beach since 1997.
The Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex was created to acknowledge the original road race and showcase the automobile in motion. Tracing parts of the peninsula's gloriously scenic 17-Mile Drive, the Tour underscores the very earliest history of Monterey Classic Car Week and takes cars and drivers on an 88-mile round trip to Big Sur, with a lunch stop at Carmel-by-the-Sea on the way. Rolex became presenting sponsor of the Tour d'Elegance in 2007.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is located on immaculate lawns overlooking the beautiful crescent-shaped beach at Carmel, combining the viewing of some 200 landmark vehicles with a sophisticated culinary experience. Awards are decided using a peer-based judging system, with the Rolex Best in Show being the top prize. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of The Quail since its inception in 2003.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion contrasts starkly with other Monterey Classic Car Week events in that it features wheel-to-wheel racing for more than 550 historic and period-correct cars divided into 15 race groups. The Reunion's races take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a revered track with many notable turns, including The Corkscrew with its famous five-storey drop. This year's special automotive marque is Maserati, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Rolex has sponsored racing at Mazda Raceway since 2001.
Rolex involvement with Monterey Classic Car Week begins with the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance Presented by Rolex on Thursday, 14 August and closes with the Pebble Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, 17 August. Action at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion runs from Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 August, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering takes place on Friday, 15 August.
Monterey Classic Car Week has been a fixture in the minds of motor sport aficionados since its earliest origins in 1950. A celebration of the automobile, the weeklong gathering is in fact a collection of several independent events that take place on or near the Monterey Peninsula in California. Four of the pinnacle moments are: the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex (14 August), The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (15 August), the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (17 August) and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (15 -17 August).
The occasion is considered a true reference point for those who appreciate the virtues of the classic car, and Rolex has been deeply involved since 1997. The roots can be traced back to 1950 when a group of sports car owners decided to create a road race and concours at Pebble Beach. Over the succeeding 60 or so years, the number of events that make up the week have grown in number and diversity, and spectators are drawn to the peninsula from around the world.
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been held on its traditional third Sunday in August since 1972, and during proceedings approximately 200 of the most prized collector cars take pride of place on the famous 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Vehicles are judged for historical accuracy, technical merit and style, but not for their speed - although one of the key criteria is that all cars must be drivable. While class wins are highly valued, the most coveted prize of all is the 'Best of Show'. Rolex has been Official Timepiece of the Concours and partner of The Lodge at Pebble Beach since 1997.
The Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex was created to acknowledge the original road race and showcase the automobile in motion. Tracing parts of the peninsula's gloriously scenic 17-Mile Drive, the Tour underscores the very earliest history of Monterey Classic Car Week and takes cars and drivers on an 88-mile round trip to Big Sur, with a lunch stop at Carmel-by-the-Sea on the way. Rolex became presenting sponsor of the Tour d'Elegance in 2007.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is located on immaculate lawns overlooking the beautiful crescent-shaped beach at Carmel, combining the viewing of some 200 landmark vehicles with a sophisticated culinary experience. Awards are decided using a peer-based judging system, with the Rolex Best in Show being the top prize. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of The Quail since its inception in 2003.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion contrasts starkly with other Monterey Classic Car Week events in that it features wheel-to-wheel racing for more than 550 historic and period-correct cars divided into 15 race groups. The Reunion's races take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a revered track with many notable turns, including The Corkscrew with its famous five-storey drop. This year's special automotive marque is Maserati, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Rolex has sponsored racing at Mazda Raceway since 2001.
Rolex involvement with Monterey Classic Car Week begins with the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance Presented by Rolex on Thursday, 14 August and closes with the Pebble Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, 17 August. Action at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion runs from Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 August, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering takes place on Friday, 15 August.
