Alvarado Street Car Show Kicks off Monterey Car Week

August 8, 2016 by Monterey Historics

• Reunion Attracted $18.5 million in Economic Impact in 2015

MONTEREY, Calif., August 8, 2016 — Tens of thousands of visitors will soon make the annual pilgrimage to the Central Coast for the Monterey Classic Car Week to take part in what many consider to be the world's premier motoring experience.

The activities begin Aug. 12 when more than 25 authentic and historic race cars drive from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey under escort from the California Highway Patrol for the seventh annual Monterey Race Car Show.

The week revs into high gear Saturday, Aug. 13 for two days of the Monterey Pre-Reunion where 300-plus race cars compete. This low-key affair allows drivers to test their cars and gain a little more track time prior to the four full days of racing that follows.

With 550 race cars competing in 15 race groups at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Aug. 18-21, hundreds of drivers, families and support crews will fill the race paddock. BMW, this year's featured marque, will celebrate its 100th anniversary by presenting its rich history on the track and inside its large Living Legends Garage in the paddock.

In addition to the near nonstop on-track racing action, there are fan activities for all ages. On Friday, Aug. 19, visitors can hear about the glory days of Can-Am. A special delight on Saturday greets fans as they can hear from motorsport icon David Hobbs who will be sharing many tales of his racing experience and as an F1 commentator. Also added to the schedule is a special session of 'Meet the Bimmer Boys,' panel discussion with driving greats who have experience with BMW.

'The economic impact of Monterey Classic Car Week in our community is significant and seems to strengthen each year,' says Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. 'Our area hotel, restaurant and service partners greatly look forward to laying out the welcome mat for everyone who arrives and to do their best so that everyone can enjoy their Monterey experience.

'We further salute the efforts of the thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel who continue to attack the Soberanes Fire, and are thankful for the tremendous headway they are making to ensure a safe and clear week for residents, businesses and arriving guests,' said Campbell.

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According to a report conducted by the California State University Monterey Bay College of Business, Monterey Classic Car Week and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, in particular, is an economic engine for the community.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion by the Numbers (2015)

65,422 Attendance

3.64 Average Hotel Nights

18,189 Room Nights Generated

$18,513,634 Direct Spending

$1,539,131 Total County & State Tax Generated

86.2 % Planning on Returning in 2016

79.4 % More likely to visit Monterey during a non-race weekend

The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula works year-round on producing the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and has done so since it took over ownership of the event in late 2009.

Rolex is an avid supporter of the internationally acclaimed Monterey Classic Car Week and has been title sponsor of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion since it was renamed in 2010. Every year a driver from each group is selected for their overall excellence in the race and receives a Rolex Award of Excellence. The event's top honor of a specially engraved 18-karat yellow gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is awarded to the driver who excels in the Spirit of the Weekend. Rolex's involvement with motorsports runs deep, having been associated with the famed Goodwood Revival since 2004 and, most recently, as a Global Partner and Official Timepiece of Formula 1.

Advance tickets are still available at www.MazdaRaceway.com or by calling the Ticket Office at 831-242-8200.