CALIFORNIA EMBRACES THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE AUTOMOBILE
Rolex provides a preview of top upcoming events and activities taking place during the world-renowned Monterey Classic Car Week
Monterey Classic Car Week will be highlighted by four major events including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® and Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex Fast Facts:
• Sunday, August 26, 2018 at The Lodge at Pebble Beach™
• Recognized as one of the world’s most respected concours, the event acknowledges outstanding original and restored historic automobiles
• Nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen will make his debut as an Honorary Judge at the Concours
◦ Tom Kristensen says: “I am looking forward to learning more about the incredible cars and understanding the stories that shape their history, as well as meeting the devoted collectors and the passionate spectators.” Tom Kristensen continues: “Rolex supports the most iconic races and the finest events around the world, always adding an element of prestige to the partnerships. It’s an honor to represent the brand.”
• In addition to several special displays, the 2018 event will present eight featured classes on the famed 18th fairway:
◦ Motor Cars of the Raj
◦ Rollston Coachwork
◦ OCSA
◦ Tucker
◦ Post-war Custom Citroën
◦ Vintage-Era Sporting Cars
◦ Eisenhower Dream Convertibles
◦ Indianapolis 500 Celebration
• Rolex partnered the Concours as the Official Timepiece in 1997
• As the celebrations draw to a close on Sunday afternoon, the Best of Show Award, widely considered as the most coveted prize among car collectors, is presented to the most exemplary automobile
• Preceding the Concours, the Pebble Beach Tour d’EleganceÒ Presented by Rolex is an 80-mile journey along picturesque roads through the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur Coast
• The Tour will take place on Thursday, August 23, 2018 and will trace portions of the iconic 17-Mile Drive
• Rolex became the presenting partner of Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance in 2007
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Fast Facts:
• August 23-26, 2018 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
• The largest racing event of Monterey Classic Car Week, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion relives motorsports history at the iconic 2.238-mile circuit, which has been a focal point of American sports car racing since its inception in 1957
• This year will present approximately 550 race cars, in 15 categories, driving at speed around the track – including the infamous “Corkscrew” – as they were originally intended
• The featured marque for 2018 is Nissan, and the event will highlight the brand’s illustrious racing history that dates to its Datsun heritage
• Historic Datsun and Nissan race cars, including those campaigned by Paul Newman, Peter Brock and Steve Millen will compete on track
• Other featured classes include 1967-84 Formula 1®, 1968-74 Formula 5000, 1966-74 Can-Am, Trans Am, FIA Manufacturer’s Championship contenders and more
• Rolex became the title sponsor of Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in 2010
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Fast Facts:
• Friday, August 24, 2018 at Quail Lodge & Golf Club
• Presented as the ultimate garden party, this event is highlighted by a host of epicurean delights including international culinary pavilions, award-winning wines and spirits, and the most magnificent pre- and post-war sports and racing vehicles
• In addition to the above, the event will feature three Fireside chats, two of which will be led by Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen and five times winner of the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA and friend of the brand, Scott Pruett
• This year marks three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart’s 50th anniversary as a Rolex Testimonee
◦ Sir Jackie Stewart says: “It is always a pleasure to return to Monterey, where the atmosphere and the genuine enthusiasm for motor cars is unparalleled, and this year it will be particularly poignant for me as I mark my 50th anniversary as a Rolex Testimonee. The event will give me the opportunity to reflect on my career in motorsport and the fantastic evolution of the car during this time. I can’t wait to see the style and elegance that will be on show.”
• Featured classes for 2018 include:
◦ 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Espada & Islero
◦ 70 Years of the Iconic Porsche 356
◦ The Alois Ruf Reunion
◦ The Great Lancias
• The 2018 event will also mark the official unveiling of the new RUF CTR, the limited-edition Bugatti Divo and more
• Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of The Quail, A Motorsports Gatheringsince 2005
• The winner of the “Rolex Best of Show” will be admitted into the Rolex Circle of Champions, guaranteeing the car’s continued legacy
ROLEX
AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacturer headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, the brand pioneered the development of the wristwatch and is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Through philanthropic programs and a broad palette of sponsorship activities, Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports and exploration, and encourages the spirit of enterprise, as well as the conservation of natural environments.
