Authenticity Matters
Each year since 1974, there has remained one underlying commonality with the entries being considered for
acceptance into the 2010 rebranded Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion – they are “the real deal” –
historically significant race cars from the past that are restored and prepared to their original period
specifications. It is one of the only events left in the world that does not dilute or contaminate the event by
admitting continuation or replica cars, and further accompanied by strict driving standards. That underlying
principle remains the strict tenet by which each year’s Selection Committee is guided.
There are numerous events that accept continuation or replicas to race, or where road-going interpretations of
their true stablemate are accepted. These events are enjoyed by owners as a way to drive their cars at speed.
Yet the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is different. Drivers and fans expect the best of the best when
strolling the paddock and watching them come alive on track doing exactly what they were built to do.
Entrants of these significant cars rightfully do not want to share a track at speed with one that has no inherent
value.
In recognition of this strict adherence, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is the only U.S.-based event
to win the prestigious Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) Founding Members Cup as Motorsport
Event of the Year in 2017 for its “great significance to historic motoring.”
Vintage vs. Historic
There are vintage race events occurring around the world nearly every weekend. While the distinction between
vintage and historic may be subtle to some, it is paramount for Monterey. In fact, there have been past
references, such as: there are cars, and then there are Monterey cars. Vintage typically refers to cars from
the ‘20s through early ‘80s. For the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, cars must possess a level of
authenticity and discernable pedigree, verifiable provenance of racing in the day, and have been cared for over
time to be as authentic and true to the day they raced as possible. It is this historic nature that separates
cars from club events or large vintage events where only the age of the car is considered for acceptance.
Restoration vs. Preservation
Old cars need attention, and it’s even more true for race cars. Accidents happen, parts break and over the
years were routinely swapped among cars and the parts bin to do whatever it took to keep the machine in the
race. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion abides by the philosophy of restoring the car to the point in
time it raced, or preserved and maintained as it was, with enhancements coming only for driver safety.
For example, in 2010 the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion featured the Bugatti Grand Prix.
Thirty-four original Bugattis ranging from the 1924 Type 35C to the 1938 Type 57 arrived in Monterey from
France, Germany, Australia, Japan and across the U.S. These were rolling pieces of art and varied from
impeccably restored and flawless to the incredibly preserved paint-chipped, worn leather seats and scrapes
acquired over the many years of racing. Visitors and historians applauded the owners who left the patina
these preserved race cars carried as a badge of honor.
Selecting the final cars for acceptance and properly grouping them is a painstaking process. The Selection
Committee appreciates the nuances between restoration and preservation as an important consideration when
determining which cars are accepted. All of which makes the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion one of a
kind, just like the cars that rev to life in August.
Entry applications are being accepted until February 15 for consideration into the Rolex Monterey Motorsports
Reunion August 12-15, 2021 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
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