Vintage Automobile Races Celebrate and Preserve Racing History

Jim Hall and His Legendary Chaparral Cars to be Honored at Rolex Monterey Historic; Famed Designer Carroll Shelby and Aston Martin to be Honored at Rolex Vintage Festival

MONTEREY, Calif., July 21 -- Hundreds of vintage automobiles, most with racing pedigrees and several with famous drivers, will participate in two of the nation's premier vintage automobile races -- the 32nd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler (August 19-21 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on California's beautiful Monterey Peninsula), and the Rolex Vintage Festival Presented by BMW (September 2-5 at historic Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut).

Each year, the Rolex Monterey Historic and the Rolex Vintage Festival attract thousands of visitors for highly competitive races featuring vintage racecars spanning eight decades (1900s to the 1980s). A "Who's Who" of manufacturers from Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Chaparral, Ferrari, Jaguar, Maserati, MG, Porsche, Shelby and more are represented.

"The concept of the Rolex Monterey Historic and the Rolex Vintage Festival is to focus on the history of motor racing by encouraging the preservation of racecars, and putting them on display for enthusiasts of all generations to see and enjoy," said Steven J. Earle, president of General Racing Ltd. and organizer of the events. "Visitors to both events are treated to a steady presentation of the most famous cars in racing history, along with the personalities who designed, built and drove them."

Both event's "Featured Marque" and "Special Tribute" programs honor automakers and auto racing legends that have played pivotal roles in the history and development of the sport.

The featured marque of the 32nd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler is Chaparral, part of an overall tribute to the "Great American Specials" -- homegrown custom racecars. The Petroleum Museum of Midland, Texas, is sending all of its Chaparral cars for display and parade laps. Former team drivers Vic Elford and Phil Hill, with race honoree Jim Hall, will be present for the activities, including a parade of the "Specials."

In September, the Rolex Vintage Festival Presented by BMW will salute Aston Martin as its featured marque. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, who teamed to win the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans in an Aston Martin DBR1, will attend the Festival as part of a tribute for their groundbreaking achievement with the marque. The event's Elite Concours Presented by Road & Track will feature "Amazing Astons," "Transports of Delight" (the great roadsters of the 20th Century) and elite Porsche, Corvette, Riley and Austin Healey cars. Lime Rock's traditional Vintage & Historic Car Show and the Show of Shelbys will display a vast array of foreign and domestic automobiles along with the great signature cars of Carroll Shelby, including Cobras GT 350s, 500s and more.

Information

Organized by General Racing, Ltd., the Rolex Monterey Historic and the Rolex Vintage Festival are "automotive museums brought to life." With a broad appeal, they attract a diverse group of visitors and participants.

32nd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler tickets range from $35.00 to $95.00. To purchase, call 1-800-327-SECA (7322) or visit www.laguna-seca.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Visit Event Web Site for additional information.

Tickets for the Rolex Vintage Festival Presented by BMW range from $15.00 to $75.00 (children 12 and under, free). To order, contact 1-800-RACE-LRP or visit www.limerock.com. Visit www.limerock.com for additional information.