Rolex Becomes Title Sponsor of Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented By DaimlerChrysler

    NEW YORK, Jan. 23 Walter Fischer, President of Rolex Watch
U.S.A., Inc., today announced a long-term relationship with America's premier
historic and vintage motor racing event, the Monterey Historic Automobile
Races.  This prestigious racing event, which will now be known as The Rolex
Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by DaimlerChrysler, will be held
August 17, 18 and 19 at Laguna Seca Raceway near the beautiful Monterey
Peninsula.  Event entry is by selection and invited cars include
pre-World War I racing cars to 1980s Formula One cars.  Bentley, whose cars
were so successful in racing in the 1920s and '30s, will be the featured
marque.
    These historic races were initially founded by Steve Earle of
Santa Barbara, California as a venue for him and his friends to exercise their
classic racing cars.  Now in its 28th year, the event has become
world-renowned and has featured many famous manufacturers like Aston Martin,
Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.  The event, a
jewel in the crown of the many automotive activities which take place on the
Monterey Peninsula each year, draws over 65,000 spectators and attracts the
greatest cars and drivers from motorsport history.  This August there will be
a total of 14 races, each race featuring a different class, over the three-day
weekend of racing.  A Rolex award will be presented to the outstanding
performance in each class.  In addition, one Rolex timepiece will be presented
to the Monterey Cup Winner.
    Steve Earle stated, "I am delighted that Rolex will be joining
DaimlerChrysler as a key partner, thereby assuring the ever-developing quality
of the event.  Rolex symbolizes excellence, style and achievement, as do many
of the automobiles that grace Laguna Seca each year.  We are very happy to
have concluded a multi-year arrangement with Walter Fischer and Rolex Watch
U.S.A."
    "Rolex is thrilled to be a partner in this fabulous event celebrating
historic race cars in the beautiful setting on the Monterey Peninsula,"
expressed Walter Fischer.
    Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc. is also the title sponsor of the Rolex 24 at
Daytona, one of the world's two premier endurance races.