BMW, Celebrates 100 Years

Image & Style Magazine

BMW, Celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The patriarchs of the brand, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, instilled a robust DNA in the company in 1916 through the combination of their respective businesses. Beginning as an aircraft engine manufacturer, adding motorcycles in 1923 and automobiles in 1928, a century later BMW has become one of the world’s most respected, innovative and popular brands.

Tens of thousands of motorsport and classic car fans will make their way to Monterey this August for the 2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. This years automotive honoree will go to BMW.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which along with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are cornerstones of the week, shifts into gear Thursday, Aug. 18 with each race group on track. Practice and qualifying sessions for all 15 race groups continue on Friday, providing visitors with the opportunity to see all 550 cars on track in 20-minute sessions.

On Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 20 and 21), the 15 groups are divided into A and B sessions. The A groups have two races on Saturday, while the B groups have two races Sunday. The individual groups are:

Thursday, Friday & Saturday (A Group)

Pre-1940 Sports Racing and Touring and 1927-1951 Racing
1955 – 1962 GT
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing over 2000cc
1973 – 1981 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT, GTU
1963 – 1968 USRRC & Can-Am
1970 – 1984 Sports Racing under 2100cc
1966 – 1972 Trans-Am
1968 – 1974 Can-Am (50th anniversary celebration)

Thursday, Friday & Sunday (B Group)

1947 – 1955 Sports Racing and GT
1961 – 1966 GT under 2500cc
1955 – 1961 Sports Racing under 2000cc
1963 – 1973 FIA Manufacturers Championship
1963 – 1966 GT over 2500cc
1981 – 1991 FIA Manufacturers Championship; IMSA GTO/GTP
1967 – 1984 Formula One

In addition to the continuous on-track action, there are engaging autograph and Q&A sessions with legendary drivers, fine wine and cheese tastings, and shopping among the myriad activities for guests to enjoy.

To view or download the complete schedule, visit www.MazdaRaceway.com and click on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion events page.

There are a variety of VIP hospitality packages, multi-day tickets and single day ticket packages available. For full details, visit www.MazdaRaceway.com or call the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca ticket office at 831-242-8200.

Source: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Photo Credit: BMW North America