Roll Call: 2012 Monterey Motorsports (Cobra) Reunion, Sat Aug 18th

[FFRCobraMike]

I'll Be there on Saturday.

If anyone can come down on Thursday, Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley will be quite a gas (pun intended). They always have car show night every thursday between April and October, but Car week is always the biggest and largest attended of all. It definately should not be missed. You can aslo go across the street when you are there to get a free preview of the Quail Lodge show. Good food and a ton of every kind of car you can imagine. Also it is FREE to both bring your car or just be a spectator.

There is also the Carmel Concours earlier that week as well and of course the Pacific Grove Concurs and Rally on Friday is always fun. The Pacific Grove show is free to attend without a car and I believe only $85 to enter your car. The car show usually has about 250 cars and the rally goes all along the coast of Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and then a cruise up Ocean Ave. in Carmel which is always packed with thousands of spectators lining the sidewalks. I actually won one of the top three awards two years ago for "Best Racing Sports Car".

I am not sure of the dates for the Carmel Concours as they seem to change how many days they hold it every year. So it could be anywhere from a one day event to a three day event. Unless they change for this year, they only allow orginal Cobra's to be shown, and it is also pricey to enter your car. You can check the web site for more info.

You do not need to spend the hundreds of dollars to see the prototypes at Pebble Beach as they are displayed outside the car show area. Also that area plus a bunch more are open Friday and Saturday so you can stop by anytime between Friday and Sunday to see that part, which is also free.

Don't worry about being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic going up the hill to Laguna Seca. They stopped using the main gate entrance for races many years ago. They now use the back entrance which is fairly flat until you are actually inside the track and that will be down hill going in. Coming out there is just a small part that is uphill. The bumper to bumper will be the same, but at least you are not going to be stuck on that long climb up from the main gate.

Being a Monterey local, I try to attend as many things as possible during car week.

The auctions are also a ton of fun and there a a ton of them going on during the week.

If you have any questions or need local info, please email or PM me.

Hope to see you there.

Mike

[lippy]

I'm SO BUMMED. I live 1.5 hours from Monterey and go to the races and/or the concourse every year. I just ordered an Era 427, so I really want to see this. But I have a family vaca and won't be back until the night of the 19th.

I may be able to make it back a day early and get there on Sunday, but would it even be worth it? Does anyone know if Cobras will be shown at the Concourse on Sunday, or at the track?

[Historybuff]

The track put out a press release, I'm reproducing it here unchanged. It does look like in at least one area they will be confining displays to CSX2000 and CSX3000 cars.--History Buff
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MONTEREY, Calif., May 21, 2012 — A war veteran who flew B-29s, an oil roughneck, a chicken farmer…Carroll Shelby was a man of diverse talents. But he will forever be remembered as an automotive icon who transformed sports car racing and brought American pride to the international motorsports stage.



This year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 17-19, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra. But the featured marque honor becomes more poignant with the recent passing of the man who was simply known to friends as “Shel.”



The connection between Shelby and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has long been intertwined. Shelby was a frequent participant in the formative years of the raceway, then named Laguna Seca. It was here, on October 20, 1960, that Shelby drove the No. 98 Tipo 61 Maserati “Birdcage” in the final race of his legendary driving career. Despite taking nitroglycerin pills to ease chest pains, he finished second after leading much of the race. That position, however, earned enough points for Shelby to clinch the 1960 USAC Sports Car Championship.



While his professional driving days were over, Shelby was just getting started. He rarely looked in his rear view mirror, preferring to always look ahead at his next great adventure. “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Live today,” he remarked in a 2009 interview.



Shelby adamantly said he was attending the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, an event that was always marked on his calendar, and was looking forward to reconnecting with former Shelby American engineers, drivers and employees.



Additional plans are underway to unite the Shelby legacy and spirit with the anniversary of one of the most iconic cars of all time, and certainly the most replicated. Among the highlights will be:



· Dedicated race of 45 authentic CSX 2000/3000 competition cars

· Shelby Cobra Heritage Display, presented by Ford Motor Company

· Cobra Car Show on Pit Lane (Saturday for all authentic street and race Cobras)

· Cobra Car Corral with hundreds of authentic, continuation and replica cars

· Carroll Shelby special tribute laps

· Picnic Q&A with a Shelby American team member

· 350 GT Mustangs racing and in a dedicated car corral



“Carroll Shelby and his Cobras have been integral to our facility’s development. For a man who had his last professional race here and returned year after year for our historic car races, it is a privilege to host and present a public celebration of his life, his cars and his deep passion,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “He will be missed roaming the paddock, but his spirit will forever live on.”



Advance general admission tickets start at $50 with a three day pass for only $130 that includes a complimentary souvenir magazine. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Hospitality options begin at $200 per person.

[Jamo]

Always bringing up the rear, eh?

[Brent Mills]

I have reservations and looking forward to seeing you guys! Jayzus, hotels are stupid prices down there! Sherrie said, "you did what?" when I told her I got us a room for $300 a night at a comfort inn. So, assuming I'm still alive, I'll be seeing you guys.

[Jamo]

You gonna be lugging all 500 lbs of camera stuff around again?

See ya there!

[Brent Mills]

Probably, BUT, this time, I'm not making the mistake of just going for the pictures. What seemed like a good thing at the time left me with regrets that I didn't try and have fun with the rest of you guys. It was neat, but kinda lame to just run around frantically here and there to try and get a shot.

[Jamo]

Good...it'll be great seeing me!

[Brent Mills]

Yes it will!

By the way, I'm not sure if I'm going to get my car down there or not yet, but considering the options. Is it still possible to get a spot in the car corral?

[Brent Mills]

Oh, I see the link above. I signed up for the corral and parade lap if I get the car down there.

[Jamo]

Glad you saw the link...I was at the movies (Avengers...much muy goodo BTW).

[Bxx1]

Purchased my ticket for the Sat. events at Laguna Seca which includes the Cobra Corral.

[decooney]

Originally Posted by Brent Mills

Yes it will!

By the way, I'm not sure if I'm going to get my car down there or not yet, but considering the options. Is it still possible to get a spot in the car corral?

Brent,
Cobra or GT40? Glad you are coming down. Its going to be something. If you need anything, and there is anything I can do for you just let me know. If you get in a few days early before the crazy weekend, give me a buzz so we can meet up. BTW: If you don't wanna stay at Comfort Inn, and prefer being 20 minutes away on the beach at a TripleA 4-diamond resort for $75 less per night, I've got one extra room for ya but let me know quick.

[Brent Mills]

Duane, give me the details on the place, etc, and I'll likely go with the place you are referring to. I have to make sure I can cancel the other, which I'm fairly certain I can.

Thinking about bringing the GT just to be different.

[car4jim]

I would like to make this event, but getting into the game kind of late. Hotels are booked, etc. Anybody have knowledge of campgrounds or some place to throw a tent down on the ground? Plan to stay Thusday-Saturday night? Any ideas appreciated

[mickmate]

Hey Jim, we'll slide you in somewhere.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by car4jim

I would like to make this event, but getting into the game kind of late. Hotels are booked, etc. Anybody have knowledge of campgrounds or some place to throw a tent down on the ground? Plan to stay Thusday-Saturday night? Any ideas appreciated

Check out the Santa Cruz area. It's about 45 minutes away, but I'm sure you'll be able to find something. You might want to try giving the Seascape Resort in Aptos, CA a call.

[stiffy]

Hey Guy's,

I am coming for the week, no car, just with my partner.

The plan to date,

Monday, drive from SF, staying in Monterey, Hotel Abrego.

Tuesday, Carmel by the sea car show and farmers market

Wednesday, hang around Carmel/Monterey, dinner @ Chateau Julien, Dine in Davine car show.

Thursday, Lunch @ Grasings Carmel, then to Automobilia Monterey.

Friday, Quail A Motor Sport Gathering

Saturday, Leguna Seca ( between turn 4 & 5 )

Sunday, Pebble Beach Club d'Elegance.

Monday, liver transplant, Dowload a million photo's, start detox

I have had contact with a few CC members who are going to some of the events, it will be great to catch up with as many of you as possible, that should be easy, just look for the Cobra's......

STIFFY

[FFRCobraMike]

Don't miss being at Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley on Thursday as there will be a huge turnout of cars and you can get a free preview of Quail Lodge which is just across the street. Car night at Baja Cantina is always fun but during Car Week it is over the top. For anyone that has not been, it is a great time and you will see loads of all types of cars and motorcycles. And the best part is that it is FREE! They also have good Mexican food inside and a full BBQ available on the lawn next to the cars. There is live music on the outdoor patio as well.

Also for those looking for lodging, also try in Marina. Remember that car week is the biggest event of the year for the Monterey Peninsula, so of course prices are far above the usual.

I also received a letter from Laguna Seca yesterday that outlines all the special Cobra thinks they are doing this year. Most have been mentioned by others but they are also having tribute parade laps that are open to ALL Cobra's including replica's.

Another thing to remember if you have not been to Laguna Seca in a while is that the main entrance on Hwy. 68 will be closed. So don't waste any time trying to get in that way. The entrances are either off Canyon Del Rey (Hwy. 218) in Del Rey Oaks or off River Road in Salinas. This means no getting stuck in stopped traffic going up that huge hill at the main entrance. They streamlined the entrance procedure a lot from the old days and if you already have your tickets, just hold them up and you are waved right thru. Remember to get your corral parking passes from the Nor Cal SAAC website.

Hope to see a lot of you there; and really don't miss Baja Cantina car night on Thursday. It will be well worth it.

[Bxx1]

Originally Posted by FFRCobraMike

Don't miss being at Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley on Thursday as there will be a huge turnout of cars and you can get a free preview of Quail Lodge which is just across the street. Car night at Baja Cantina is always fun but during Car Week it is over the top. For anyone that has not been, it is a great time and you will see loads of all types of cars and motorcycles. And the best part is that it is FREE! They also have good Mexican food inside and a full BBQ available on the lawn next to the cars. There is live music on the outdoor patio as well.

Also for those looking for lodging, also try in Marina. Remember that car week is the biggest event of the year for the Monterey Peninsula, so of course prices are far above the usual.

I also received a letter from Laguna Seca yesterday that outlines all the special Cobra thinks they are doing this year. Most have been mentioned by others but they are also having tribute parade laps that are open to ALL Cobra's including replica's.

Another thing to remember if you have not been to Laguna Seca in a while is that the main entrance on Hwy. 68 will be closed. So don't waste any time trying to get in that way. The entrances are either off Canyon Del Rey (Hwy. 218) in Del Rey Oaks or off River Road in Salinas. This means no getting stuck in stopped traffic going up that huge hill at the main entrance. They streamlined the entrance procedure a lot from the old days and if you already have your tickets, just hold them up and you are waved right thru. Remember to get your corral parking passes from the Nor Cal SAAC website.

Hope to see a lot of you there; and really don't miss Baja Cantina car night on Thursday. It will be well worth it.

Hey Mike.... I will be at the Cantina after I finish the Pebble Beach Concours Tour on my way back from Big Sur....I should be there around 2:30 or so....