Keeping Time On Motoring’s Greatest Achievements In California

August 17, 2026 by Rolex
The Monterey Peninsula fell quiet this evening as the crowds dispersed, the cherished cars departed and a week of automotive celebration drew to a close. Hours earlier, the festivities had reached a crescendo and the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster claimed Best of Show at the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. The four events that bring together historic racing action, vibrant avant-garde innovations and timeless automobiles are the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex, The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. At the heart of each stands a Rolex clock, a symbol of the Swiss watchmaker’s support of these gatherings since 1997.

Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen has attended Monterey regularly over the years and revels in the magical atmosphere. He said:

‘Monterey Car Week is a tapestry of superior car events that are all so different but fit so well together. What unites them is the commitment of the owners who aspire to restore or maintain their car’s immaculate condition – its quality, beauty and prestige. Rolex aligns with these classic automotive events and the excellence on display, showcasing the brand’s deep relationship with motor sport.’

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® stands as the pinnacle of the week, and this year’s 75th edition proved no exception. Earlier today, crowds gathered on the iconic 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links® to witness a display of motoring’s greatest creations. Ferrari held the honour as featured marque during the anniversary celebration, reflecting its pivotal role at the Concours since the early 1950s. The event also paid tribute to the legacy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, from the Italian manufacturer’s storied triumphs to the rise of Japanese constructors at the legendary race. When the 1935 Duesenberg claimed the Best of Show award, its owner Harry Yeaggy was presented with a specially engraved Perpetual 1908 – a fitting accolade for his dedication to preserving this exquisite machine. Yeaggy said:

‘This is the most special car event in the world. I’ve come close to winning several times, so finally getting to the top again after 19 years is incredibly meaningful. It’s so hard to do, given how competitive the field is. I’ve won Best of Show here once before, but this time it feels different. I’m looking forward to trying on my beautiful new Rolex watch.’

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion thundered to life from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 August, welcoming more than 400 of motor sport’s archival machines to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Returning to the track behind the wheel of his 1991 IROC Dodge Daytona was Rolex Testimonee Scott Pruett. Pruett, alongside drivers from all disciplines, could be found sharing racing stories in the paddock or navigating the track’s legendary Corkscrew, where a five-and-a-half-storey descent follows a blind entry. Meanwhile, a celebration of Japanese motor sport recognized the innovation and racing spirit of the country’s manufacturers. A gathering of vehicles from Honda/Acura, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota, spanning single-seater, endurance racing and sportscar competition took centre stage. This year marked the 25th anniversary of Rolex’s association, having first partnered the Reunion in 2001 before becoming Title Sponsor in 2010 – a testament to the Swiss watchmaker’s almost century-long commitment to the sport.

On Friday 14 August, Carmel Valley basked in summer sunlight as spectators gathered for The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering. The garden party celebration brought together the automotive industry’s most prominent manufacturers and collectors, as futuristic designs met their past inspirations. The event honoured the 100th anniversary of Route 66 by creating a winding path which replicated America’s famed highway and featured a cross-section of automobiles that had traversed it. The event also showcased a dedicated collection of Ferrari F40s and the largest assembly of Lamborghini Diablos. As the afternoon progressed, the Rolex Best of Show was awarded to a sleek silver 1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testarossa. Its owner Bruce Meyer took to the stage to receive his trophy and an engraved Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, before his car was admitted into the Rolex Circle of Champions. Meyer, who presented six of his personal vehicles at the gathering, said:

‘I am deeply touched to win a show like this. This car is incredibly worthy of this honour. Thank you to Rolex for this moment – I couldn’t be more thrilled.’

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An essential step towards success at the Concours is the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex – for which the Swiss watchmaker has stood as Presenting Partner since 2007. The rolling museum took place on Thursday 13 August and featured a 200-strong line-up of some of the world’s most storied cars. This year’s route replaced the traditional passage with a picturesque figure of eight which took cars through the Del Monte Forest, past Cypress Point and the prestigious Spyglass Hill Golf Course – a journey that harked back to the original Pebble Beach Road Races of the 1950s. As well as providing a chance for owners to demonstrate the roadworthiness of their vehicles to spectators, it served as a preview for the crowning moment in today’s grand finale.