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If there is a center to the classic car universe, we would argue that it is Monterey, California, home of the world famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It is here that classic car owners from across the world, bringing with them the rare, the beautiful, and the unusual, cars that most of us have never even heard of before. Perhaps the most interesting event though is the annual Motorsports Reunion, where the race cars of yesteryear take to the track and do what they were intended to do; race.
According to a just-released Press Release, the big celebration in 2012 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra.
Monterey automotive events are well known for celebrating important dates in the history of significant cars, from Ferraris to Chevies. In fact, 2011 was the 50th anniversary of the oft-celebrated Ferrari 250 GTO. But 2012 will be all about the Shelby Cobra, which first hit the streets back in 1962.
The simple premise of fitting a Ford V8 into the body of a small British roadster is what catapulted Carroll Shelby to fame. The Cobra is arguably one of the most historically significant American cars from the 1960’s, winning race after race and starter the career of one of America’s best known automotive idols. Without the Cobra, would the world know the name of Carroll Shelby? Probably not. Expect lots of Cobras to hit the track and show those Ferraris how to really party.
Official Release
MONTEREY, Calif., August 21, 2011 – Cobra, one of the most recognized and iconic names in the motorsports and automotive worlds, will be the featured marque at next year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion on August 17-19, 2012. Today’s announcement was made at the closing awards ceremony by Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca who was accompanied by the growl of a Cobra driving on stage.
Created by Carroll Shelby in 1962, the original Shelby Cobra quickly established itself as the dominant American competitor on the international sports car racing scene, narrowly missing the World Sports Car Championship in 1964 and winning the championship in 1965, a remarkable achievement “from scratch” against established European competitors. This success was prompted by a strong partnership between Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company. Shelby chose Ford engines to power his cars that consistently outperformed its competitors.
Next year will be the 39th year of historic racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Carroll Shelby was honored in 1997 at the formerly-named Monterey Historic Automobile Races®, and 2012 will be the first time the Shelby Cobra will be featured.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is an annual tradition that hosts approximately 550 authentic and historic race cars from nearly every decade of motorsports history. The cars are divided into individual groups according to age and engine size, and each one must be period-correct in their presentation.
Visit www.MazdaRaceway.com for additional information.
