BMW to be Featured Marque at 2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Though the 2015 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion just wrapped up a few weeks ago, track officials haven’t wasted any time in announcing a featured marque for next year’s event. We’re proud to announce that the 2016 Reunion will highlight BMW on our 100th anniversary.

Since our start in 1916, things have certainly changed dramatically. BMW began as an aircraft engine manufacturer before getting into the motorcycle business in 1923. Finding success there, we rolled out our first automobile – the Dixi, a licensed version of the Austin 7 – in 1928. The rest, as they say, is history. A century later, BMW is one of the most respected, innovative and popular auto brands in the world.

While pleasing consumers internationally, we’ve also been very active in motor racing, making BMW a worthy and exciting candidate for next year’s celebration. “The BMW brand and the legend of the Ultimate Driving Machine® was forged on and continues to be refined on racing circuits all over the world,” Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW North America, said in a press release earlier this month. “In the United States, Laguna Seca has played a starring role. This year, our BMW Z4 GTLM racing cars finished 1-2 in IMSA competition there – almost 40 years to the date a BMW 3.0 CL won our very first race on the classic circuit. BMW is delighted to be able to share our passion for great automobiles and motorsport with the world next year,” he continued.

Of course, this isn’t BMW’s first time being featured at the reunion – we received the same honor back in 1996. The featured marque isn’t always an automaker, it can alternately be a specific model, a type of vehicle, or even an accomplished racing driver. Last year’s was Maserati, preceded by the Chevy Corvette, Shelby Cobra, Jaguar, and the legendary Dan Gurney. Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Jaguar, and Porsche has been featured three times in the history of the retrospective event. BMW is pleased to be right on their tails.

“We are honored that BMW will celebrate its milestone anniversary at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/General Manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “Ludwig Willisch and his management team have been enthusiastic supporters of historic racing here in Monterey, right down to having Ludwig drive in the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL. It will be a truly international gathering.”

For many, the August 18 – 21, 2016 event is like a motorsports museum springing to life – the venue will be overflowing with authentic cars from as far back as the pre-war era, all fired up and ready to tackle the challenging circuit. BMW can’t think of better company around which to celebrate 100 years of automotive success.

Become a part of the BMW legacy! You don’t have to be in a race car to get a thrilling ride, just come see us at BMW of Elmhurst today to test drive your next new BMW!