The Monterey Car Week stands as the zenith of global automotive celebrations, drawing enthusiasts to the picturesque Californian coast for a week of unparalleled events. Among the myriad of showcases, two standout events—The Monterey Motorsport Reunion and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—are must-attend experiences for any automotive aficionado.
The Laguna Seca circuit and Pebble Beach share a rich, intertwined history, making them the perfect hosts for these prestigious gatherings. This year, the spotlight shines on Japanese automotive icons with a stellar lineup of historic race cars and motorcycles set to captivate audiences.
The Monterey Motorsport Reunion: A celebration of Japanese automotive excellence
The Monterey Motorsport Reunion at Laguna Seca is a historic event that brings together over 500 classic cars, each invited to compete in a thrilling display of automotive prowess. The 2026 edition pays homage to Japanese automotive history featuring legendary cars from ToyotaMazdaNissanHonda and Subaru.
Among the highlights is the Honda-powered Williams FW11 a Mazda 787B and the first Nissan R91CP chassis. World Rally legends like the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Celica ST185 will also take center stage. Mel Harder, president and general manager of Laguna Seca, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This is a massive initial step in creating exciting new activities that celebrate the past, present, and future to enhance guests’ “
Motorcycles take the spotlight
For the first time in the event’s 52-year history, motorcycles will play a major role. The organizers have achieved a remarkable feat by reuniting all six living 500cc World grand prix Champions to mark a golden age of American dominance on two wheels. Between 1978 and 2000, American riders won a total of 14 titles, and this year, Kenny RobertsFreddie SpencerEddie LawsonWayne RaineyKevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr will all be in attendance, riding demo laps.
Thrilling racing grids and legendary drivers
The racing program is packed with 13 different grids and standout entries. The Unser Family Cup race for International Race of Champions (IROC) cars has been a highlight in recent years. In 2026, Tomy Drissi took glory in his 2006 Pontiac Firebird ahead of four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti and NASCAR legends Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon. Most of these names return this time around, with added Danny SullivanScott PruettBobby Labonte and Jimmie Johnson to make it a who’s who of American motorsport.
McLaren Racing head Zak Brown will enjoy an incredibly busy event, mixing his outing in the Camaro with runs in a McLaren M8D Can-Am car, Porsche 935 and a Jaguar XJR-9 Group C monster. Jenson Button is also in action, handling both an Alfa Romeo GT Jr in the Bob Sharp Cup for 1967-1979 tin-tops and a Dodge Viper GTS-R in the Scott Pruett Legends of Endurance race.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: A tribute to automotive elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance pre-dates Laguna Seca’s opening by seven years, and without this famed classic car contest, we may never have had the circuit and its iconic Corkscrew. The inaugural Pebble Beach Road Race took place in November 1950, with competitors negotiating a twisting 1.8-mile Tarmac and gravel course around the Del Monte Forest. Phil Hill took home the first-ever Del Monte Trophy in his Jaguar XK120.
This year’s 75th anniversary running will pay homage to those racing roots with sportscars from Pebble Beach’s road racing past on display. One distinguished guest will be the 1927 Sunbeam 1000 HP which Sir Henry Segrave took to a world record 203.79mph on Daytona Beach in March 1927. The twin 22.4-litre Matabele aero-engined machine has been painstakingly restored by the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu but is scheduled to make the trip back Stateside.
Featured classes and automotive artistry
Featured classes this year include competition Ferraris—namely of the Chinetti and NART varieties—the artworks of Carrozzeria Alfredo VignalePre-WW2 Speedsters1930s Streamliners and Automobiles of Royal India. Many of the Japanese wonders present at Laguna Seca will also make the short trip for a double feature.
A Motorsports Gathering at The Quail: A fusion of rare metal and fine dining
Now in its 23rd year, A Motorsports Gathering at The Quail fuses a bustling automotive show with luxury cuisine, entertainment, and a garden party atmosphere at The Peninsula Hotel. Amidst the displays of hundreds of rare and exotic vehicles, there’s also a Broad Arrow sale expected to contain 175 collector cars.
The event will feature four main classes, each receiving its own celebrations. The centenary of Route 66 is the main feature, exploring the cult car culture sparked by the creation of the 2500-mile-long highway connecting Chicago and Santa Monica. The Lamborghini Diablo gets a focus, not just for being the Bologna firm’s first supercar capable of topping 200mph, but also for being the model that gave rise to the modern GT3 category of racing.
The Japanese theme carries over here too with some fine examples of high performance from the Far East, plus there’s a category for the ever-alluring Ferrari F40. Famed collector Bruce Meyer will also showcase some of his gems, while classes for Pre- and Post-War racing cars and bikes, great Ferraris and the Evolution of the Supercar are also present.
Gordon McCall, director of motorsport at The Quail, expressed excitement for the event, stating, “Our new featured classes, alongside the debut of the collector series, are propelling The Quail into an exciting new era. Collectively, they showcase emerging technologies and design philosophies, while upholding the timeless craftsmanship and heritage that have been at the heart of this event for more than two decades.”
