MONTEREY, Calif., July 24, 2026 — The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is widely recognized for attracting some of the finest historic cars in the world. Adding to the prestige this year is the largest number of professional and former professional drivers, and former World Champion MotoGP riders who will be racing or participating in exhibition laps.
“There are currently more than two dozen confirmed drivers who will be racing or guiding exhibition cars through their paces and meeting guests this year, and more are contacting us every day,” says Mel Harder, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “It is shaping up to be the largest gathering of former professional drivers and championship riders to participate in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.”
The IROC (International Race of Champions) Unser Family Cup group alone welcomes seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson, who will be challenged by Zak Brown, Kurt Busch, Bruce Canepa, Dario Franchitti, Bobby Labonte, Patrick Long, Scott Pruett, Danny Sullivan, and Tomy Drissi, who returns to defend his 2025 win. Al Unser Jr. also returns to represent the Unser family, which is one of America’s most famous racing names. While they are competing on track, their off-track activities include a variety of appearances and an autograph session.
Motorsports legend Scott Pruett joins the star-studded IROC race during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
For the first time in the event’s history, two-wheel World Champions are also well represented to celebrate their wins on Japanese bikes. Between 1978 and 2000, seven American riders, Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Kenny Roberts Jr., and Doug Chandler captured 14 of 23 FIM 500cc World Championships, one of the most dominant eras by any nation or group of riders in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history.
Highlighting the Japanese Motorsports theme are visits by Grand Marshal Peter Brock, legendary BRE driver John Morton, Nick Yelloly in the Acura ARX-01, Tom Long in the Mazda 787B, Tristan Nunez in the Mazda 767B, and Adam Carolla driving his Datsun 510.
“The excitement and interest in driving, or riding, the legendary cars and motorcycles from the Japanese Heritage Display in the special exhibition laps is at full tilt,” comments Ellen Bireley, curator of the heritage display. “Everyone, it seems, wants to participate and enjoy the experience of driving in these ceremonial laps. It will also be the only time fans will be able to see a Le Mans-winning prototype alongside a World Championship-winning motorcycle together on the track. It will be a thrilling moment.”
2025 Grand Marshal, Jenson Button greets a young fan.
Additional drivers racing throughout the weekend in multiple groups currently include Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, Gunnar Jeanette, Bill Auberlen, and Derek Hill, who will be driving the 1950 Jaguar Parkinson Special in honor of his father’s win at the inaugural Pebble Beach Road Races in 1950.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a celebration of motorsport history that features more than 400 historic, authentic race cars in 13 different race groups competing each day. It is widely considered a Moving Museum and is the only event during Monterey Car Week where enthusiasts can see, hear, and fully experience legendary race cars at speed.
Daily, multi-day, and VIP experience packages are available at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling 831-242-8200. Advance pricing ends July 29.
About the ROLEX Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Recognized as one of the world’s premier motorsport lifestyle gatherings, the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will celebrate Japanese Performance as its featured marque. Led by Grand Marshal Peter Brock, the event will showcase legendary race cars and manufacturers that helped shape global motorsports, including Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Yamaha, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mitsubishi.
The four-day celebration, August 12-15, 2026, also features Bonhams|Cars auction, the return of Historic IROC, a new JDM Car Show, historic INDYCARS and hundreds of the world's finest historic race cars and motorcycles competing on the iconic 11-turn circuit, creating an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts and collectors alike. Tickets and hospitality package are available at weathertechraceway.com.
About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California, operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501c(3) non-profit. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The 2.238-mile raceway features 11 challenging turns and approximately 180 feet of elevation change, including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. Friends of Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year. Find out how you can get involved at FriendsOfLagunaSeca.org.
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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Features Innovative Cars and Motorcycles for Massive Japanese Motorsports Exhibition