Meet: Anthony Jimenez, Leading the Monterey Cars & Coffee Team

Monterey Cars & Coffee is the volunteer force behind the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Cars & Coffee events and Anthony Jimenez is the one driving the car. Each quarter, Anthony brings together a team of volunteers and coordinates with local Owner Clubs for these wonderful community events that are now held by the track for the benefit of various non-profits. While WeatherTech Raceway hosts the events, coordinates efforts and gathers sponsors for coffee and various activations, it is Anthony’s team who are the boots on the ground in the car community, getting the word out and helping to park hundreds of vehicles each quarter.

Jimenez’s journey with Monterey Cars & Coffee began in Pacific Grove, where the event would see around 20 cars per gathering. “I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I jumped at the chance,” he recalls. In December 2016, he proposed hosting the event at Laguna Seca. Track management agreed, and the turnout started to climb from 150 cars to 400 or sometimes 1000 cars at each event. This success cemented Laguna Seca as the new home for Monterey Cars & Coffee.

As the leader of Monterey Cars & Coffee, Jimenez’s responsibilities are to help spread the word, gather the volunteers to help manage the parking and traffic during events, and work closely with the car owner clubs to schedule a marque. The Marque gets space on the island where the coffee is served. “Monterey Cars & Coffee is the volunteers,” Anthony emphasizes. “I simply help to bring it together, but none of it is possible without the help of the volunteers and the great staff at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.”

Currently, the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca events are the sole focus of Monterey Cars & Coffee but Jimenez is also involved in the Peninsula Cars & Coffee, held in Seaside’s Chili’s parking lot. Co-organized with Roman Barnes and Kent Weinstein, this event keeps the car community engaged on a more frequent basis.

When asked about his favorite vehicle, Jimenez fondly recalls the Salinas Valley Horseless Carriage Club’s participation. “Those vehicles are so unique and important to automotive history. It was awesome to see them parade through the crowd, making a grand entrance.”

For Jimenez, Cars & Coffee is more than just a car show. It’s about bringing people together. “It provides a level playing field for all who wish to participate without breaking the bank. Where else can you see a McLaren parked next to a Miata, next to a ’68 Charger, next to a fully built off-road truck?”

Jimenez treasures the sense of community and camaraderie that these events foster. He loves seeing different people with diverse tastes in vehicles come together, share their passions, and appreciate each other’s work. “It really is something very special, and I am super thankful for the support and the opportunity to be able to do this.”

Anthony Jimenez’s dedication and enthusiasm have made Monterey Cars & Coffee a cornerstone of the local car community, providing a welcoming space for car enthusiasts to connect, share, and celebrate their passion. Find him and his team of volunteers at the next Cars & Coffee at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Saturday, August 31 for the benefit of Set Free Monterey Bay shortly after Car Week.