Monterey, CA (March 12, 2026) - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca announced today that legendary automotive designer, racer, and motorsports visionary Peter Brock will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, one of the world’s premier celebrations of historic racing. A pivotal figure in American motorsports history, Brock’s career spans design, engineering, competition, and storytelling. Brock first made his mark at GM Styling as one of the youngest designers hired in at the age of 19. In November of 1957 he drew the sketch which became the iconic 1963 Corvette split window Sting Ray. Before the Sting Ray even hit the market, Brock joined Carroll Shelby in Los Angeles to run his new race driver’s school and played a key role in shaping the Cobra program and designing the Shelby Daytona Coupe which won the FIA GT Championship in 1965. He then founded Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE), the team that turned compact Japanese sedans into championship-winning race cars.
“Peter Brock’s impact on motorsports cannot be overstated,” said Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “His creativity, technical insight, and competitive spirit helped shape a golden era of racing, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of designers, engineers, and drivers. We are honored to welcome him as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.”
“Salute to Japanese Motorsport: A Tradition of Precision and Heritage” will be the featured marque of the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, a title perfectly befitting Peter Brock’s storied career. As a driver, designer, and team owner, Brock not only claimed championship victories on track but also transformed perceptions of Japanese engineering, helping shape American racing culture and fueling the growth of Japanese motorsports internationally. His lasting influence across competition, automotive journalism, and design cements his place among the sport’s most respected innovators.
“I am honored to be invited as the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s Grand Marshal this year, celebrating Japanese vehicles,” said Peter Brock. “The JDM industry in the USA started with our BRE Datsuns and has never been stronger. It’s going to be an amazing event with no doubt the largest number of BRE original and Tribute cars ever gathered in one location, along with hundreds of other impressive entries. How fitting to be involved with such an honor as I turn 90 this year.”
As Grand Marshal, Brock will play an active role throughout the weekend, participating in the traditional Grand Marshal pace lap, opening ceremonies, and selected award presentations. He will also lend his voice and perspective to scheduled live stream segments, sharing his expertise, history, and insight with a global audience. Fans will have multiple opportunities to connect with him through dedicated meet-and-greet and autograph sessions, both in the Raceway’s FanZone and at the BRE exhibit booth, ensuring event guests can engage directly with one of the sport’s most influential figures.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion annually brings together an extraordinary collection of historic race cars and legendary figures from across the motorsports world. Internationally recognized for its curated race groups, immersive fan experiences, and celebration of automotive heritage, the event is set against the iconic backdrop of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Recently the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion was honored as Motorsports Event of the Year at the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the premier historic racing events in the world.
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Petersen Automotive Museum Announce Partnership