MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 11, 2026 — History is coming to life at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
For the first time in nearly two decades, all six living American 500cc World Grand Prix Champions will reunite on the same track, bringing together an extraordinary generation of American motorcycle racing legends during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion’s celebration of Japanese Motorsport on August 14 and 15.
Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr. — six riders whose names are synonymous with an era of American dominance in Grand Prix motorcycle racing — will return to Laguna Seca to ride their iconic motorcycles in exhibition laps alongside legendary race cars.
For fans, this is a rare opportunity to see those champions together again: meet them, hear the stories behind some of racing’s greatest battles, collect autographs and watch six World Champions take to the track once more.
Together, the six riders captured 14 of the 23 500cc World Championships between 1978 and 2000, representing one of the most dominant eras by any nation or group of riders in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history. Fittingly, all six have raced at Laguna Seca.
A Weekend of Unprecedented Access
The two-day celebration will give fans multiple opportunities to experience these legends up close, including exhibition laps (3:45 p.m. on Friday and 2:05 p.m. on Saturday), an autograph session on Saturday from 10 to 10:40 a.m. and a lively panel discussion on the paddock stage from 3:15 to 3:55 p.m. on Saturday.
“This is going to be an unbelievable experience for everyone attending the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion,” said Bruce Canepa of Friends of Laguna Seca. “To have these six World Champions together at Laguna Seca, riding the motorcycles that made them legends, is something fans will remember for a very long time. I’m a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, so I’ll be one of the many trying to get as close as possible!”
The gathering also marks a milestone for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. For the first time in the event’s 52-year history, motorcycles will play a defining role in the celebration, making the reunion of these six champions a fitting centerpiece of this year’s Japanese Motorsport theme.
Meet the Champions
Kenny Roberts
The first American to win the 500cc World Grand Prix Championship, Kenny Roberts changed the sport forever with three consecutive World Championships from 1978 through 1980. A dominant force in American racing before conquering the world stage, Roberts later founded his own World Championship team and mentored Wayne Rainey to three consecutive 500cc titles.
Freddie Spencer
Known as “Fast Freddie,” Freddie Spencer produced one of the most remarkable seasons in motorcycle history in 1985, becoming the only rider ever to win both the 250cc and 500cc World Championships in the same year. His career included 27 Grand Prix victories and an unforgettable championship rivalry with Kenny Roberts.
Eddie Lawson
A four-time 500cc World Champion, Eddie Lawson dominated Grand Prix racing in 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1989. The California native combined extraordinary consistency and versatility, winning championships in both AMA Superbike and AMA 250 Grand Prix racing, along with victories at the Daytona 200 and Suzuka 8 Hours.
Wayne Rainey
Wayne Rainey captured three consecutive 500cc World Championships from 1990 through 1992 and amassed 24 premier-class Grand Prix victories. His legendary rivalry with Kevin Schwantz became one of the defining storylines of the era. After a career-ending crash in 1993, Rainey continued to shape motorcycle racing as a team owner and later as a co-founder of MotoAmerica.
Kevin Schwantz
Few riders were as thrilling as Kevin Schwantz. The Texas native won the 1993 500cc World Championship and 25 premier-class Grand Prix races, earning a reputation for an aggressive, fearless riding style. His fierce rivalry with Wayne Rainey captivated fans around the world and helped define one of the greatest eras in Grand Prix racing.
Kenny Roberts Jr.
In 2000, Kenny Roberts Jr. made history by joining his father as a 500cc World Champion, creating the first and only father-son duo to win Premier Class World Championships. His championship with Suzuki ended Honda’s six-year hold on the title and capped an extraordinary era of American success in Grand Prix racing.
A Rare Chance to Witness History
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is renowned for bringing historic race cars back to the track exactly as they were intended to be driven. This year, that experience expands to two wheels as six of America’s greatest motorcycle racing champions return to the place where they once competed.
For one unforgettable weekend, the legends of American Grand Prix racing will be back where they belong — on the track at Laguna Seca.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion runs August 12-15. Daily, multi-day and VIP experience packages are available at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling 831-242-8200. Tickets are also available at the admissions gates on South Boundary Road and the Highway 68 entrance.
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 the 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 packages 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.
Share:
Corkscrew Hillclimb Caps Action-Packed Opening Day of Monterey Pre-Reunion