Think of three exotic car companies that have long filled the dreams, and walls, of little boys around the world. It’s not hard to imagine that those likely marques originate near one another in Italy.
It’s the year of tre in Monterey as Italian exotics – Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati – showcase their remarkable pedigrees at three separate events held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. And each one will assuredly bring smiles to visitors of all ages who are strolling through the race paddock or watching from hillsides and grandstands.
First up is the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series that makes its inaugural appearance in Monterey as part of the Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix, powered by Mazda that features the all-new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. Eighteen race-equipped Lamborghini Gallardos will challenge the circuit May 2-4 in each driver’s quest for bragging rights, glory and valuable points toward the ultimate prize of qualifying for the World Final to be held in Italy.
For true Italian purists, the name Ferrari takes on special meaning. “I don’t sell cars; I sell engines. The cars I throw in for free since something has to hold the engines in,” once quipped the energetic Enzo Ferrari. That philosophy has shaped Ferrari into one of the all-time greatest names in motorsports, thus making the Ferrari Challenge May 16-18 a must see. The exhaust notes alone from these remarkable Ferrari F458 race cars will reverberate among the hills, as fans enjoy the color and pageantry that only Ferrari can provide.
The Italian trilogy will conclude in a rousing fashion with Maserati as the featured marque of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 14-17. The eldest of the three, at 100 years, will officially celebrate its centennial in Monterey. Such cars as the Tipo 61 (Birdcage) and stunning 250F grand prix car will punctuate the full history of Maserati that will be on display and running on the track during the historic racing. The event features 550 authentic race cars from nearly every manufacturer and era of motorsports, dating as far back as the early 1900s.
Don’t miss the sounds of these exotic Italian thoroughbreds in Monterey. For ticket information, please click HERE to view the variety of ticket and hospitality options for each event.
