Racetrack legends explain why they risk million-dollar vintage Bugattis and Ferraris

By Miles Branman August 20, 2016

Ever wonder who was crazy enough to suggest racing vintage cars on one of the toughest tracks in America? Well, Digital Trends got the download from two of the racers who took part in the original Rolex Motorsport Reunion 42 years ago.

Sir Jackie Stewart, the Scottish Formula One racing icon credited with three World Drivers’ Championships, and David Hobbs, the British racing driver with an expansive motor sport career in all levels of racing, were on hand for the latest Reunion run Saturday with first-hand experiences from the Reunion’s history.

In 1974, the story goes, Steve Earle decided to rent Laguna Seca Raceway the Saturday before Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and invited 20 pals with vintage racecars. Earle demanded only one thing from his attendees: Everyone had to drive their historic racers on track. This was no car show.

Read More: The Best Cars From This Year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed

Vintage racing wasn’t a new concept in the U.S., but it did lack the parameters to keep it safe, fun, and long-lasting. Earle’s event didn’t offer prizes for winning races, and prohibited contact between cars. Before long, automakers took interest. Alfa Romeo was the first “featured marque” of the Reunion in 1975, and other brands followed suit. This year, BMW took the spotlight at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to celebrate its Centenary, bringing with it dozens of its most successful racecars.

Rolex took over from Earle’s General Racing group as the event’s title sponsor in 2009. Of course, the luxury watch manufacturer is no stranger to motor sport involvement. Rolex supports Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 24 Hours at Daytona. Now the event includes two weekends of racing, including a Pre-Reunion, and spans over 100 years of vehicle models. It’s truly a sight to behold.

As the two racing legends bantered on a stage, pausing for the roar of cars to fade around turn 3, the frightening — and sometimes hilarious — stories of years past revealed the significance of this racing series. Vintage racing in the U.S. just simply wouldn’t be the same without it.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.