Event Preview: Monterey Car Week

UPDATED: 08.20.2018

There’s no doubt that the Monterey Car Week has become a megalith for the car enthusiast world, and also specifically for the Audi enthusiast niche. Events like Legends of the Autobahn have been a mainstay for Audi enthusiasts as part of Monterey for years now, but even more stepped up presence by Audi including the just-announced Audi PB 18 concept car introduction,  plus a clustering of many other activities helps make the week a can’t miss for four ring fans. When it comes to bucket list car aficionado events, we can’t recommend Monterey enough.

With just so much to see and do, Audi Club has tapped experienced members and checked-in with Audi in order to provide a summary of the many activities you should consider attending, and specifically those with some sort of Audi draw. Worth noting, there are even more events that happen during Monterey Car Week, so do your homework if you want an even deeper dive than we have outlined here. More info here: https://whatsupmonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week.

LODGING
Lodging for Monterey Car Week can be a challenge. At this time of year, hotel reservations can be hard to come by, and could result in longer commutes. Books early, and also consider less traditional lodging alternatives such as home rentals via sites like AirBnB.com and HomeAway.com.

TRANSPORTATION
If you’re not driving there in your own car, renting an Audi is still possible. Both Audi on demand (audiondemand.com) and Silvercar (Silvercar.com) can put you behind the wheel for the week. Both operate out of San Francisco, so flying into that city may be the best option in order to secure yourself an Audi automobile for your stay.

 

EVENTS (Listed in Chronological Order)

 

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion – LINK
Aug 23-26 All-Day, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Salinas, CA

An icon amongst vintage racing events, this multi-day running of classic racecars at such a historic American race track should be draw enough. Audi Club has confirmed that United Autosports will bring the former championship winning ex-Hurley Haywood 1988 Audi 200 TRANS-AM to this event where it will compete on track with drivers and United Autosports owners Zak Brown and Richard Dean. Brown is also the CEO of McLaren to those keeping track.

In addition to the 200 TRANS-AM, we can also confirm that at least one other car with Audi DNA, an NSU TT, will also be competing.

Audi Sport customer racing displayed in the paddock last year and is expected to return. Additionally, Audi is now planning the reveal of the just-announced PB 18 e-tron concept car on Thursday, then returning to the track for display again on Saturday. The Audi Club Golden Gate Chapter is also working on plans for a shared owner corral, so stay tuned for updates in that regard.

Legends of the Autobahn – LINK
Aug 24, 9AM-3PM, Nicklaus Club – Monterey, Monterey, CA

Audi Club North America joins the Mercedes-Benz Club North America and BMW Car Club of America for this German-marque focused concours. The biggest single gathering of Audi models during Monterey Car Week, this is a can’t miss. If you’re planning to show your Audi, make sure to pre-register.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – LINK
Aug 24, 10AM-4PM, Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel, CA

One of the most exclusive events of the week, tickets are definitely necessary for this event. Though it’s a direct conflict with Legends of the Autobahn, it makes a compelling case with incredible food and celebrity guests, plus many exclusive cars. Multiple car manufacturers also display here officially, including Audi with their Audi Sport lineup of cars and the PB 18 e-tron concept car.

Exotics on Cannery Row – LINK
Aug 25, 4PM-8PM, Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

Exotic cars are the obvious play in downtown Monterey’s Cannery Row. Crowds get thick, with the exotic car-spotters and would-be photographers. Previous years have seen modified R8s and the like amongst this mix.

Pebble Beach Concours – LINK
Aug 26, 10:30AM-5PM, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, CA

Finish the week at this iconic golf course with some of the most spectacular cars you will ever see. There is no class in the concours this year catering specifically to Audi models, but pre-war four-ring participants have been known to show, not to mention the confirmed showing of the PB 18 e-tron concept  and Volkswagen I.D. R Pike’s Peak racer on the concept lawn.

 

AUCTIONS
Another fixture on the Monterey event schedule is auctions. At the time of this writing, we’ve been able to confirm a 1934 Horch 780 B Cabriolet at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction. Previous years have seen everything from pre-war Horches to Sport quattros, so it’s worth re-checking auction sites closer Monterey Car Week in order to confirm any cars of interest amongst their auction lots.

Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction – www.bonhams.com
Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel, CA

Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction – www.goodingco.com
Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Pebble Beach, CA

Mecum Auctions Monterey Auction – www.mecum.com
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, Monterey, CA

RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction – www.rmsothebys.com
Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, CA

Russo and Steele Newport Monterey Auction – www.russoandsteele.com
Fisherman’s Wharf Waterfront, Monterey, CA