The BMW car and motorcycle clubs of America are joining together for what will be the largest celebration of BMW’s 100th anniversary in the United States this August 19-28 in Monterey, California. Legends of the Autobahn will be held on August 19, the Festorics trackside corral and hospitality on August 19–21, and the 47th Annual BMW CCA Oktoberfest from August 23–28. All three events will combine to form what is being called “Celebrate BMW,” a celebration of 100 years of BMW. And each of the three enthusiast events are presented by Michelin, whose tires are featured on every BMW M series car platform from the 2 Series through the 6 Series.
Celebrate BMW attendees can look forward to a variety of driving and social events during the celebration, including: Concours d’Elegance, rallies, high-performance driving schools, historic car racing, autocross, and of course, lots of food and drink! This ten-day event will feature unrivaled automotive and social gatherings amidst the scenic beauty of the Monterey coastline.
Legends of the Autobahn presented by Michelin, August 19
Kicking off the 100th anniversary celebration will be the internationally acclaimed Legends of the Autobahn presented by Michelin during the famed Pebble Beach Concours week.
“Legends of the Autobahn will be bigger and better than ever with the addition of BMW Motorrad and examples of rare BMWs from across the country and the world!” states Frank Patek, Executive Director of BMW CCA.
Held at the prestigious Nicklaus Club-Monterey, the all-German concours is hosted by the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and the Audi Club of North America. Legends traditionally features judged and display classes for each of the host clubs as well as a display area for other German-made cars. The event is one of the only free concours events for spectators during the Monterey Car Week. Interested participants are encouraged to register their BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or other German-made cars now and purchase meal tickets in advance.
Festorics Corral and Hospitality Area presented by Michelin, August 19-21
The second of the three events during Celebrate BMW is the Festorics Corral and Hospitality Area presented by Michelin at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion on August 19-21. Festorics is an exclusive parking corral and hospitality area for BMW owners and their cars at Laguna Seca Raceway during the historic races. And this year, BMW will be honored as the featured marque. The last time BMW was featured was in 1996 and members are still talking about it today!
“This is going to be an experience that attendees talk about for years to come. And our corral at Laguna Seca will be like no other. To mark BMW’s Centennial the club is seeking your help to create a comprehensive display of BMW’s history and the enthusiast community in America,” said Patek.
You can purchase race tickets, corral passes, and hospitality tickets now—all from one convenient source at celebratebmw.com. New this year, attendees who purchase a BMW CCA corral pass and three-day race ticket will receive a limited-edition grille badge and Festorics t-shirt that commemorate the special occasion.
47th Annual BMW CCA Oktoberfest presented by Michelin, August 23-28
The third event in the Celebrate BMW festival, celebrating its 47th year, is Oktoberfest 2016 presented by Michelin from August 23-28. O’Fest is the signature annual gathering of the BMW CCA with exciting social and driving events planned around the Monterey Peninsula. The host hotel for the week is the Hyatt Monterey and the track is, of course, the thrilling Laguna Seca Raceway, famous for its “corkscrew.” The Pirelli Concours, Bridgestone Autocross and other rallies and high-performance driving events also occur during the week of O’Fest.
At O’Fest the social events really kick into high gear, starting with the Dinan Welcome Dinner on Tuesday evening, followed by the Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Dinner at Holman Ranch on Wednesday night, the Liberty Mutual Trackside Lunch on Thursday, Pirelli Beach Party and Dinner on Friday, and the BMW NA Awards Banquet on Saturday. Additional activities include the HRE Wheels Wine Tasting on Thursday evening and a Salinas Valley Agricultural Education and Wine Tasting Tour on Friday. The O’Fest social package, which includes four dinners and a trackside lunch, provides attendees access to all of the week’s major social events.
Spotlighted dinner events include the Wednesday night Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Dinner at the stunning 400-acre Holman Ranch and Winery in Carmel Valley. On the property rests a fully restored hacienda, olive grove, horse stables, vineyards and wine caves, and magnificent views of the area. Friday night, it’s the Pirelli Beach Party and Dinner at the Monterey Beach House near Fisherman’s Wharf. Diners will be treated to a delicious Mexi-Cal fusion menu as they enjoy a “classic California” surfing theme. Thursday’s Liberty Mutual Trackside Lunch at Laguna Seca’s lakebed area is not to be missed either. And the BMW NA Awards Banquet on Saturday evening wraps up the 100th anniversary celebration and promises a night of special guests. A summary of all highlighted social events can be found at: http://ofest.bmwcca.org/events/receptions.
O’Fest boasts almost twenty automotive displays and driving events during the week, some ticketed and some included with the O’Fest registration fee. Of course, the highlight for many will be a chance to drive around the famed Laguna Seca Raceway, an eleven-turn road course known for its challenging corkscrew turn, during the four days of BMW CCA Oktoberfest driving schools.
“Chances to drive Laguna Seca are rare. Chances to spend four days in this world famous circuit are not to be missed,” says Patek, who looks forward to seeing drivers’ responses after they take on the famous course.
Information on the O’Fest-specific events, fees, and schedule can be found on the O’Fest website (ofest.bmwcca.org) by clicking “Schedule and Fees.”
How to Register for Celebrate BMW
You can learn more and register now for all three events that compose the Celebrate BMW festival at celebratebmw.com.
Special BMW CCA Membership Discount Offer
For BMW enthusiasts who are not yet members of the Club and are interested in attending Celebrate BMW, the BMW CCA is offering an exclusive limited-time membership discount. You can use the code: 100JAHRE when joining at bmwcca.org to receive $6 off a one-year membership, $7 off a two-year membership, and $8 off a three-year membership. The discount code expires on June 1, 2016. Being a member of the Club gives you access to register for the Celebrate BMW events, not to mention, a monthly subscription to Roundel Magazine, discounts on parts and services from participating dealers, and access to hundreds of social driving events from coast-to-coast.
Visit bmwcca.org to join today!
