In a stunning announcement that has motorsports fans buzzing, it’s been confirmed that several NASCAR legends — including Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Bill Elliott — will return to the track for a special exhibition at the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The event, scheduled for August 2026, will mark the first time NASCAR Hall of Famers will compete together in a historic racing showcase at one of the most prestigious vintage racing festivals in the world. Organizers are calling it a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of stock car history, speed, and legacy.
The special class, dubbed “NASCAR Legends of the Era,” will feature iconic stock cars from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s — meticulously restored and race-ready. Fans can expect to see everything from Gordon’s rainbow-colored No. 24 Chevrolet to Bill Elliott’s legendary Coors Melling Ford Thunderbird roaring through the famed Corkscrew.
Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, said he didn’t hesitate when the invitation came.
“I’ve always loved Laguna Seca and admired what the Rolex Reunion represents,” Gordon said in a statement. “To bring my old car out of the vault and run it again — and to do it alongside guys like Mark and Bill — that’s something truly special.”
Mark Martin echoed that sentiment, noting the respect he has for the track and the event’s history.
“This isn’t just about nostalgia,” Martin said. “It’s about honoring the machines, the moments, and the people who made NASCAR what it is.”
Other confirmed names include Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, and Geoff Bodine, with more expected to be announced in the coming months. The class will be part of a broader celebration of American motorsports history, with tribute parades, Q&A sessions, and interactive fan experiences planned throughout the week.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is widely considered the crown jewel of vintage racing events in North America. Known for its authenticity and elegance, the Reunion brings together historic race cars from around the world for competitive on-track action — not just static displays.
For the first time, NASCAR machines will be featured as a headline category, marking a major crossover between stock car tradition and the historic road racing community.
Fans can expect full-scale participation from major NASCAR teams and sponsors, many of whom have pledged to support the restoration and display of their classic liveries and hardware.
With racing legends returning to the track and historic NASCAR iron set to thunder once again, the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated motorsports events of the decade.
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