Mercedes-Benz roadster claims Rolex prize
A 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer claimed the Rolex Best of Show award at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance held on Aug. 20 at Monterey, California. The car also completed the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance that preceded the show.
Attracting 155 cars, the road tour — which celebrated its 20th anniversary — this year reverted to its original and longer route after local fires had significantly shortened it in 2016. The event saw the classic cars winding their way around the Monterey peninsula, including tackling portions on which the historic 17-Mile Drive was held.
At the concours, 49 more vehicles rolled on to the famed 18th hole fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links for the exhibition and judging. Besides the classic cars, also revealed at the show were the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet and the BMW Concept Z4, both of which marked their debuts.
The owner of the winning Mercedes-Benz, Bruce R McCaw, received a unique, two-tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 that features a “best of show” engraving on the case back.. Rolex has been the official timepiece of the concours since 1997, and presenting sponsor of the tour since 2007.
Mugen signs up Jenson Button
TEAM Mugen announced that 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button, presently a reserve driver for McLaren-Honda, will compete in Round 6 of the Super GT Series 46th International Suzuka 1000km aboard a Honda NSX Concept-GT race car.
The race is scheduled on Aug. 26.
Mugen said Mr. Button had conducted tire tests and familiarized himself with the hybrid-powered, Motul-lubricated car during a program held on June 6-7 at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. The F1 driver will share racing duties in the GT500 class with teammates Hideki Mutoh and Daisuke Nakajima.
“After driving an NSX Concept-GT at Honda Racing Thanks Day last December, I became interested in racing in Super GT. I spoke with Honda and they have given me a chance to race at Suzuka 1000km. As an F1 driver and a member of Team Mugen, I will push to win. I am very much looking forward to racing in front of my Japanese fans again,” Mr. Button said.
Mugen said the Suzuka 1000km is the longest-running race series in Japan, having been held annually since 1966. The series is marking its last season as Suzuka prepares to host a new endurance race series starting in 2018.
For its part, Motul’s technical partnerships with various teams in the series stretch back to 2003 when it collaborated with Nismo. It noted the partnerships have allowed it to constantly upgrade its lubricants technology for both race teams and consumers.
