33rd ROLEX MONTEREY HISTORIC AUTOMOBILE RACES PRESENTED BY TOYOTA TO HONOR COOPER CAR COMPANY AND PAY TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY DRIVER, SIR JACK BRABHAM

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA –Hundreds of historically-significant racecars will converge on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, August 18-20, 2006, for the 33rd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota—the nation’s premier vintage automobile races.

As the cornerstone of the world’s largest celebration of classic cars held annually on the Monterey Peninsula, this year’s Historic will celebrate the automotive legacy of the Cooper Car Company and will honor the achievements of racing great, Sir Jack Brabham, who will be in attendance.

In addition to title sponsor Rolex, this year’s Historic welcomes a new presenting sponsor, Toyota.

“The Rolex Monterey Historic Presented by Toyota brings together automotive enthusiasts from around the globe in a living celebration of motorsports,” said Steven J. Earle, president of General Racing Ltd. and organizer of the event.

Each year, the Historic attracts thousands of spectators for highly competitive races. Representing the largest field of racers ever assembled, this year more than 400 vintage racecars spanning eight decades—-ranging from a 1916 National to a 1980 Porsches 935 IMSA—-will tackle the 11 turn, 2.238 mile road course at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, during the three day Historic weekend.

A “Who’s Who” of professional drivers, sports enthusiasts and millionaire collectors, such as legendary driver and team owner, Bobby Rahal, celebrated CART driver Danny Sullivan and automotive product manufacturer Vic Edelbrock, Jr. will be participating.

The Cooper Car company will be the featured marque of the 33rd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota. Founded in 1947 by Charles and John Cooper, the Cooper Car Company started in a small garage in Surrey, England, where the father/son team began building racecars.

This year’s Cooper festivities will be led by Michael Cooper, son of founder John Cooper. Additionally, a special tribute will take place honoring one of the most prolific racers in Cooper history—-Sir Jack Brabham—-the first driver in history to be knighted for his service to motorsports.

The Cooper Car Company is perhaps best known today for the Mini Cooper. Joining the Cooper celebration at the Historic will be one of the world’s largest gatherings of new and old Minis, led by the current manufacturer,

BMW. In addition to a MINI parade, Historic attendees will be among the first U.S. residents to view the new limited edition MINI Cooper John Cooper Works GP on display throughout the weekend.

Featured displays include the renowned Rolex Moments in Time, presenting six significant cars representing important moments in racing history. Within the display, Rolex celebrates great manufacturers, designers and racing heroes, bringing history to life by creating and highlighting a number of truly legendary cars, including Sir Stirling Moss’ 1958 Argentine Grand Prix-winning Cooper, Niki Lauda’s 1976 Ferrari 312 T2 F1 and the 1903 De Dion from Paris-Madrid Race.

This year’s Historic welcomes a new presenting sponsor, Toyota, whose racing history began in 1967 when they joined forces with Carroll Shelby to develop a race-modified Toyota 2000 GT. Toyota will showcase its 1987 GTO and several 2000 GT vintage race cars in its Paddock display, as well as its more current motorsports vehicles in the Expo area.

Organized by General Racing, Ltd., the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota is the premier event for vintage and historic racing enthusiasts in America.

For more information, visit www.montereyhistoric.com.

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