The life of Carroll Shelby, a veteran who flew B-29s, an oil roughneck, a chicken farmer and automotive legend, will be celebrated August 17-9 at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Raceway.
The connection between Shelby and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has long been intertwined.
Shelby was a frequent participant in the formative years of the raceway, then named Laguna Seca. On Oct. 20, 1960, Shelby drove the No. 98 Tipo 61 Maserati “Birdcage” in the final race of his legendary driving career.
Despite taking nitroglycerin pills to ease chest pains, he finished second after leading much of the race. That position, however, earned enough points for Shelby to clinch the 1960 USAC Sports Car Championship.
Plans are underway to unite the Shelby legacy and spirit with the anniversary of one of the most iconic cars of all time.
“Carroll Shelby and his Cobras have been integral to our facility’s development," said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. "For a man who had his last professional race here and returned year after year for our historic car races, it is a privilege to host and present a public celebration of his life, his cars and his deep passion. He will be missed roaming the paddock, but his spirit will forever live on.”
For more information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion or to purchase tickets, call 800-327-7322 or visit www.MazdaRaceway.com.
Article Last Updated: May 25, 2012.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
