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Bill Warner Appointed Grand Marshal For Historic Racing's Golden Anniversary In Monterey
Bill Warner, a historian, author, photographer, and founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, has been named Grand Marshal for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. This event will take place from August 14-17 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Warner has been a key figure in historic racing in Monterey for decades.
Warner's journey with automobiles began in his teenage years. He worked at a local Volkswagen dealership, handling parts and driving the delivery truck. On weekends, he assisted the dealership's racing team. After earning an Electrical Engineering degree from The Citadel, he joined his family's filter business while contributing to Sports Car Graphic Magazine.
In 1971, Warner started working with Road & Track Magazine. His photographs and articles have appeared in major publications like Car and Driver, The Atlantic Monthly, Automobile, Auto Motor und Sport, and Forza. His photography has earned awards from The Los Angeles Art Directors and the Creative Arts Yearbook.
Warner began racing in 1978 with a Brabham BT-8 and later competed in the SCCA with an ex-Bob Sharp Racing Datsun B210. He achieved 5th place in the American Road Racing Amateur Championships at Road Atlanta in 1982 in GT-3. In 1984, he entered the International Motorsports Association Firehawk Series with a Camaro, securing multiple podium finishes and winning the IMSA Media Challenge three times.
In 1996, Warner founded The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Over its 25-year history, this event has raised more than $3.7 million for various charities including Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and Spina Bifida of Jacksonville.
Acknowledgements and Awards
Among Warner's many accolades are the 1998 National Volunteer of the Year award and being named Meguiar’s Automobile Hobby Person of the Year in 2002. He was inducted into the Road Racing Driver’s Club in 2003 and listed among Octane Magazine’s "Top 50 Players in the Classic Car World" in 2008. He also received the Lee Iacocca Award for "Dedication to Excellence in Perpetuating an American Automotive Tradition."
Bruce Canepa, Co-chair of the Reunion Advisory Council and Vice President of Friends of Laguna Seca, praised Warner's selection as Grand Marshal: "Bill has participated in nearly every event since 1988 as a journalist and photographer, racer and advisor. He richly deserves to be recognized this year for his invaluable input, knowledge and frequent wit."
The Significance of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is renowned globally as a premier motorsport facility located in Monterey, California. Nestled among scenic hills, it features challenging turns including the famous Corkscrew. The track is celebrated for hosting top-tier racing events that attract motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion marks its Golden Anniversary this year. Advance pricing on single and multi-day General Admission tickets remains available. The exclusive Legends Club is the only VIP hospitality package still open for booking.
"My entire life has been dedicated to racing, cars, and the people who share my passion," said Warner about his new role as Grand Marshal. "To be named Grand Marshal of the most important race of its kind in North America is an honour that is hard to absorb."
For more information on tickets or accommodations at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during this eventful period from August 14-17, interested parties can contact their specialists at (831) 242-8200 or visit WeatherTechRaceway.com.
The appointment of Bill Warner as Grand Marshal underscores his lifelong dedication to motorsports and his significant contributions to historic racing events.
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