Mazda's Iconic 787B Set to Dazzle at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2026

Mazda's Iconic 787B to Bring Thrills at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Mazda Motorsports is gearing up for an extraordinary showcase at the 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where the legendary Mazda 787B will take center stage. Known as the most famous rotary engine in motorsport history, this vehicle not only represents Mazda's engineering prowess but also signifies a remarkable chapter in racing history.

Scheduled from August 12 to 15 at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, this event will be the first time many American fans will see and hear the legendary 787B, which clinched victory at Le Mans in 1991. Its distinctive Renown livery and the unmistakable sound of its 2.6-liter four-rotor Wankel engine will echo through the venue, giving fans a rare opportunity to appreciate this automotive marvel up close.

According to Jonathan Applegate, Senior Manager of Mazda Motorsports, the return of the 787B is both exhilarating and nostalgic. He remarked, “That sound and coloring are synonymous with Mazda’s triumph in Le Mans. It’s a genuine privilege for fans to experience it firsthand in the U.S.” The 787B is set to be a key feature in the JDM Mazda exhibit located in the paddock area.

The 787B isn't the only highlight for Mazda at this thrilling event. It will be paired with a remarkable lineup of race cars spanning six decades, including the 1967 Cosmo Sport, which initiated Mazda's rotary engine legacy, and the 1989 767B-002, among others. Each vehicle not only showcases the evolution of Mazda's racing history but also underscores its commitment to innovative engineering.

Adding to the excitement, legendary drivers such as Tristan Nunez and Tom Long will be behind the wheel of the 767B and 787, respectively, during the Group C competition. Moreover, the iconic endurance racer Yojiro Terada will pilot the 787B during the Japanese car exhibitions on Friday and Saturday, leading to thrilling demonstrations of the vehicle’s capabilities.

Mazda’s influence extends beyond the racetrack, as key figures from the company, including Ikuo Maeda and Brad Audet, are set to judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance—one of the most prestigious automotive events worldwide. This year, both the 787 and 787B have been invited to be showcased in the Japanese Motorsports category, acknowledging their impact not just on racing but on automotive history as a whole.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion promises more than just sights and sounds; it invites fans to immerse in a celebration of car culture. Tickets for the event, which provides an electrifying blend of nostalgia and innovation, can be purchased through the WeatherTech Raceway’s website. Fans unable to attend in person can also catch live streams on the venue's Facebook and YouTube channels, ensuring that the roar of the rotary engine reaches car lovers everywhere.

Mazda, proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, upholds a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. By placing humanity at the heart of their designs, they endeavor to enrich every driving experience. With operations in Irvine, California, Mazda North American Operations oversees sales, marketing, and service support across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through approximately 795 dealerships. To explore more about Mazda vehicles and their incredible narrative in motorsport, visit their online media center.

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