Join Us!

The Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff will return to beautiful Pacific Grove for 2025!

Each year we kick off the Monterey festivities with our own welcome party, filling neighboring downtown Pacific Grove. Awesome cars, great people, perfect weather, and kind of magic that only happens during Monterey Car Week — what more could you ask for?

Spectator entry is free — just walk right in, with no registration required.

Vehicle entry is $75, and all cars must pre-register online. No registrations will be accepted at the show gate.

Thanks to support from SunocoMoss MotorsNational Parts DepotCenterline International,  Mecum Auctions, Griot’s Garage, Reliable Carriers, Frontline Cars, Racing to End Alzheimer’s The Monarch Pub and the city of Pacific Grove for making this event possible. Register your car online, park right on Lighthouse Ave. and hang out with the coolest group at Monterey Car Week. We’ll see you there.

When: 

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

1pm-5pm

Where: 

Pacific Grove, CA

Entry Fee:

FREE for spectators

$95 for show vehicles

Capacity:

Limited to 200 pre-registered cars.


The Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff

Presented by:

 
 

With car blocks presented by:

british car block

american car block

 

Italian car block

 

In Association With:

 
 
 

With Trophies From

 
 

Monterey Kickoff Schedule

Tuesday, August 13:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Will-call open (click here to view will-call location on map)

12:00 pm: Lighthouse Ave. closes to all traffic. All cars, including registered cars, must be removed. All cars left after this time will be towed (click here for information on how to retrieve your towed car).

12:30 pm: Gates open for pre-registered vehicles. Vehicles that haven’t pre-registered will not be admitted to the show.

1:00 pm: Gates close to all car traffic. If you are registered for the show and aren’t in line to enter before this time, you will not be admitted to the show. Spectators on foot are welcome at this time.

1:30 pm: Judging begins.

4:00 pm: Awards ceremony. Winners must be present to receive prizes.

5:00 pm: Show ends, gates open to all traffic.

schedule subject to change without notice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is this sticker for?

A: An entry sticker is required to enter the show. Please stick it on the lower driver’s corner of your windshield.

Q: What Do i do If I DON’t KNOW WHAT TO DO ON THE DAY OF THE SHOW?

A: If you have any issues with any part of your registration, payment, entry sticker, etc., please visit Monterey Kickoff will-call. Our friendly staff would be happy to help in-person.

Q: What Do i do If I’M STILL WAITLISTED?

A: Sorry, but we do not have room for your car unless you’ve been confirmed for the show. You’re welcome to attend as a spectator, but your car will not be allowed in.

Q: What if my car cannot make it?

A: If your car won’t make it to the show, please email us at Monterey@ClassicMotorsports.com so we can fill your spot with a car from the waitlist.

Q: Can I Just show up with my car?

A: Sorry, but due to increased demand and limited space available, pre-registration is required to show your car in the Monterey Kickoff. Anyone that hasn’t registered in advance online and received an entry sticker will be turned away. Spectators always enter the Monterey Kickoff for free without registration.

Q: Why is my car waitlisted if registration is still open?

A: The selection committee is attempting to curate an exceptional show with a wide range of cars in each class. Registration for the Monterey Kickoff will remain open until the day before the event begins, as some classes still have room for new entries. If your car is placed on the waitlist, it means that the committee hasn’t yet found a space in your car’s class for you. You’ll be notified ASAP in the event of cancellations, and will automatically receive a refund if you’re still waitlisted at the show’s start.

Q: How much does it cost to attend?

A: Show vehicle entry is $95, and you can register for the event here. Spectators always enter the Monterey Kickoff for free.

Q: How can I see the Show?

A: Just show up! You’ll find ample spectator parking on the surrounding streets of Pacific Grove, then you’re welcome to walk right into the show. The Monterey Kickoff does not offer any official spectator parking area.

Q: How Do I Register and Participate?

A: Registration and event requirements can be found on Hagerty | MotorsportReg here.

Q: What cars are welcome?

A: All entries must be accepted by our selection committee. To submit your vehicle for acceptance, register for the event. All new registrations will automatically be waitlisted until evaluated and approved or rejected by the committee in the spring. Any vehicles not accepted will receive a full refund once the show begins. Upload a photo and details of your car during registration to improve your chances of being selected. 

Does this mean we won't accept common cars? Not at all--we've actually made this change in order to increase the diversity of the cars at our show, as we want want to showcase the broadest range of vehicles possible.

What cars are we looking for? We're looking for classic sports and luxury cars, muscle cars, newer exotics, classic 4x4s, and similar vehicles. 

Q: How do I know if my registration was approved by the selection committee?

A: You can view the current list of registrants and check your status here.

  • If your status is "Confirmed": Congratulations! Your vehicle has been reviewed and officially accepted into the show! Along with your acceptance, you’ll also receive a complimentary 1-year subscription to Classic Motorsports Magazine.

  • If your status is "New": Your vehicle has not been reviewed by the selection committee yet. 

  • If your status is "Waitlist New": Your vehicle has not been reviewed by the selection committee yet. The show was already at capacity when you registered, but spots do open up when entries are Waitlist Confirmed or in the event of cancellations. If your vehicle is still waitlisted on the day of the show, you'll automatically receive a full refund.

  • If your status is "Waitlist Confirmed": Your vehicle has been reviewed by the selection committee, but they have not found a spot for your car in the show. Many Waitlist Confirmed entries are eventually moved to the status Confirmed due to cancellations or if additional space is allocated for their class. If your vehicle is still waitlisted on the day of the show, you'll automatically receive a full refund.

Q: What Do i do If I lose my entry pass?

A: Unique entry passes will be mailed to each participant in advance. If you lose yours, please visit Monterey Kickoff will-call to complete the verification process and have a new entry pass issued.

Q: HOW DO I GET THERE?

A: We have a simple map and a good address to plug into your GPS available here on our Map/Directions page.

Q: What’s the show schedule?

A: You can click here to view the Monterey Kickoff schedule.

Q: What prizes can I win? Is this event judged like a concours?

A: This event is more like a Cars & Coffee event, and is not judged like a formal concours. However, some of the classic car world's top names will be awarding special prizes to their favorite attendees. See this year's categories and prizes here. You must be present at the event to receive your prize.

Q: When will I be moved off of the waitlist?

A: If registration is full, you’ll automatically be placed on the waitlist. As we receive cancellations, we’ll move attendees from the waitlist to the confirmed entry list. You’ll receive an email from MotorsportReg with instructions to complete your payment if you’re moved off of the waitlist. We do reserve the right to give priority to interesting cars and returning attendees.