At this year's Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Mercedes-Benz took the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of legendary race driver Jochen Mass.  After first leading the Tour d’Elegance in an authentic CLK63 AMG Black Series Formula 1 Pace Car at the start of the festivities, the former Formula 1 driver was then bestowed with the "Star Driver" award at Mercedes' exclusive Pebble Beach Gala dinner.  Over 170 guests were in attendance for the event, including Jutta Benz, the granddaughter of Karl and Bertha Benz.

Mass joins an elite group of drivers given the Star Driver award, with the above-pictured Stirling Moss as well as John Fitch and Denise McCluggage the three others that hold the same title. The award is presented to individuals who have made great contributions to motorsports and the automobile industry, with Jochen's accomplishments as a race driver including wins in the German and European championships, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans.

To learn more about Jochen Mass as well as his recent naming as a Mercedes Star Driver, you can find the full details in the official press release below.

Enjoy.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz Honors Jochen Mass at Pebble Beach Gala:  Former Formula 1 Racer Receives Mercedes-Benz Star Driver Award

Pebble Beach, CA – Mercedes-Benz celebrates the accomplishments of legendary race driver Jochen Mass, one of the great Formula 1 competitors, by honoring him as a “Star Driver” at this year’s Pebble Beach Gala on Friday, August 15, 2008.

Mass was honored as this year’s Star Driver at Pebble Beach during the Mercedes-Benz exclusive gala dinner at the Beach Club at the Lodge. With over 170 guests in attendance, including Jutta Benz, the granddaughter of Karl and Bertha Benz, Mass was formally recognized for his contributions to racing and Mercedes-Benz.

Mass was on the Mercedes-Benz Team from 1988 to 1991 along with other racing legends Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger. He took wins in the German and European Championships, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans.

On Thursday, August 14, Mass led a Tour d’Elegance in an authentic CLK63 AMG Black Series Formula 1 Pace Car. The tour began at the Polo Field and took a scenic drive to Carmel before returning to the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge on the Third Green, which is this year’s newest attraction at Pebble Beach. Mass was followed by Stirling and Susie Moss in a 1957 300Sc Roadster.

Pioneer, Racing Legend, and Motorsport Commentator

The Star Driver award recognizes individuals who have made great contributions to motorsports and the automobile industry. Mass is the fourth individual to receive the Star Driver designation, joining the ranks of notable icons Sir Stirling Moss, John Fitch, and Denise McCluggage.

While racing with Mercedes Sauber in 1989, Mass, along with teammates Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens, brought home a spectacular win at the ‘24 Hours of Le Mans.’

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