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Mercedes-Benz honored the accomplishments of legendary race driver Jochen Mass, one of the great Formula 1 competitors, by presenting him with the “Star Driver” award at this year’s Pebble Beach Gala on Friday, August 15, 2008.

Mass was honored as this year’s Star Driver during the Mercedes-Benz 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 a 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. Mass was followed by Stirling and Susie Moss in a 1957 300Sc Roadster.

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 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.’