Moto Giro d’Italia 50 Years Start from Rome
In 2019 it will be 50 years since the last Motogiro d’Italia organised directly by
the Italian Motorcycling Federation took place. After being run as a road race
from 1914, the event was run as a regularity test in ‘67, ‘68 and ‘69, the same
formula still used today in the revival event, which began in 1989 and which itself
is reaching its 30th anniversary. Historically the event commenced in Rome and
the 2019 departure will be from the eternal city, where riders will be escorted
through the city to the timed starting point just outside.
Through 300 Years of Historic Arcades
Quintessentially Italian, the Bologna San Luca Hill Climb takes place this year on 19-20 May, centred in that most beautiful of Italian medieval cities, Bologna. A mad event, the hillclimb is a two kilometre race (the shortest in Europe), but one of the most fascinating, not to mention challenging, attracting only the most audacious drivers.
Photo Amador García Courtesy Rally Classics
When it comes to families in motorsport, the name of Toivonen is right up there at the pinnacle of rallying. Starting with Pauli, who debuted on the world scene in 1961 driving Citroëns, with which he won the 1000 Lakes in 1962, and later Porsches that he guided to the European Rally Championship in 1968, he was succeeded by two sons, Harri and Henri, the latter tragically losing his life in 1986 during the Tour de Corse.
John Whiteman Visited
the Warwickshire Show
Billed as ‘Europe’s Number 1 Historic Motorsport Show’ Race Retro took place at its usual venue, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 23-24 February and showcased its normal wide range of cars and motor cycles. The 40th anniversary of Formula One’s ground-effects era was highlighted with an excellent feature display, including Lotus 79, Williams FW07, Ensign N180 and Arrows A4, as well as Formula 2 Chevron B48 and Toleman TG280. Alongside these were an earlier McLaren M14A and, perhaps, a car not familiar to everyone, the 1972 Connew F1. This car is probably unique in that it is being restored to original condition by its creators, cousins Peter Connew and Barrie Boor, who were on the interview stage during the weekend recounting their exploits of living the “Formula One dream.” This car was literally built in the cousins’ garage, something that could never happen in the modern era and is probably difficult to comprehend by current enthusiasts.
A pair of stunning Rouse Sport-built Ford Sierra RS500s will be among the most photographed newcomers in the HSCC Super Touring Championship this season in the skilled hands of Julian Thomas and Sean McInerney. Thomas, founder of the Racelogic concern – whose VBOX data loggers are essential equipment to historic racers the world over – bought his 1989 car last month and aims to debut it at the Silverstone Classic in July. “I bought it as Guy Edwards’ car, then discovered that (four-time British Touring Car champion) Andy Rouse had raced it. That’s brilliant, because I worked with him on his Super Touring Toyota Carinas,” said Thomas.