Motogiro In America
Thursday April 10, 2008
The most famous vintage road rally on two wheels, the Motogiro d’Italia is coming to America in Monterey, California. Departure is scheduled for July 13, 2008 from historic Cannery Row. Participants will stop and complete a lap on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in honour of the MotoGP Championship. “We expect to see legions of vintage motorcycle lovers, Italian sport riders, and bike fans at this summer’s Motogiro America,” said David M. Gross, founder of Dream Engine, the Bologna-based entertainment company that is organizing the Motogiro America. “I am amazed at the interest and participation we have seen in the first few weeks since announcing the event. Many of the Italian vintage clubs are attending. Historic Motogiro racers like Giuliano Maoggi, winner of 1956’s Motogiro d’Italia, will participate.”
Motogiro America 2008 will kick-off a full week of motor sports excitement on the Monterey Peninsula leading up to MotoGP weekend at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Events begin on Friday July 11th with a symposium on Italian design and a vintage motorcycle Concours D’Elegance and welcome dinner on Saturday July 12th. On Sunday July 13th, participants will depart from Cannery Row in the heart of historic Monterey, and head for Laguna Seca Raceway.
The tour is open to motorcycles of all marques and is divided into categories: Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class, 70s Twin Class, Super Sport Class and Scooter Class.
The Vintage Racing Class features the motorbikes that define the Motogiro. With an overall limit of 120, this class features motorbikes with a maximum of 175cc manufactured before 1957. Bikes inspired by original Motogiro bikes yet manufactured subsequent to 1957 may also apply. The Vintage Racing Class motorbikes will be subject to timed, competitive ability tests en route, and the winner of this class will take home a grand prize.
The Touring Class will follow the same itinerary as the other two classes and is open to bikes of all makes from all years. This class is suited to those who wish to live the excitement of Motogiro America in a relaxed, non-competitive way.
The 70s Twin Class welcomes all motorbikes of all makes manufactured between 1968 and 1978. Riders in this class will be subject to timed, competitive ability tests en route similar to those carried out by participants of the Vintage Racing Class.
The Super Sport Class is open to 250 cc motorcycles and sidecars of all makes, built up to 1968.
The Scooter Class will have their own special Motogiro class to celebrate the various iconic Italian scooters produced during the last half century.
For collectors of vintage bikes and motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere, the Motogiro America 2008 is the chance to create an electric atmosphere of Italian competition, camaraderie and adventure. Motogiro America is a glimpse of the past brought dynamically to life for today’s motorcycle enthusiast. For more information, visit www.motogiroamerica.com.
