Motogiro America 2008

More:  2008 Motogiro d'Italia  |  2007 Motogiro d'Italia  |  2005 Motogiro d'Italia

Motogiro America is born: Italy's oldest vintage motorcycle rally, the Motogiro d'Italia, comes to California!

For the first time, the most famous vintage road rally on two wheels comes to Monterey, California for a July 13, 2008 departure from historic Cannery Row.

"Motogiro America" stops include Paso Robles and a lap on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in honor of the MotoGP Championship to be held on July 20, 2008.

Following the landmark success of the Motogiro D'Italia, Dream Engine, the Bologna-based entertainment company specialised in motor sports, is thrilled to announce "Motogiro America" scheduled for July 2008.  The event is supported by ANCMA, the Associazione Nazionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori, the Italian Trade Commission of Los Angeles, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, The City of Monterey, and leading companies in the Italian motorcycle industry.

Motogiro America, a classic motorcycle timed-tour, covers more than one hundred miles each day during its five-day route and explores the Monterey Peninsula's twisting country roads, challenging mountain passes and spectacular Pacific panoramas.  Key Italian manufacturers of high performance motorcycles and scooters, and makers of apparel and accessories will participate.

The Motogiro America 2008 will start and finish in Monterey, California, motor sports capital of the West.  Special attractions and local events will be held throughout the Peninsula and the itinerary will evoke the authentic spirit of the original tour. The end of the rally will be celebrated with a gala dinner. A more detailed itinerary and program of events will be published closer to the event date.

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 organized by the Ducati Vintage Club on Saturday July 12th.

On Sunday July 13th, participants will depart from the heart of historic Monterey - Cannery Row - and head for the Mazda Raceway - where they may ride a lap of honor.  Many of the original Motogiro racers from Italy will attend.

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 Vespa 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 trophy and grand prize.  A limited number of vintage bikes will be available for rent specifically for the occasion.  Queries should be directed to Dream Engine.

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 the Motogiro on a relaxed, non-competitive level.

The '70's 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.

Super Sport (SS) Class is open to 250 cc motorcycles and sidecars of all makes, built up to 1968.

Vespa Class - Vespa will have its own special Motogiro class to celebrate the more than one hundred versions of the iconic scooter produced during the last half century.

Ducati Vintage Club Chosen for the Motogiro America Concorso
The Ducati Vintage Club will host and promote the Moto Concorso on July 12th in Monterey, California.  This classic styled motorcycle show is open to all vintage motorcycles and riders and will feature Italian vintage racing motorcycles.  Entry and show class information will be released in early January 2008.  More information is forthcoming on the Motoconcorso website.

Motogiro d'Italia
Originally started in 1914 as the Giro Motociclistico d'Italia, the historic race was loved for its daring open road excitement and competitive spirit.

The competition gained momentum over the years and reached a heyday in the mid 1950s when it became the showcase of Italian motorbike manufacturers: Gilera, Ducati, Morini, Mondial, Benelli and MV Augusta.  Italy was shaking off wartime trauma at the time and had a newfound zest for all things fast-especially high performance motorcycles.

Many of the bikes were created specifically for the Motogiro, helping to build Italy's legendary reputation for speed, style and performance.  Despite its success, the race was ended in 1957 when the Italian government prohibited all road races.

In June 2001, forty-four years later, Dream Engine re-launched the quintessential Italian motorcycling experience in all its glory, attracting legendary riders such as Bruno Spaggiari, Remo Venturi, Giuliano Maoggi and Leopoldo Tartarini.

The event was a sell-out success and attracted over three hundred participants from around the world, international press and thousands of roadside fans.  Each year the event has grown in scope and ambition. This year the Italian version of the Motogiro departs from Rome on May 19th and continues through the 24th.

"The Motogiro is a living museum," said David M. Gross, Dream Engine partner and one of the race founders.  "It connects us with the heroes of motorcycling and takes us on a thrilling rides into the future.  The Motogiro is a celebration of the magic of Italian motorcycling, that incredible, almost mystical mix of design, style and performance - a most intoxicating elixir."

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 press and registration information on Motogiro America, please contact:

In Italy:
Dream Engine
tel. +39 051 649 4776
fax +39 051 528 6378
motogiroamerica @ dreamengine.it

In the U.S.A.:
FitzRich, Inc.
1723 Fern Court
Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: 312-951-8981
burt @ fitzrich.com

And visit the Motogiro d'Italia website

 

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