Following the landmark success of the Motogiro DItalia, Dream Engine, the Bologna-based entertainment company specializing in motorsports, is bringing “Motogiro America” to the Moto GP races scheduled for July 2008 in Monterey, Calif.
Motogiro America, a classic motorcycle timed-tour, covers more than 100 miles each day during its five-day route and explores the Monterey Peninsulas 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 programm 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 11 with a symposium on Italian design and a vintage motorcycle Concours dElegance organized by the Ducati Vintage Club on Saturday July 12. On Sunday July 13, participants will depart from the heart of historic Monterey – Cannery Row – and head for the Mazda Raceway, where they may ride a lap of honour. Many of the original Motogiro riders from Italy will attend.
The tour is open to motorcycles of all marques and is divided into categories: Vintage Class, Touring Class, 70s Twin Class, Super Sport Class and Vespa Class. The Vintage 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 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 (SS Class) is open to 250cc motorcycles and sidecars of all makes, built up to 1968.
The Vespa Class will have its own special Motogiro class to celebrate the more than 100 versions of the iconic scooter 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 todays motorcycle enthusiast. 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.
For information and registration for the Moto Concorso (Concours dElegance), please contact: Ducati Vintage Club (Hans Mellberg), cell 408.507.9694; email: hansmellberg@yahoo.com; Web site: Motoconcorso.com
For general information regarding the Motogiro America, please contact: FitzRich, Inc. (Burt Richmond); Cell: 312.952.3102; email: burt@fitzrich.com