The oldest race in Italy.
Exactly 117 years ago, in 1906, a group of car enthusiasts, a vehicle that was just beginning to show up on the dusty roads of the century, decided to organise a race from Milan to the Riviera dei Fiori. The excuse was to open their beach houses for the spring-summer season, but the real purpose was to have fun driving their four-wheeled vehicles that were far more exciting than the horse-drawn carriages of the previous century.
And that is how the Coppa Milano-Sanremo, rightly considered the oldest race in Italy, was born. It has kept the spirit and allure of its first participants, thanks to the tenacity and passion of the entire Equipe Grand Prix staff, who have sponsored the event since 2018. And now it is one of the most sought-after events in the vintage racing scenario. And we are certainly not exaggerating, when we write races because even if the atmosphere is very friendly, it is all a real competition of 900 km of asphalt, curves and passes in the Apennines, time trials (over one hundred). In the evening, you are exhausted because of the driving and the indispensable concentration during the trials, but fortunately you are pampered by a top hospitality that makes you forget the fatigues of the day and prepares you positively for the next one.
Coppa Milano Sanremo 2023
This year news about Coppa Milano Sanremo, already announced in Excellence Magazine, was the prosecution of the competition after the arrival in Sanremo, second stop. News appreciated by the competitors who were able to enjoy an extra day of excitement along the most beautiful roads of Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria. No longer a regular race, but a circular one. After the prologue on Thursday 23 March at the Monza circuit, where the first timed races were held, the next day the route heads straight to the Colli d’Oggia and Melonio via Monferrato and the Langhe. Friday evening stop: Sanremo’s Casino.
The third day of racing was very challenging. The crews raced along the Colle di Nava and Sassello passes, arriving in the heart of Genoa, scheduled for late Saturday afternoon. A Gala Dinner in the spectacular Dolphin Hall of the Aquarium closed the day. On Sunday morning, the teams drove to Milan, challenging each other on the tough roads of Trebbia Valley and Basso Pavese.
The award ceremony
At the final prize-giving ceremony in the AC Milan headquarters, Passanante and Molgora won first prize. They were driving a 1937 Fiat 508 C.
Second place was won by Di Pietra and Di Pietra in a 1938 Fiat 508 C. Third place went to Loperfido and Corneliani in a 1938 Lancia Aprilia: a hard-fought race right up to the last lap. The ‘Ladies Cup’ was won by Vania Parolaro and Ornella Pietropaolo in a 1972 Innocenti Mini Cooper.
by Carlo De Bernardi
