A few weeks ago, we reported that Dream Engine, the organizers of the retrospective Motogiro d’Italia motorcycle rally in Italy, were planning on bringing the rally State side. Now we can report that it’s official, because a week after our report Dream Engine formally announced the Motogiro America, with five days of classic riding starting from Monterey, Calif., on July 13.
Dream Engine tells us the event will kick off Friday, July 11, with a symposium on Italian design, followed by a vintage motorcycle Concours d’Elegance on July 12. The next day, Sunday July 13, riders will gather at Monterey’s historic Cannery Row before heading off for a lap of honor at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, followed by the official start of the rally.
Patterned after the famed Motogiro d’Italia, a predominantly small-bore retrospective rally that has inspired similar events here in the U.S. including the West Coast’s Giro d’California (www.girodcalifornia.com) and the East Coast’s Motogiro USA (www.motogiro-usa.com), the rally is open to all motorcycles and is divided into five categories: Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class, 70s Twin Class, Super Sport Class and Vespa Class.
The Vintage Racing Class, the one we’re most interested in, has been capped at 120 participants. Bikes in this class are limited to a maximum of 175cc and must have been manufactured before 1957. However, bikes inspired by original Motogiro bikes but manufactured after 1957 may also apply. The Vintage Racing Class 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 is open to bikes of all makes from all years, and is included to appeal to riders who want to experience the Motogiro on a relaxed, non-competitive level.
The 70s Twin Class is open to bikes 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 Classis open to 250cc bikes and sidecars 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.
The rally will finish up on July 18, just as activities get under way for the MotoGP at Laguna Seca (www.laguna-seca.com), making for a unique week of old-school rallying combined with modern, cutting-edge racing.
We’ve yet to be given sign-up info, but we’ll pass that along as soon as we have it. Meanwhile, you can check with Dream Engine by emailing motogiroamerica@dreamengine.com
