Motogiro America - Italy's Oldest Motorcycle Vintage Rally

December 15, 2007, Bologna, Italy: 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 programme 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. Simultaneously, on Saturday, there will be a vintage motorcycle auction. The auctioneer expects approximately 150 motorcycles to be for sale. 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 honour. Many of the original Italian Motogiro riders from the 1959s will attend and participate.

The tour is open to motorcycles of all marques and is divided into categories: Vintage Class, Super Sport Class, 70s Twin Class, Vespa Class and Touring 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 to1957 may also apply. The Vintage Racing Class motorbikes will be subject to timed, competitive slow agility 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 Super Sport Class (SS Class) is open to 250 cc motorcycles and sidecars of all makes, built up to 1968.

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 Vespa Class 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. Scooters from any country and manufactured prior to 1978 are invited to participate. The intention is that this will be a 2 stroke class.

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.

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 information on Motogiro America, please contact motogiro-usa.com.