Great stories of men and machines at the Coppa di Campioni Vintage

The 4th edition of the Coppa di Campioni Vintage took place in a great atmosphere full of passion this weekend on the Pista Azzurra in Jesolo (ITA). More than 150 historic karts, including some rare gems, were on show and many of them were able to relive the fervor on track of the origins of the discipline, thanks to excellent organisation by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano.

The quote from Seneca “The past should advise the future” could serve as the slogan for historic kart gatherings like the Coppa di Campioni. How better to understand karting today than by plunging into its history with delight? It is both a pleasure and an education, both irreplaceable. The devotees who attended and participated in the demonstration at Jesolo are convinced. As proof, there are more every year with an increasingly wide range of ages.

The ASI Show Kart invaded the green paddock of Jesolo as usual for one of the largest exhibitions of historic karts in the world. More than 150 machines were exhibited during the three days of the event, including very rare pieces like the very first BM and Komet engines. The inventiveness of the pioneers of the discipline is always exciting to discover or re-discover, for specialists as much as for newcomers. It’s hard to imagine such creativity nowadays, or to appreciate such a quality of work as the craftsmen of genius loved to do.

Perfectly organised by the ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano), the Coppa dei Campioni Vintage offered many sessions on track for the historic kart drivers, under the eyes and ears of a convinced public. The gloomy weather on Friday gave way to clear blue skies over the track on Saturday and Sunday. From the three youngsters entered to the senior of the event at 90 years old, all generations worked together with an undeniable harmony among the hundred demonstration drivers from eight countries.

The passion for historic karts is often combined with a joie de vivre. The event had two highlights in this regard, firstly with a dinner on board a boat, in the middle of the Venice lagoon on Saturday night, which was just magical. The event concluded with a flourish on Sunday afternoon with an “old school” awards ceremony attended by Kees van de Grint, the Vice-President of the CIK-FIA and Giorgio Formini, head of karting of the ASI. This great moment of friendship lasted while the participants were rewarded, and important personalities were honoured such as the driver Gabriele Gorini, three times winner of the Coppa dei Campioni at a time when the Competition virtually had the status of a World Cup.

In 2016, the Coppa dei Campioni Vintage will see its 5th edition and it is already a point of honour to celebrate the anniversary.

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source: cikfia.com