In 1972 Smart rode the Ducati 750 Supersport to victory at Imola, putting the big twin on the map. Paul Smart and his wife Maggie will attend the inaugural Motogiro America in Monterey California this summer. Departure is scheduled for July 13, 2008 from Monterey’s historic Cannery Row and stops include: Paso Robles and a lap on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in honour of the Red Bull MotoGP Championship.
As a motorcycle racer, Smart is best known for his breakthrough win at the 200 Miles of Imola aboard a Ducati 750 Supersport. “It was the first time that a twin cylinder had the power to beat the four cylinder motorcycles of the time,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor, “His victory lead to the wide scale production of Ducati Supersports – sport motorcycles that built our reputation in the USA and abroad from the 1970s all the way to the 1990s. Ducati launched the SportClassic family of motorcycles, including the Smart 1000, to celebrate Paul’s achievements.”
“It is with great personal pleasure that I welcome Paul Smart to the most exciting vintage rally on two wheels: Motogiro America.,” said David M. Gross, founder of Dream Engine, the Bologna-based entertainment company that is organizing the Motogiro America, “Paul is a true hero. He has attended many Ducati product launches over the years and I must say this: his graceful, effortless riding style still stuns and inspires. The man is all class – and very fast.”
Motogiro America 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: Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and Vespa. Cycle World and Moto-Euro are media sponsors.
“Motogiro America brings all of the most exciting aspects of Italian industry and culture – creativity, dynamism, competitive spirit, technical innovation and a dose of real torque to California this summer,” said Paola Bellusci, the Italian Trade Commissioner based in Los Angeles, “A racer of the stature of Paul Smart has shown the world what Italian design and performance is all about. I extend my warmest welcome.”
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 foothills and passes, and spectacular Pacific panoramas.
Motogiro America 2008 is part of a full week of motor sports excitement on the Monterey Peninsula leading up to Red Bull MotoGP weekend at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Events begin on Friday July 11th with a symposium on Italian design and a vintage Moto Concorso organized by the Ducati Vintage Club. Also on Saturday is a motorcycle auction conducated by MidAmerica Auctions. 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 as they begin the Motogiro America.
The tour is open to motorcycles of all marques and is divided into categories: Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class, Super 70s Class, Super Sport Class and Scooter Class.
The Vintage Racing 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 Super 70s Class welcomes all motorbikes of all makes manufactured between 1968 and 1979 including twins, singles and multi cylinder machines not to exceed 1000cc. 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.
Super Sport Class:
The SS class open to 250 cc motorcycles and sidecars of all makes, built up to 1968.
Scooter Class:Scooters will have their own special Motogiro America class to celebrate the more than one hundred 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 today’s motorcycle enthusiast.
