Rastrelli_Protagonist 103

CLASSIC PROTAGONIST
PIRELLI CLASSIC MARATHON
FROM BELGIUM TO CORTINA
by Rocío P. Vallejo
photos by Francesco e Roberta Rastrelli
Mountains and challenging roads were the
setting for the epic Classic Marathon,
which finished at Cortina d’Ampezzo
on June 21 st . Fifty of the most competitive classic
rallying crews from all over the world took part
in the event, which was organized by the Classic
Rally Association. Sponsored by Pirelli, the event
ran from Ypres in Belgium to Cortina in Italy,
travelling through Luxembourg, France and
Switzerland.
The crews battled their way through 23 mountain
passes including the world famous Stelvio and
Gavia passes, testing their skills to the limit across
5 countries, 35 regularity sections and 12 tests.
The awards dinner took place at the exclusive
Sci Club 18, a private members club in Cortina.
Tomas de Vargas de Machuca, joint Managing
Director, said: “The 25 th running of the Pirelli
Classic Marathon was a challenge to organise
due to the adverse weather conditions across
Europe but Jeremy Dickson, our Events Director
was able to deliver an event truly worthy of its
reputation”. Tomas added: “We were delighted
to see the return of Pirelli to classic rallying. Its
heritage in rallying is amongst the most important
in the world and helped to bring the necessary
prestige to this important event.” Patrick Burke,
joint Managing Director, said: “It was great to see
crews from all over the world taking part in the
event and it was fantastic to have such a broad
range of cars competing, including a 1969 Alfa
Romeo Giulia Super, a 1971 Fiat 127, a 1969
Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato and various Ferraris.”
Jeremy Dickson, the CRA’s event Director, said:
“We were thrilled to see so many crews from the
initial events joining us for this celebration of 25
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