Last update — July, 3
In recent months, much of the news has been about the COVID-19 pandemic. It is as if we are reading summaries of hostilities — infected, recovered, dead. The world has stood still waiting until the virus receds completely and life returns to peace giving us the chance to meet friends, go to theaters, cinemas, cheer for our favorite teams at sport arenas, travel and, to make it simple, just enjoy life, not being afraid to leave home once again.
Yes, the world will not be the same, but this does not mean that humanity will begin to abandon its hobbies en masse as soon as all this is over. Collectors will replenish their collections again, and passionate lovers of retro-races and rallies will go to the start and fight for victory. But this is the future, and in the present the organizers of auctions, races, rallies make every effort to postpone their events to a later date but this is not always possible. We offer you to take a look at the calendar of events of 2020 and try to figure out what is in store for all of us.
On April 4th, the 13th Franciacorta Historic could not take place. The organizers promise to hold the event until the end of 2020.
Meanwhile, Peter Auto, have formed a new calendar for the 2020 season, taking into account all the transfers and cancellations. Unfortunately, the events planned on such circuits as Spa-Francorchamps («Spa Classic») and Dijon-Prenois («Grand Prix l’Age d’Or») will not take place. Luckily, Dix Mille Tours will be held July 25-26 and Tour Auto Optic 2000 is scheduled for August 31 — September 5. Monza Hictoric and Rallye des L?gendes Richard Mille are going to be held as scheduled.
In mid-April, another as exciting event was to take place in Italy — Terre di Canossa, which is often attended by the winners and winners of the most beautiful road race in the world Mille Miglia — the crews of Mocheri/Bonetti, Vesco/Guerini and Tonkonogi/Rufini. According to recent reports, the rally organizers, Canossa Events, decided to hold the event on October 1-4. However, of course, the dates are still provisional and subject to change in accordance with the epidemic situation in Europe.
Last year, we watched with genuine interest the adventures of the crews on the Trans-Himalayan Adventure by Rally Round. As soon as information about the outbreak of a new virus in China appeared, the event was canceled. We hope that next year everything will work out.
The Summer Marathon which is carried out by Team Oldtimer Sport ASD also did not take place. For a long time, a message was published on the official website and in the social networks of the event that the next, 10th marathon, will be held in June 2021 with reference to the current epidemiological situation. At the same time, the organizers continued to keep the program of the 9th Summer Marathon 2020 published, making, however, a “standard” note that it could change. Ultimately, Team Oldtimer Sport ASD decided not to take risks and canceled the competition this year in the end, although the information on the official website has not been changed and remains controversial.
Against the backdrop of the cancellation of these events, the rescheduling of Mille Miglia stands out. The legendary race will be held this year from October 22 to 25. 400 crews on beautiful cars from the past will fly through Lombardia, one of the most affected regions of Italy by COVID-19. The event, bringing together fans from different countries, in the light of recent events, is what the world needs.
If at Mille Miglia equipages compete each other on the road, there is one more prestigious event where retro-car owners exhibit their best vehicles — Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This year a holiday of luxury, glamour and exquisite manners will be held from October 16 to 18.
In June and July, at least the Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille and the Goodwood Festival of Speed ??will not be held. The organizers of the «Princesses Rally», «Zaniroli Classic Events», decided to postpone the event to 29.05. — 03.06.2021.
The 78th Members’ Meeting in Goodwood, by decision of the organizers, will be held on April 10-11, 2021. According to updated information, this year the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival will not take place. This decision was quite expected, especially against the background of the fact that the British Grand Prix in Formula-1 was planned to be held without spectators.
Unfortunately, two RM Sotheby’s auctions — Auburn Spring and Monaco — were canceled, while several more auctions were postponed to a later period. Auctions in Essen and Monterey will be held online.
It also became known that the organizers of another prestigious competition of elegance, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, announced the cancellation of the anniversary event in 2020. “I am wholeheartedly with the participants, judges and everyone involved,” Sandra Button, the chairman of the organizing committee of the contest, said in her address. “It was noted in the official invitations that the owners were honored to present their cars at the 70th event, even if it was postponed. And now, with the cancellation of the competition, its 70th anniversary will be celebrated on August 15, 2021″.
This year Concours d’El?gance Suisse also will not be held. The organizers decided to postpone it to June 18-20, 2021. However, in September they promised to hold a small event dedicated to the victory over the pandemic and changes to the procedure for the Concours d’El?gance Suisse, which will make the competition itself even more exciting.
The organizers of the «Classic Days», held on the territory of Dyck Castle (Germany), decided to postpone the event until August 6-8, 2021 due to the authorities ban on mass events until August, 31 of this year. Purchased festival tickets will be valid. It needs to be reminded that the event was originally planned for July 31 — August 2.
The fate was decided negatively considering the British Classic Car Meeting, which was initially scheduled for July 10-12, but was subsequently canceled. The organizers of the British Classic Car Meeting decided to postpone the event to 2021, and as an alternative in July they will hold a “BCCM Picnic”. According to the latest information, the event will be held on August 28-30.
But the Italian city of Costa Esmeralda will be waiting for its guests for the elegance contest on the territory of the Poltu Quatu Grand Hotel. The event is currently scheduled for July 10-12. You can learn more about the event from our news.
Early in June Silverstone Classic announced that, guided by the recommendations of the UK Government, they do not see the opportunity to hold the anniversary «Classic» in 2020. Exact dates will be defined later.
News regarding changes in the calendar of events for retro -for 2020 also came from the organizers of the «Central European Race» («Mitteleuropean Race»), which was supposed to start in Trieste on May 28, but for obvious reasons did not take place. At the moment, the option of holding an event this year at a later date is not being considered, so the crews will definitely start from Piazza Unit? in 2021.
Another sad news came from overseas. This year the «Monterey Motorsports Reunion» will not take place on the WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway. The president and CEO of the complex, John Narigi, noted that the highest priority in this situation is the health and safety of race participants, crews and their families, as well as guests and residents of Monterey County.
At the same time, the Monterey Health Department allowed racing days to be held in accordance with occupational health and safety protocols, and the organizers decided to hold a Driver Appreciation Weekend on August 8–9. The event will be attended by those who, despite the current situation, want to test their strength at Laguna Seca. “Driver Appreciation Weekend” is an opportunity to thank the participants for their support, feedback and patience during this difficult time”, John Narigi concluded.
More good news came from London. Hampton Court, situated on the left bank of the Thames, will host an Concours of Elegance, September 4-6. An area of ??60 acres will feature more than 300 cars, some of which have never been exhibited in the UK. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tickets can only be purchased in advance, and guests will be accommodated in accordance with social distance rules.
We keep monitoring the situation and as soon as we receive information we will update the current material. Take care!