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ASI MOTOCROSS SHOW
Luciano Costa is
the person most responsible for the ASI Motocross Show that has
taken place in Imola Italy the last few years. Imola Italy was
the site of the Italian Grand Prix from 1948 until 1965. Imola
is rich with history and has the same type of pedigree that
Namur Belgium and Hawkstone Park England has. This era provided a whole other world of
motocross that is filled with more amazing history than one can imagine.
These were the races that had attendance of over 100,000 per
event. It just might be the true "Golden Era." The ASI motocross show
is a celebration and reunion of some of the greatest motocross
stars of all time. The event is absolutely first class as you will
see in the photos. Luciano Costa and Piero Mita also wrote a
book that contains some unbelievable photography (see cover
below) covering the history of this historical race on over 300
hard bound pages. This book is maybe the best book we have seen
of it's type. It is an absolute must have for any motocross
historian. You can contact Luciano to order a copy at
costa_luciano@fastwebnet.it.
Please enjoy the Press Release and 3 pages of photographs that
Luciano Costa sent us covering this event.

Rolf Tibblin on the works Husqvarna graces the cover of Luciano
Costa and Piero Mita's "Imola Mondial"
ASI MOTOCROSS SHOW
Imola, 25-26-27 May 2012 - Mineral Water Park
Event revival of European and World Championships in Imola
(1948-1965)
Edited by Paolo Castaldini, Gian Pio Ottone and Luciano Costa
It was concluded the first ASI MOTOCROSS SHOW recording a
success that went beyond all expectations. On Friday, Saturday
and Sunday 25, 26 and May 27, 2012, Imola has become the center
of an important event revival of the European Championships and
World Motocross Championship which took place in Park Mineral
Water between 1948 and 1965.
ASI MOTOCROSS SHOW is the name of the event sponsored and
supported by the Federation ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano),
that has called at the Park of the Mineral Waters of Imola -
home of one of the most famous racetrack and real birthplace of
the International Motocross of Italy - machines and drivers for
a revival unprecedented in this kind of revival events. The ASI
is, par excellence, the organization that best represents the
function of preservation of the historic Italian motorsport and,
as such, could not delegate the task of supporting this
important initiative. The event was well placed in the stream
created by the Federation with the ASIMOTOSHOW Varano de 'Melegari
(Parma) that, for eleven years, is to meet a multitude of
motorcycles, samples, pilots and enthusiasts from all over
Europe at the Circuit Riccardo Paletti.
The new vintage motocross meeting was organized by the Club "ALZAVALVOLA"
(“lifter”, “up valve”) of Bologna, (federated clubs ASI) in
collaboration with and under the auspices of the ASI itself.
Head organizer for the Federation was the veteran driver Gian
Pio Otto who participated in the Italian Grand Prix at Imola in
1960 with the shirt of the Fiamme d’Oro (Golden Flames). Joined
the event CRAME (Club Romagnolo Auto e Moto d’Epoca - in 2009
and 2010 festivals, commemorations took care of motocross) and
the Moto Club Santerno "Checco Costa" historical partnership
Imola organizing international competitions of the old time .
Hard to believe, but to make this event possible was the book "IMOLA
MONDIALE - 1948-1965 - the roots of the Italian motocross"
written by Luciano Costa and Piero Mita and recently published
by Bacchilega Editore of Imola. The book, which returns the
entire history of the Motocross Grand Prix in Imola, is
circulating in the most important seats of the motorcycle racing
world and has worked as a real flywheel. From the book to the
new event was a short step.
The awards have come mainly from former champions guests,
without exception, and collectors of vintage motocross bikes
that have participated by providing their resources better. It
'was recognized by each site the value of the event as the first
major international meeting of the samples that have made the
Golden Era of Motocross.
From all over the world, after 47 years since the last Grand
Prix in Imola Italy, moved into the city of Romagna:
- Sten Lundin,
world champion in the 500 class of 1959 and 1961, winning four
races in Imola;
- Bill Nilsson, world champion in the 500 class of 1957
and 1960, winner of three Grand Prix at Imola;
- Rolf Tibblin, world champion in the 500 class of 1962
and 1963, winner of three Grand Prix at Imola;
- Gunnar Johansson, Swedish National Champion 500 class
of 1956;
- Torsten Hallman, World Champion 250 class of 1962, '63,
'66, '67, won the G.P. at Imola in 1964;
- Leslie Archer, European Champion 500 class of 1956;
- Jeffrey Smith, champion of the world 500 class of 1964
and 1965;
- Donald and Derek Rickman winners of various Motocross
of Nations with the national team and builders of the famous
British brand Rickman Metisse, classes 250 and 500;
- Charles Molinari, champion French 500 class of 1952,
'54 and '55;
- Albert Courajod Swiss champion 500 class of 1954, '55,
'56, '57 and '58;
- Otto Walz German champion class 125 and 175 of 1957,
175 class in 1958, classes 175 and 350 in the 500 class in '60
and '62.
- Sivert Eriksson, Swedish champion 250 class of 1960;
- Emilio Ostorero, sixteen times Italian champion in
Class 250 and 500;
- Lanfranco Angelini, seven times Italian champion in
Class 250 and 500;
- Canzio Tosi, five-time Italian champion class 250 and
500.
- Giuseppe Cavallero, Italian champion in classes 250 and
500 of 1971.
- Many other important European and Italian riders.
A meeting of such size and stature had never been recorded in
the world. The meeting was an opportunity extraordinary and
perhaps unique (we hope not) for all those who love the Vintage
Motocross Fifties and Sixties.
The glorious array of champions, combined with that of many
other good Historical pilots, was able to catalyze around him a
multitude of other veterans of motocross and a wide audience of
enthusiasts. Absent was the Italian champion Lanfranco Angelini
for health reasons. He deserves our most heartfelt wishes for
speedy healing.
The organization of the event offered guests the best
accommodation and hospitality, as is appropriate with respect to
champions of highest caliber. The exhibition space “Acque Imola”,
located in the heart of the Mineral Waters Park, home of the
glorious motocross track, has allowed the organization of the
event with quality services and a very pleasant atmosphere of
hospitality.
The photo exhibition, consisting of 350 images of large size
regarding the entire
period of the international
competitions in Imola, was the frame for the exhibition and
offering the public the excitement and bringing to light, in
great detail, a story of great drivers and exceptional sporting
events.
The exposure of 45 cross-motorcycles pre'65, coming from Italy
and Europe after a rigorous selection, provided the people the
chance to see pieces of great historical value and conservative.
Worthy of reporting, three Gilera Saturno 500 Cross, (including
a valuable restoration of an official Gilera of the italian
Fiamme d’Oro - Flames of Gold), FN 1949, used by the great
Auguste Mingels, the Sarolea 1954, two Lito, the Matchless,
Ariel, BSA, Husqvarna, Greeves, Bianchi 400 (of Emilio Ostorero),
a rare Hedlund Metisse and more. The composition of the exposed
motorbikes was highly representative of the fleet of European
and world competitions in Imola. The exhibits were open to the
public all day from morning to evening of Saturday and 26 Sunday
27.
Friday, May 25 at 18.00, as the opening event of the event, was
held the official presentation of the champions guests open to
the public at the Great Hall of the Palace (Renaissance)
Sersanti of Imola, the historical site where the golden age
often were held award ceremonies and celebrations at the end of
races. The public has
welcomed the
legendary guests
with a long and
warm applause. The presentation was
conducted by the sports journalist Paolo Conti, omnipresent
throughout all the stages of the event. The meeting allowed
direct contact between champions and the public itself, and a
comprehensive presentation of the event, supported by video
projection. Refreshments to follow has created an atmosphere of
warm hospitality and the first real contact between the samples,
after years away.
Saturday 26, in the early afternoon, a pleasant talk show guests
with all the drivers, journalists, industry experts and other
characters in the sports world has returned to the people
emotions, memories, old conflict, course now dormant, rebuilding
climate and some salient features of the history of motocross
Golden Age.
After long distances in time and space, it was very difficult to
make assumptions about the character and disposition of the
distinguished guests. In 1965, we left the buffalo indomitable
Bill Nilsson, terror off-limits to all competitors; the
tenacious Jeff Smith, real steamroller of all world tracks, the
elegant and elusive "stork" Sten Lundin, the avalanche Rolf
Tibblin nicknamed "Iron man", able to combine style and impetus
lion, the tiger Emilio Ostorero, unable to stand on ceremony
with the opponents, the master
of correctness Torsten Hallman,
nicknamed "Mr. Motocross", able to dominate
great champions like Joël Robert, the
gentleman Les Archer, king of the motocross on English tracks,
the brothers Donald and Derek Rickman manufacturers, which the
world of motocross will be their eternal debtor, the taciturn
giant Gunnar Johansson, the Swedish first actor Lito, the
unpredictable angel flying Joseph Cavallero nicknamed " crazy
horse ", able of bitter surprises even for the most successful
champions, the sympathetic Otto Walz, closely tied to its brand
of manufacturer, the tenacious Canzio Tosi, who was able to stop
the monologues between Ostorero and Angelini, the tough Albert
Courajod, big star of the Swiss cross, the stocky Charles
Molinari, boyish face and the French master of the highest
category in the fifties. Real rivals on the track, today these
myths are back living in Imola as great friends. We have
surprisingly meet the biting and comic irony of Jeff Smith, the
more english-style Derek Rickman, the confidential nature of Don
Rickman, the English fair play of Les Archer,
the surprising philosophical wisdom and
the gentleness of
Rolf Tibblin
(likely the result
of the last 17
years
of life spent in Sri
Lanka) and the
dissolution of the
dark features
of the other
Scandinavian guests dropped in
hilar conviviality
of fellow adventurers.
Peace is made:
the organizers were able to
breathe a sigh of
relief.
The social dinner on Saturday night in the exhibition, with 180
present, has been a particularly happy time for socializing. The
video history of the Motocross Grand Prix in Imola, projected at
the time of dessert, he ripped applauded by the public and
guests slip back in the magical atmosphere of the sport at the
time. The shadow could not hide the tears in many eyes. The
dinner was also an opportunity for the exchange of honors and
thanks from the President of ASI, adv. Roberto Loi and guests
representing Husqvarna Motorcycle and the Moto Club of Cingoli.
Sunday, May 27 morning was dedicated to the Award Ceremony of
Champions in Piazza Gramsci, in the center of Imola. Starting
from 10.00 am, the ceremony, conducted by the Honor Committee
formed by the Mayor Daniele Manca, by the President of ASI adv.
Roberto Loi, the Moto Club President Dr. Paolo Castaldini,
President of the Moto Club Santerno "Checco Costa" adv. Carlo
Costa and the chairmen of other motorcycle clubs and other
relevant national associations and Imola (the CRAME, the Moto
Club La Stalla, the Moto Club Formula Imola, the Mobile Clinic,
the Rotary Club, the Panathlon International, the Study Centre
Luigi Einaudi and the Lions Club Valsanterno) was followed by an
enthusiastic audience and made the honor due to champions and
guests to the city of Imola.
Soon after, the old champions, along with other
pilots-collectors, have created an extraordinary historical
parade of vintage motocross, starting from the center, has
reached the exhibition in the Mineral Waters Park, home of the
glorious track. The old champions, now over seventy and over
eighty, wore the clothing of the original Golden Era,
with the colors of
the home countries
and without sponsors.
Upon departure
of the nineteen bikes
in the square was
unleashed pandemonium. It was
very difficult, in
some cases to
find the
historical clothing
for people who
no longer had the
weight of the past.
However, without
excessive formalism
and weighing more
than the substance
to appearance, the
procession started
with the escort of
municipal police officers and
motorized followed by
a trail of lovers
riding motorcycles
and bicycles. Along
the route, residents,
patrons of
bars and a crowd
of onlookers flocked
to the streets to
applaud. The most magical moment was entering the park's
main avenue of Mineral Waters, the old headquarters of the
paddock. At the time, during the days of Grand Prix, under the
shadow of the rows of linden trees in bloom, they formed a
veritable tent city, because the tents and caravans were the
only living resources of which the pilots could have. In that
world, made up of healthy passion away from the ominous presence
of the millionaire market, there were no red carpets.
Continuing, the parade has lapped the Park (now protected and
made pedestrian area) to reach the exhibition grounds, where
another people, who rushed for time, it was crowded to enjoy the
arrival: just like old times, when the people at the last lap of
the Grand Prix racing run in the finish area to watch the duel
for the podium. And the times we had to run, because the track
at Imola was a trip into nature that did not
allow to have a
point of view of the
entire path,
as is the case in modern
fields motocross.
The Competition for Elegance motocross vintage pre-'65, in the
early afternoon of Sunday, was the absolute first italian step
in the specialty and awarded exemplary high-value under the age
profiles, conservation, restoration, the presence into the
competition (foreign and italian bikes more present at Imola),
innovation and rarity. The seven collectors winners received a
beautiful crystal trophy, as well as collectors participants.
It's been this way a recognition of their work and the quality
of work expressed. Prizes were awarded to the following
motorcycle collectors and their owners:
1 - FN 500 cc model 1949-1951 – award to the senior;
2 - Lito 500 cc model 1961-1965 (belonged to Lars Gustafsson) -
award for best restoration;
3 - Bianchi 400 cc model 1960-1961 (belonged to Emilio Ostorero)
- award to the best preservation;
4 - 500 cc BSA Gold Star DBD 34 (belonged to Matteo Suppo) award
to the foreign bike more present;
5 - Moto Gilera Saturno 500 Cross (belonged by Charles Molinari)
– award to the Italian bike more present;
6 - CZ 360 double-tube - special award for innovation (the first
2-stroke 500 class in the history of motocross, who won the last
Grand Prix in Imola with Rolf Tibblin, ending the dominance of
four strokes);
7 - Moto Parilla 420 Cross - special award to the rarity.
On Sunday afternoon, the performance "THE MOTOCROSS OF YESTERDAY
MEETS THE MOTOCROSS TODAY" has seen a significant number of
people. It was possible to review in action, along a path
bordered over a large area of
lawn,
very valuable pieces of history like the Gilera Saturno, the
Sarolea, the Hedlund, the Matchless, the BSA, the Triumph
Metisse , the CZ, the Husqvarna 2-stroke, the Aermacchi Ala
d'Oro and others. Together they have hurtled the two champions
Andrea Bartolini (born 1968 Imola - World Champion - Class
500/Open 1999) and Alex Salvini (born in 1985 in Bologna -
European Champion SX 125 2004 - runner up 2009 and 2010 MX3 –
now spent in enduro Husqvarna factory team). The two champions
were performed with the latest models from Husqvarna,
supplied by the
dealer Mr.
Cesari of Bologna,
on the recommendation of Husqvarna
Italy, officially
present at the event.
For Husqvarna collaborated Martino Bianchi, Andrea Bonfanti and
Gianluca Olivieri.
The show, which lasted for at least 90 minutes, has proposed an
original comparison (non-competitive but historic) between
motocross vintage and modern motocross, especially the younger
audience by offering a historical overview of the evolution of
this exciting, timeless engineering specialties.
He tried again
the ASI
MOTOCROSS SHOW?
The premises are
very promising and
to think so. And if
he will be back, will
be enriched with
new surprises
and novelties. With
a warm goodbye and
a wish for long
life, the audience
and the organizers
have hailed
the legendary veterans
of motocross with the
belief that it is
possible to write other
pages of this
wonderful history and
with the satisfaction
of being able to say: “I
was there!”

First row; Sten Lundin, Jeff Smith, Derek and Don Rickman

First row; Rolf Tibblin, Sivert Ericksson, Gunnar Johansson,
Torsten Hallman, Les Archer and Bill Nilsson.




Torsten Hallman and Leslie Archer.

Sivert Ericksson and Gunnar Johansson

Albert Courajod
_BillNilsson.jpg)
Alberto Donati and Bill Nilsson

Carlo Costa-The voice of the Autodrome.

Bill Nilsson

Canzio Tosi
-LesArcher.jpg)
Claudio Costa and Leslie Archer.
.jpg)
Daniele Manca

Derek and Donald Rickman

Derek Rickman, Leslie Archer, Giuseppe Cavallero and Alberto
Donati.

Derek Rickman-Triumph Metisse, Leslie
Archer-Gilera Saturno (Leslie "Norton" Archer on a Gilera?), Otto Walz-Montesa.

Emilio Ostorero and Alberto Courajod.

Gianni Altafini

Rolf Tibblin

Gianni Altafini-Gilera Saturno

Gian Pio
Ottone

Giuseppe Cavallero

Gunnar Johansson and Torsten Hallman

Jeff Smith

Otto Walz

Rolf Tibblin, Derek Rickman, Gianni
Altafini, Gunnar Johansson and Sten Lundin.

Alberto Courajod on the Matchless in the foreground.

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