The Escudería
With 32 kilometers through which there are more than 30 hairpins, the climb to Col del Turini is one of the best moments in the World Rally Championship. Furthermore, since in most editions of the Montecarlo this has been held at night is, without a doubt, one of the classic stages of world motorsport. That's the way it is, the darkness is only broken by the lights of the vehicles and the fire of the bonfires lit by the fans in order to combat the cold and snow. With all this, there is no doubt about the charms of night driving. A specialty in which the Mexican Pedro Rodríguez de la Vega was outstanding. In fact, for this he earned the nickname of "Cat eyes".
Skill that allowed him to win once at Le Mans and four at Daytona, thus demonstrating his courage when night fell. Something that was not at odds with hiring a driver whenever he had to move through urban traffic. Which seemed very dangerous despite being a man used to exceeding 300 kilometers per hour on the straight of the Mulsanne. In short, genius and figure. Definitely. However, beyond geniuses at the wheel like him, driving at night is a hobby preserved today in the world of classics.
Proof of this is the Nocturnal Classic organized once again by Gasari Drivers Club. The event that has once again brought together an interesting line-up of classic and pre-classic vehicles on the roads of the Central System. Traveling this time about 430 kilometers in the night of June 25 to 26. All this through 16 sections between Villanueva del Pardillo -Madrid- and Navaluenga -Ávila-.
Regarding the vehicles, these added up to a total of 25. Finding ourselves from a Porsche 944 to a spectacular Audi Quattro rally car going through an always charming and resolute R4. Yes, just like on other occasions. The Autobianchi A112 Abarth caught our attention. Punctuated on his windshield with numerous Lancia stickers. Impossible not to notice him if you are a follower of everything that has revolved around the FIAT Group.
Returning to the stages of this 2022 Night Classic of the Gasari Drivers Club, the absolute winners were Ángel and Antonio Represa with their Mercedes 190 2.5 16V. A delicious "Baby Benz" full of punch and nods to German touring car racing. Behind him we find the Porsche 944 of Félix and Iván Losa and the Autobianchi of Juan Miguel Quintana and Alberto de Pablos. Protagonists of the podium in this new edition of a night test that is settling on the calendar. We are already waiting for the 2023 edition!
Photos: Gasari Drivers Club
