Italian invasion for 2017 Barry Sheene Festival of Speed
A mouth-watering collection of classic Italian racers is heading for Sydney Motorsport Park for the 2017 Barry Sheene Festival of Speed. At this stage around 15 examples of Italy’s racing heritage are booked to appear, including the legendary Laverda V6 Endurance Racer accompanied by its owner Piero Laverda. Among the lineup are an ex-John Surtees 1956 MV Agusta 500-4, along with a 1954 Gilera 500-4 both owned by Romano Colombo. Fausto Zanetti will be bringing his Gilera 500-4, formerly raced by the late Geoff Duke. Two 3-cylinder 500cc MVs, owned by Robert Anelli and Gilmo Paglini, will make some lovely music, while Renato Corno is bringing an ex-Angelo Bergamonti Paton twin. Gerry Meinero has a trio of 500cc Cagiva 4-cylinder GP bikes from 1986-91 formerly raced by Juan Garriga, Randy Mamola and Eddie Lawson. Benelli is represented by Luciano Battisti’s collection that includes an ex-Kel Carruthers 250-4 and the ultra-rare ex-Jarno Saarinen 500-4. Battisti will also field the Morbidelli 250 formerly raced by Valentino Rossi’s father Graziano. And that’s just for starters. Add Frankie Chilli, Jeremy McWilliams, Kevin Schwantz and more big names and even more exotica to be announced closer to the event, you have the makings of a blockbuster event, so make sure you set aside the date – 23-26 March 2017.