Events: Monza Historic 2020 — Classic Italian fashion

Monza Historic 2020, Autodromo di Monza, 18-20 September

Monza — a circuit a few kilometres away from Milan, steeped in history and endurance racing heritage – will play host to the fourth edition of Peter Auto’s historic racing event in Italy.

With the abandoned banking a visible reminder of its racing past, the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is an ideal location for an event dedicated to celebrating all that is great about historic racing, and the 2019 edition proved just how far the Monza Historic has come in its short lifespan so far.
Last year almost 300 classic racing cars appeared over the three-day celebration, including heritage touring cars, flame- spitting Group C icons, sports racers of the 1960s, and even single-seaters.

And, with a track like Monza, speed was of the essence. Pierre-Alain France and Raymond Narac’s 1990 Nissan R90 CK tripped the speed trap fastest, at just over 190mph.

Engine power and braking capabilities will be tested to the maximum at the demanding high-speed circuit. Nine grids will make up the entry, featuring the popular 2.0L Cup [for the humble-yet-mighty Porsche 911], Classic Endurance, Group C, Touring Cars and Sixties Endurance. And then there’s Peter Auto’s ‘The Greatest’s Trophy’ race, reserved for cars which the organisers consider to be the best of the best. Formerly the Trofeo Nastro Rosso, this tribute to the icons of the ’50s and ’60s endurance world includes the likes of Ferrari 250 GT Berlinettas, Aston Martin DB4 GTs, Maserati 300s and more.

Non-stop action and the unique chance to see a collection of such legendary cars in a location like Monza makes this a unique event
on the reformatted racing calendar.

It will be live-streamed via the Peter Auto YouTube channel and updated via social media. But it remains to be seen, however, if actual spectators will be allowed.

WRC, Rally Estonia

4-6 September, Tartu, Estonia

The World Rally Championship had completed three rounds of its season by the time COVID-19 brought motor sport to a halt. But after six months, it returns. Seventeen stages and 232km of gravel await teams, with Sébastien Ogier leading the way ahead of Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans, who had been hugely competitive up until the hiatus.

F1 grands prix

28-30 August, Belgian GP
4-6 September, Italian GP
11-13 September, Tuscan GP

Formula 1 will pay visits to two iconic venues synonymous with its 70th anniversary year. Trips to Spa and Monza are followed by a diversion to Mugello, for what will be Ferrari’s 1000th championship Grand Prix.

MotoGP Misano

13-15 September, San Marino and Rimini’s Coast GP

MotoGP heads to Misano for another double hit. With Marc Márquez out, Fabio Quartararo is in the frame to take his first premier class crown and become MotoGP’s first non-factory champion. Can the Frenchman stamp his authority on the championship?

BTCC rounds 4-5

29-30 August, Knockhill;
19-20 September, Thruxton

Scottish motor sport gets the green light to resume just in time for the BTCC’s annual visit to Fife, before it’s back to Hampshire for the year’s fastest blast at Thruxton. Reigning champion Colin Turkington has hit the ground running to take an early lead.

Le Mans 24 Hours

19-20 September, La Sarthe, France

Pushed from its original June date to September, the 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours will go ahead, though a paying audience will not be in attendance at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Despite the news, a 60-car grid will compete for honours in the world’s biggest race.

More August/September events

August 29-30 IndyCar, Illinois
August 29-30 British GT, Brands Hatch
Sept 6, 12, 19 NASCAR
Sept 20 BSB, Oulton Park