The 2019 Avezzano Circuit in the Jaguar XK120 roadster

For years I have been listening to very positive comments on the Avezzano Circuit, so that when I received the invitation to participate by the organizer Felice Graziani, I confirmed immediately my presence with Jaguar XK120 roadster.

In fact, since it is a regularity race reserved for open-top cars, I took the opportunity to put one of my favorite car from my personal collection on the road, a 1952 English lady with a racing look with a swift 3.4 engine with 6 cylinders in line.

At the race, held in the province of L’Aquila from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 June, about 100 vintage cars from all over Europe took part – indeed World, given the presence of American and Japanese crews. The level of the cars present was very high, and the atmosphere of familiarity immediately created by the participants was very pleasant.

In addition to regularity tests, we experienced moments of culture together, such as a visit to the birthplace of the writer Ignazio Silone in Pescina and a stop at the Antinum Archaeological Museum in Civita d’Antino. We also shared meetings with the local gastronomic tradition, such as the itinerary among cellars open for Vicoli di gusto (“tasty alleys”) in Roccavivi.

We then enjoyed the rough and majestic landscape of Abruzzo, with its mountain roads where driving becomes pure pleasure.

The highlight of the three-day event, however, was the circuit, which was tackled late Saturday evening: the streets of the center were cordoned off, we left Piazza Risorgimento in blocks to parade several times in front of a large and festive public.

Thanks to Felice Graziani and his staff for the perfect organization and to Lucia Di Lorenzo for the cordial hospitality in her house-museum, where she holds her father’s precious collection of vintage cars.