Tucked away within the picturesque hills of central Italy is Magione – Autodromo dell’Umbria. As soon as yearly, this small circuit transforms right into a vibrant hub for automotive fans throughout the Tarox Magione Tremendous Battle (MSB). 2024 marked its third consecutive version, with participation doubling and rivals and spectators travelling from throughout Italy, Portugal, and the UK.
I had the honour of being invited by the Magione Tremendous Battle’s organisers, Alessio C. and Alessio P., to witness the 2 days of festivities, from setup to the ultimate pack-down. To say it was good can be an understatement.
As talked about in earlier MSB protection on Speedhunters, the occasion was impressed by Assault Tsukuba. After visiting the unique Assault – previously referred to as Battle Evome – Alessio C. was decided to deliver a slice of Japanese time assault tradition again to Italy. He even secured the blessings of Daisuke Aoki, the founder and CEO of Assault, to make use of the Assault brand within the occasion’s promotion.
Quick ahead two years, and the Magione Tremendous Battle has grown nicely past its grassroots origins. Whereas motorsport runs deep in Italy, time assault on this format – significantly centred round Japanese automobiles and tradition – remains to be a comparatively new idea.
Saturday: Observe
Saturday morning greeted us with patchy climate that slowly gave approach to clearing skies. Undeterred, many MSB entrants made their approach to Magione for the observe periods. Autodromo dell’Umbria is a technical circuit just like Tsukuba, with 11 turns and a 2.5km size (Tsukuba TC2000 has 9 turns over 2.0km). This leads to a decent battlefield the place rivals purpose for occasions within the low one-minute vary.
When you may envision Italian automotive tradition dominated by Fiats, Ferraris, and Alfa Romeos, there’s a fast-growing Japanese and grassroots Euro automotive scene. A Portuguese AE86, a UK RWB Porsche, and a handful of Lotus fashions had been all within the lineup. Nonetheless, one model dominated the paddock and wasn’t what I anticipated: Honda.
S2000s and Civics had been plentiful on the 2024 Magione Tremendous Battle, showcasing how Hondas have develop into the go-to chassis for rivals looking for essentially the most aggressive and economical approach to put down a good lap time. Nonetheless, their story deserves devoted protection, so keep tuned for that.
Sunday: The Primary Occasion
Because the ominous climate moved on, Sunday morning introduced a shocking fog that blanketed Magione, setting the stage for an ideal day of racing.
MSB’s programme included three morning periods for every class, adopted by demo runs that includes notable Italian-built vehicles. The afternoon showcased the eagerly anticipated ‘Tremendous Lap’ section, the place every automotive chased class-specific and total unofficial lap data.
A number of vehicles set private bests, however none rivalled the staggering efficiency of a Honda Ok-swapped Lotus Exige, which left the remainder of the paddock in its rearview mirror with a 1:16:088 lap. I used to be advised that’s sooner than a professionally pushed Porsche GT3 RS beneath related situations.
Because the occasion progressed, the crowds swelled, filling the power. Discuss exhibits and interviews shared the joy of time assault experiences, and the pits had been saved open for all to discover. The ambiance echoed that of Assault Tsukuba, fostering a laid-back vibe with none adverse aggressive rivalry. Each Alessios famous the unprecedented attendance – a testomony to the planning and fervour invested within the MSB.
Amidst the ocean of competing vehicles, just a few stood out, drawing crowds to the pit wall whereas they ran their laps.
Hiroshima Screamer
First up was Alby’s astonishing 26B-powered FD3S Mazda RX-7. After I acquired the invitation to cowl the Magione Tremendous Battle, I by no means imagined encountering a four-rotor in motion, so it was a really welcome shock. This meticulous construct is comparatively unsuspecting from the skin, however the RX-7 was inconceivable to disregard because it blasted down Autodromo dell’Umbria’s principal straight.
One other crowd favorite was a shiny yellow Celica. That is no atypical Toyota, so I’m saving the small print for a standalone highlight.
Magione Parade
As Sunday got here to a detailed, a choose group of vehicles took to the monitor for MSB’s conventional parade lap.
I seized the chance to hop into the again of a van, precariously dangling out of the boot to seize the ultimate moments of a implausible occasion.
With its progress trajectory, I don’t doubt that the Magione Tremendous Battle will quickly rival Japanese Assault occasions in dimension. From the little particulars, like imported nobori flags, to the nice and cozy hospitality and sense of group, MSB represents the essence of grassroots motorsport ardour. Below Alessio C. and Alessio P.’s steering, it’s solely going to get larger and higher from right here.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
