THE STORY

Born in 1954, the Monte Erice has grown year after year, until today, becoming one of the most important events of the Italian mountain speed championship.

The main protagonists of the specialty, since the first editions, willingly reached Sicily to face the daring of a challenge full of charm and spirit of adventure.

The roll of honor includes many famous names, who are always present at the starting line.

The first success was achieved by Pasquale Tacci who, at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 1900 TI, covered the 16,550 metres of the initial route in 11'30”, at an average speed of 87,347 km/h.

A time that Francesco Arezzo, with his Fiat 8V, managed to beat in the second edition. Then the development was reduced to 13,920 meters, with two events won by Edoardo Lualdi's Ferrari.

Then came a series of triumphs for Maserati, on a course trimmed to seven kilometers and then to six kilometers and six hundred and seventy meters. Two of those victories were scored by a great racing ace: Nino Vaccarella, who came first in 1959 and 1960. In 1965, the “Flying Principal” also crossed the finish line in first place, this time driving a Ferrari 250 Le Mans. The shorter track configuration was used until 1984, except for the 1981 edition, which was made even shorter. The record for that dimensional development is held by Benny Rosolia, who in 1983 covered the distance in 3'45", at an average of 106.290 km/h. From 1986 onwards, the classic route was used, first tackled in a single run and then in two. The fastest average on the climb is that of Christian Merli who, in 2008, covered the 11,780 meters of the two sessions in 6'28" 82, at an extraordinary average of 109.068 km/h. The greatest number of successes is that of Enrico Grimaldi, with seven laurels to his name. But, beyond the numbers, what counts is the emotional picture of the race, which has provided fierce confrontations and actors of great depth.