by Steve Oldford

At the beautiful hillside raceway overlooking the northern portion of the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian drivers took top honors in Sunday’s (July 31) finals of the International Amateur Drivers Friendship Challenge at Ippodromo Paolo Sesto.

In the featured event, Giuseppe Gentile closely followed Hiltze Tjalsma of the Netherlands until the head of the 1,600 meter oval. He tipped his horse and was followed by Nicola Tortorella and Elena Villani, trotting home in 2:01.1.

The consolation race saw veteran driver Giancarlo Masetti lead the charge wire-to-wire, followed closely up the stretch and across the wire by two of his countymen. United States driver Steve Oldford finished sixth, close behind the leaders.

The three day event concluded with a festive reception in the racetrack clubhouse, featuring local cuisine and fine wine. New friendships were formed as old ones were renewed.

The North American Amateur Driving Association would like to thank FEGAT for sponsoring this wonderful event and Ippodromo Paolo Sesto for hosting it.