Vitto Di Luca Circuit (IT)

### Basic Info:

The Vitto De Luca Circuit, also known as Lazise or East Garda Speedway, is situated on the shores of the east side of Lake Garda. Its history dates back to the 1960s when it originated as a street circuit called "Olivella" in the picturesque region of Lazise..

## History:

##### **Pista Di Vitto De Luca**

Olivella connected the town with the sprawling olive fields situated atop the rolling hills. It only served as the venue for local events  "Trofeo de Marz." This annual event, held in March, attracted sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts, becoming a meeting point for speed and thrill enthusiasts.

In the early 1970s, as Olivella was about to celebrate its tenth anniversary since its creation, the Trofeo de Marz had already become a widely recognized name among Italian drivers and teams. The event gained increasing importance, drawing renowned pilots and teams. Annually, the circuit hosted a true global gathering, with teams and drivers coming from all corners of the nation to participate in this prestigious event.

##### **Uncertainties and Doubts**

After celebrating the 10th-anniversary event, an automaker named Vitto approached the organizers with an exciting proposal: to convert Olivella to be a permanent track and invest in its expansion. However, this idea was not easily adopted, as the organizers were cautious about the possibility of Olivella losing its roots and original charm.

The organizers faced a dilemma, weighing between preserving the authenticity and historical character of the circuit and the opportunity for significant improvements. The merging of the past with modernization was a challenge that was about to shape Olivella's future.

As the number of accidents increased, and the track infrastructure revealed its deficiencies, Olivella's track directors found themselves increasingly compelled to prioritize safety. Significant investments were needed to enhance safety measures, including the installation of more temporary protective barriers and fences to prevent spectators from accessing dangerous areas of the track.

##### **Uncertain Future and the End of a Story**

In 1989, during another edition of the Trofeo de Marz event, a fatal accident involving a Motor B rider occurred, leading Olivella's track management to make a difficult decision: indefinitely pause the event. This allowed the conversation with the Vitto automaker to be resumed, with the goal of improving the safety and infrastructure of the track.

Many believed that this pause would be temporary, with an estimated duration of 1 to 2 years, and that the Trofeo de Marz would return in grand style. However, the year 1989 marked an unexpected farewell to an event beloved by many.

The 1990s brought rapid changes to the world, and unfortunately, Olivella's track organization faced difficulties. Additionally, the passing of Vitto de Luca, the creator and founder of Vitto Vehicle, indefinitely postponed the plan to improve the track. The future of Olivella's track and the Trofeo de Marz remained uncertain, leaving a void in racing history and the hearts of enthusiasts.

##### **The Start of a New Era and New Concerns**

In 1993, the Vitto company finally resumed its investment plans in Olivella's track, presenting a comprehensive construction plan. In a gesture of deep respect and tribute to its founder, Vitto acquired the track and renamed it Pista di Vitto De Luca, in memory of its creator.

However,A significant race crash in the Bologna region sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, and concerns about the impact on local traffic necessitated a reevaluation of the track's design. As a result, the construction of Pista di Vitto De Luca had to be postponed and track design had to be revised, awaiting approval from local government authorities.

##### **The Return of the Trofeo Marz**

No one could predict that it would take almost a decade to witness the resurgence of Pista di Vitto De Luca and the resumption of the Trofeo de Marz. In 1997, the new track finally materialized as a fully enclosed circuit, essentially maintaining the same original layout but now equipped with ample runoff areas, chicanes, and permanent barriers.

However, a surprising peculiarity emerged: the track operation will be paused on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, During these times, part of the track was opened for use as a civilian road, allowing the local residents to travel through the track area.

The Trofeo de Marz was restarted in 1998 and continues to be held to this day, turning the serene town on the east side of Lake Garda into a global hub of motorsport every March. Interestingly, on days when the track is closed for operations (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), a local taxi company offers tours of the track, providing a unique experience for enthusiasts and curious individuals.