Italian Connection Trophy

I have just emerged from producing the Norton Street Italian Festa, after a few days to recover my next project is the 2012 Italian Connection Trophy which next year will be a week later because of major events that will clash with us in the Victorian Alps. So the fifth ICT is scheduled for Friday 25 May – Sunday 27 May 2012

This Melbourne Sydney event is a favourite amongst competing teams and we want to keep it fresh so this year there will be some changes that will add whole new level of enjoyment to the event.

We will be looking at new locations on route more of the fabulous scenery and roads plus more challenges.

We will be starting from Melbourne again next year we will announce the actual start location later.

I have had a lot of people emailing and calling me about competing in the event so now is the time for anybody who wants to join the rally to let us know quickly.

Our charity, The Duchenne Foundation did well last year but we need to do better we can help achieve that with more entries.

If you want a Registration of Interest form simply email Robert Gunn on robert@italianconnection.com.au or call(02) 9960 1733

Once we have received your ROI you will then receive a formal entry form you will need to complete and return along with your deposit no later than 31 January 2012.

See you at the start line on Friday 25 May 2012

Rob’s Blog.

ICT wrap-up

We keep saying it after each ICT but I don’t think I will get any disagreement when I say that the 2011 ICT was the best in the event’s short history.

The start in Melbourne for the first time was, in everyone’s opinion, very successful. Breakfast at Brunetti’s was stylish, delicious and very Italian. Big thanks to owner Fabio who dropped everything to assemble large cardboard boxes to block Brunetti’s customer parking spaces to enable ICT competitors to move into their starting positions.

Other people to thank at the start include Senior Constable Fletcher Pearson who came down facilitate a smooth start for the ICT and members of the Victorian Fiat Club who came down to see us off.

First stop Myrtleford, an ICT favourite. Dinner at the two-hat restaurant Range that evening, just us plus the Mayor of Alpine Shire, Nino Mautone, his lovely wife and our local ICT coordinator and friend, Noel Stone.  Fine wine, great food and energetic conversation, all in front of a real roaring fire.  

We had raffles and challenges, one of which had me quite alarmed as the event organiser. I had visions of me being thrown in the slammer when Ben Doig announced that the girls (Angela Solomou and Tiina Raiko) would drive topless from Myrtleford to Gundagai if we jointly raised enough money for the charity by the end of the dinner.

I relaxed again when it was explained to me that ‘topless’ was driving their Spider with the roof down. Phew! We tipped in about $900 for this little adventure, knowing how icy it was going to be. Unfortunately it turned out like a balmy spring day, so a lot of big grins from the girls and the Foundation was $900 richer.

However, it was a truly crisp mountain morning as we all emerged for breakfast at the Savoy Club before assembling for the first motorkhana.

Some of our newer competitors were understandably cautious on their first run but became a lot more confident on their subsequent runs.  Some immediate standouts were young Matthew Di Petta who threw his father Charles’ 1970 Alfa Romeo GTV around like a toy and came up with some outstanding times. Robert Panetta’s amazing control had his Alfa Romeo Junior Z scorching around the track as if it were glued to it. Ian Allison’s handbrake turns were spectacular and everyone had fun and acquitted themselves brilliantly.

As soon as we had finished our third run everyone prepared for the departure. Mayor Nino (we can say that because he is a real ICT friend) donned his official hat and a large Italian flag and stood waiting for car number one – the rented mustard-coloured Alfa Spider driven by Angela Solomou and Tiina Raiko (with the top down).

The ICT-inspired La Fiera festival produced by our friend Noel Stone was just beginning to kick off  as we left Myrtleford to drive on what would be some great roads through spectacular countryside.

Onward to our next stopover, Gundagai. First in, even before our rally steward Peter Whitten arrived, was Dominic Votano in his Alfa Romeo 159 followed by the rest of the field.

But then an emergency call came in from Matt, one of our technical back-up team. The little 1969 Fiat Bambino that Marie and John Carigliano were driving had lost its clutch just outside Batlow and was unable to continue in the rally.

Very disappointing for them, especially young Marie in her first rally. But while clearly disappointed, they were philosophical and, in typical ICT spirit, hitched a lift with friends David Rooney and Olivia Cama so they could finish the rally.

Then David and Robyn Judd’s 1963 Maserati limped in reporting they had cracked the bottom flange off the cast iron exhaust manifold but David was hopeful he would be able to jury-rig it to get him home.

The Gundagai Council car park had been set up by the council for our Gundagai motorkhana later in the afternoon. Once again, the standouts were Robert and Matthew but some very good rounds from Jon Dickson and Dominic Votano meant the field was closing up.

On to dinner at the Services Club. Our local friend, coordinator and – until recently ‘councillor’ – Bill Maslin had once again done a wonderful job organising everything, including arranging for Sydney show business celebrity Maria Venuti to fly in especially to entertain us.  It was a great evening with over a hundred Gundagai townsfolk joining us. ICT veteran Peter Doig didn’t need to do his compere job for this dinner because Bill was on the job.

This was his swansong to Gundagai as he has just accepted a ministerial appointment with National MP, Katrina Hodgkinson, the Minister for Primary Industries and Small Business.

A very noisy and fun-filled evening came to an end and we made our way back to the Tuckerbox Motel – highly recommended if anybody is going to Gundagai.

I noticed when we arrived that all the cars lined up outside their units but outside John and Marie Carigliano’s unit was a solitary chair with the Bambino’s spare wheel sitting on it.

Next morning we were off and away to the finish and what a finish it was.

We had decided to finish the rally on the Italian Forum Piazza. At 12.30pm the Italian Made Social Motoring Club welcome group arrived with 15 of their classic machines. The restaurants were buzzing with people, most of whom had come to see the finish celebrations.

At about 3.00pm wonderful young Italian duo Dolce began to entertain the crowds and their timing was perfect because the first rally finishers began arriving to the strains of ‘Volare’.

Dominic and Kim told us that they were hijacked by a giant emu that simply stood in the middle of the road and wouldn’t budge. When he was quite ready he deigned to let them pass.

Not so lucky were Warren Smith and David Filipetto who had an argument with a large ‘roo. Unfortunately the animal is in ‘roo heaven and Warren’s beautiful 1997 Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo has some big dents across its bonnet.  

Only excellent driving and luck avoided the risk of it crashing through the windscreen and causing something much more serious. We were all sad for the ‘roo but very glad for the Fiat crew.

The Italian Forum Piazza was full to bursting with some fantastic machines. The ICT 2011 gallery will be up soon so you can see for yourself.

 Next the Victory Dinner at the wonderful La Giara, right there in the Italian Forum. This family restaurant run by the lovely Gina and her daughter-in-law Josephine did us proud. Under the giant plasma screen showing hundreds of images from our 1300km adventure we dived into a fabulous Italian feast but the time was rapidly approaching when trophies would be awarded.

 First up it was the Best Rally Spirit. As I said before I awarded this trophy, it is becoming redundant. Because everyone is so enthusiastic and supportive, it is almost impossible to pick one individual crew.

However someone who stepped way above and beyond this year was Peter Doig a great competitor, a terrific part of the ICT, a dedicated and continuous supporter of the Duchenne Foundation. Peter this year, at his own cost, sourced some brilliant driving jackets to raffle off – all fully monogrammed, either by Lancia or Alfa Romeo, plus some exclusive Pirelli podium caps.

A thoroughly well deserved award and one we were proud to present.

Next was the Phoenix Award. This was devised to recognise a crew that had encountered severe adversity but had picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and got on with it – rising from the ashes…

The selected winning crew were John and Marie Carigliano. They haven’t actually ‘risen from the ashes’ because the Bambino was unrecoverable for the event. However, we are certain that it will be up and purring for the 2012 ICT. A very popular choice with loud cheers erupting.

Another highly popular choice was the winner of the 2012 ICT motorkhanas. It was Matthew Di Petta. What a performance. Extraordinary driving skills. Matthew has no fear (except maybe from his Dad if he accidentally broke the Alfa…)

A huge ‘well done’ from everyone!

Now we are approaching the big one, the winner of the Italian Connection Trophy for 2011.

Clerk of Course Jeff Whitten was called to the microphone. Jeff confirmed that the competition this year was very close. In fact, we had to institute a tie-breaker question for the finalists but it was enough to find our winner.

Third in the rally were two great guys who decided to balance their golf and partying to focus on actually competing: Ben Doig and Wayne Green in their 1998 Alfa Spider.

Second were last year’s winners: Dominic and Kim Votano. Dominic and Kim are great competitors and are a terrific addition to the ICT.

Drum roll please…

The winners of this year’s Italian Connection Trophy was the all-girl team of Angela Solomou and Tiina Raiko. The room exploded with applause but louder still were the squeals of delight from Ang and Tiina.

They are the official entries for the Duchenne Foundation. In their first rally last year they came second and in this, their second, they beat everyone. Also they almost didn’t have a car – there was a hiccup with their planned car so they simply decided to ‘rent one’.  With everything against them they not only competed but won the rally!

Fantastic effort, ladies!

I have already been advised we will be getting another all-girl team next year, so look out ladies, because you have really started something.

All competitors have vowed to return next year and we have already received new confirmed entries.

There will be some fresh exciting challenges in 2012, so stand by…

TIINA RAIKO AND ANGELA SOLOMOU, CONGRATULATIONS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2011 ICT Rally Poem

The ICT rally of 2011, started in Melbourne with all engines revving

Breakfast in Brunettis, pastries galore, armed with stickers we ran out the door

We drove out of the city and no one got lost, the weather was brilliant, not a touch of frost

Most important of all we drive for the boys, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy a worthy cause.

Robert and Debra were the first to go, a short but very pleasant hello

A much better outcome than the ’63 Maserati, the manifold cracked and kicked them out of the party

Andrew and Michelle were the new kids on the block, they won the raffled jacket, poor Charles, ’twas a shock

Did Adam and Robert think the whole thing loony when introduced to the rally via Maria Venuti?

He drove like an accountant in the Gundy khana but David’s handbag holding skills showed him quite the charmer

Warren and David ended up in the poo, when fanging along and then hitting a roo

The young De Petta was a motorkhana star, just as well he was trashing his father’s car

Ian and Lindsay got the crossing number right, but are still fingers crossed they’ll be right on the night

Jon Dickson’s hair was almost in curls when Maria did pull his head from her girls

Alex’s ride on our laps was pure hell, but who ever said sex doesn’t sell

Dominic amazed us with his driving skills, the 159 still providing motorkhana thrills

Dan and Don were sweet neighbours at 12 in the morning, supplying rolls of 2 ply when nature was calling

For Rob Panetta one time didn’t suffice, driving the mountain course at least twice

And poor old George who suffered beside him, wanting to drive but having to chide him

John and Marie thought that size didn’t matter but the poor old Bambina came apart with a clatter

When the taxi arrives, Ben goes and he knocks, but what should appear but Pete Doig in his jocks

A more generous man than Pete you won’t find, we’re so very lucky he keeps the boys in mind

Wayne Green over chai latte does like a good chat, not that there’s anything wrong with that…,

Benny the talker helped us immensely, the luckiest girl in the world puts up with plenty

Undies and Matt were our mechanical hub, though mostly they just wanted to go to the pub

Betty and Jeff provided beautiful drives, all the competitors had the time of their lives

Peter and Ray, the boys from Whang, made sure every leg went off with a bang

Robert and Jason our coordinators extraordinaire, managing all aspects with the greatest of care

We’re incredibly appreciative of everyone’s support, it is so very important we don’t leave these boys short

Keep up the good work, keep the cheques flowing and we wish you all the best, wherever you’re going.

Tiina and Angela

ICT Arrival celebrations get seriously underway in the Italian Forum in Leichhardt

 

 

ROBS BLOG

Special Addendum

Peter Doig founding competitor of the ICT and staunch supporter of our charity the Duchenne Foundation has amassed a great collection of special items he is going to raffle off during the rally.

First Peter has been able to acquire two exclusive Pirelli Podium caps – these cannot be purchased generally they are only awarded to winners so they are very special. Plus two jackets very stylish and warm and can be worn 4 ways one is Lancia branded and the other Alfa Romeo. You will see Team Tazio wearing the only other such branded jackets during the rally.   The Pirelli caps and Jackets will be raffled off at Myrtleford and Gundagai.

13 May 2011

Just days away so this will be my last blog before the start.

A few important things to tell you all…

First David Judd has finally revealed the car he is bringing 1963 Maserati 3500 GTI Coupe and a beautiful machine it is.

 

I am also delighted to report that Robert Panetta the 2009 winner of the ICT is a late entry after he missed the event last year.  Robert is driving his famous 1970 Alfa Romeo Junior Z.

 

There are some very speedy machines this year so I predict the Motorkhanas are going to be very hard fought – stand by for some sparks.

 As you will have heard we are starting from Carlton Victoria this year right outside of Brunetti’s on the corner of Lygon and Faraday Street.

 The City of Melbourne has reserved parking for the rally and some spectators so if you want to come down there will be parking available.

 Of course Brunetti’s has the best Italian breakfasts in Melbourne not to mention their coffee I am sure they will find a table for you if you want to join us.

 The rally is now finishing at the Italian Forum Norton Street and all the cars will be displayed on the Piazza along with some other great looking Italian classics and possibly some newer exotics.

 You are all very welcome to come down a check out the cars and chat with the crews if you can get to the start or finish or any of the stopovers .

SCHEDULE
START:  Friday 20 May 2011	10.00 am	Faraday Street Carlton.
1ST Stop-over:	2.30 pm	Myrtleford
	7.00 pm	Rally dinner at (2 hat) RANGE restaurant
Saturday 21 May
	8.30 am	Motorkhana (Savoy Club
	10.30 am	ICT Re-Start
Saturday 21 May	3.00 pm	Gundagai
	5.00 pm	Motorkhana (under Lights)
	7.00 pm	Rally Dinner – Services Club
Sunday 22 May	8.00 am	Rally re-start
FINISH	2.30 pm	Leichhardt Arrival – Italian Forum Piazza
		37 Norton Street
	7.00pm	Victory Dinner

 What about next year’s ICT? Well some exciting plans ahead but not ready to put it into writing just yet. In the meantime if would like to join the excitement this year come along to any of the above locations and have yourself a great time.

Rob’s Blog

30 April 2011

LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO!

New entries … and some news of the regulars

Welcome to Andrew Flynn (United Convenience Buyers), who will be driving his amazing 1957 Porsche Speedster. Adam D’Amoto (Casa Italia) is driving his 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. There is almost half a century  between the ages of these two entries!

We had a stand at Auto Italia last week and we received a lot of interest, many ‘threatening’ to join the Rally in 2012 and a few ready to join us this year if we can fit them in.

There was a great shot of Peter Parussolo and Ol’ 55 – his 1955 Fiat 1100 – in the Melbourne Times last week, all ready for its 1300km adventure.

Number 16 – Charles Di Petta – is keeping details of his challenge machine under wraps and still not telling us what he is driving. Stand by for more.

The start

I am flying to Melbourne in coming days to finalise all the details for the Rally start and will let you know more at the end of next week.

Change of arrival destination

We have had a change in location to the Rally finish. Originally Leichhardt Council was closing Norton Street for us but for a number of reasons that cannot be done. We will now arrive into the Italian Forum Piazza, where we started the rally from last year.

It’s fitting for a number of reasons. Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal, we can safely relax and enjoy our welcome Peroni beers on arrival. We also have somewhere safe to park off the street (The Piazza) and as the Victory dinner is at La Giara, right there at the Forum, it ticks all the boxes.

Official merchandise

All crews will be provided an official rally cap and each car will receive a branded rally document bag.

For competitors wanting an official rally shirt or watch, we will be taking orders this coming week. I will be emailing images of both items and will need an order by return email, if you want them in time for the event. Shirts are $52 and watches are $60.

Riding in company

Following their attendance with me at Auto Italia I have invited Peter Hojgaard Olsen, the chairman of our charity, the Duchenne Foundation, to gather his family up and bring them along for the ride.

It is easier and safer for them to travel in a specially designed vehicle so a Toyota Tarago will ride in company with the touring assembly if Peter accepts our invitation.

New  MC for our celebratory dinners

Apart from a few short words of housekeeping from yours truly, the MC for all our dinners and special functions has been handed over to founding competitor and staunch supporter of the Duchenne Foundation, Peter Doig. We thought it more appropriate to have someone to MC who can talk the torque… 

Special announcement re the Duchenne Foundation

United Convenience Buyers, the company which is sponsoring Andrew Flynn this year, has adopted the Duchenne Foundation as its charity for 2011. The Foundation will be in the spotlight at the convenience store buying group’s annual conference (October) and UCB hopes to raise much needed funds for the Foundation from the 400-plus delegates who will be attending the event.

It’s a fantastic development. We are delighted that once again the ICT community has assisted in connecting the Foundation with some new and important support.  Huge thanks to Liz Swanton, our media manager, for introducing us to Andrew and UCB.

Departure and welcome groups

For those people who are wishing to attend the departure in Melbourne or arrival in Sydney, there is some restriction to the number of additional vehicles we can accommodate at both locations. The best way to manage this is for anyone intending to join us to email me (robert@italianconnection.com.au) or call ([02] 9960 1733) to make arrangements. 

Late entries

We have had a number of late enquiries about joining the rally. As the regulars know, we like to keep the event small, so everyone can share the camaraderie. We only have a few more spots available, so if you are thinking about it we need all your documentation and rego fees by May 10.

 THE ICT 2011

Can you picture yourself indulging in a three-day long weekend away driving 1200 kilometres over some of the best roads in Victoria and New South Wales in your classic Italian or other exotic car?

Do you enjoy the challenge of some simple navigation, the promise of great food and fine wines at the end of the days’ competition in the company of other like-minded competitors, not to mention the opportunity to raise some much-needed funds for an extremely worthwhile charity? And all this for free?

Yes, it’s true – it could be you if you decide to enter in the fourth annual Italian Connection Trophy in May 2011. To encourage you to enter this little-known but extremely popular event, your entry will give you a chance of winning our free rally entry and accommodation package for two people valued at over $2,300.00. And as the event is restricted to just 30 crews, you stand a 1 in 30 chance of winning this fabulous prize. What could be better than that?

So why are we making this terrific offer? There are two reasons. Firstly, we want to introduce you to one of the really great classic car rallies, one that connects Melbourne’s Italian precinct, Carlton, with the Sydney equivalent, Leichardt via a three-day touring rally for Italian (and other) cars- in other words, we’ll be making the Italian Connection. This year, 2011 will be the fourth time the Italian Connection Trophy has been held and to celebrate we’ll have a brand new route from Melbourne to Sydney.

Secondly, we’ll be raising money for a little-known but extremely worthwhile charity, the Duchenne Foundation, which has been established to help find a cure for a terminal disease which affects young males and whose life expectancy is usually less than 20 years. And the best way of doing this, we believe, is to have some classic Italian fun along the way.

But was does the event offer? We all love driving our classic Italian cars on the highways and byways of Australia’s east coast, where we can stretch their legs and drive them the way that those Italian craftsmen intended. So we’ve designed an event that’s kind on your car (the entire route is on sealed roads) but challenging for both driver and navigator.

There’ll be simple navigation to test the navigator, fabulous roads up hill and down dale that will put a grin on the driver’s face, generous time schedules, and professional organization to make sure you have the best possible time.

Don’t own an Italian car? No matter, because we know that our love of classic cars is not just restricted to Italian marques, but encompasses a whole range of brands and models. But if you drive Italian, so much the better.

There’s so much more that we want to tell you about The Italian Connection, so why not click on the Registration form, and send it off today. Entries are limited to just 30 crews (one of whom will receive our free entry and accommodation package), mark May 20, 21 & 22, 2011 in your diary and start preparing for this great event. It’s one you won’t want to miss.

ROB’S BLOG

5 April 2011

Here we are at the beginning of April and already it looks like we will have a full complement of competitors.

Grateful thanks to Charles Di Petta who took a whole bunch of promotional material with him to the Macedon Rally. Grateful thanks to Andrew of the Macedon Rally who allowed Charles to promote the ICT. Charles says he received a lot of interest in the rally, which is heartening.

By the way, if you would like some ICT brochures just email me with details of a postal address and tell me how many you need (keep the number economical – we don’t have huge numbers of them!).

We are also promoting the event on Facebook – so far, over 95,000 hits.

Welcome to Adam D’Amato, a new entrant who has branded his Alfa 147 hatchback with his company logo, Casa Italia. I think he is bringing samples to the finish – great coffee!

Also welcome to Robert Judd who missed out last year because his car wasn’t ready. This year, his 1967 Fiat 850 Spider is ready to go.

There are still a few in the wings frantically working on their machines, so I will let you know as they confirm.

A big ‘thankyou’ to Peroni, which Is providing some cases of their excellent brew for the victory dinner, and stand by for other major sponsor announcements in the next week or two.

You will remember I told you about Maria Venuti joining us at the Gundagai event. I have just received the poster from Bill Maslin, our Gundagai entrant, who prepared it and has been putting it up around town – here it is.

The decals have just arrived ­– they look terrific. And just two weeks until Auto Italia – we will have a stand there, promoting the event and our charity, and also inviting drivers to join us at the finish.

 Rob’s Blog

18 March

Sorry there’s been a bit of a gap in my blogs I have had my head down on the event detail I thought it a bit more important than me blathering on in my blog.

Anyway things are popping along nicely I am visiting Gundagai next week to button down some details and then onto Myrtleford.

Great story  in the Leader about John and  daughter Marie Carigliano , John is leaving the Porsche in garage this year and driving a 1969 Fiat 500 Bambino with Marie not quite the same grunt…

But this is great and happens a lot, husbands and wives, boyfriend and girlfriend, fathers and sons, brothers, now father and daughter all teaming up for a memorable three days of enjoying each other’s company and that of the rest of the rally community but also engaging in some exciting competition.

This is the spirit of the ICT and one of the reasons why it’s such a great event.

As I said in a recent Tweet, you can watch the Australian Grand Prix but you drive in the Italian Connection Trophy.

Peter Hojgaard – Olsen Chairman of the Duchenne Foundation and I attended the Fiat meeting last week. A  great bunch of guys and they have adopted the Duchenne Foundation since Fiat drivers Ian Allison and Warren Smith supported  the charity in the 2010 ICT.

They handed Peter a cheque for $1,000 – Brilliant!

Thanks Fiat Club fantastic work.

I am just finalising locations for the Reunion Dinner and the Victory Dinner I will update this blog when I have finally confirmed the locations.

Just a note to those competitors that are bringing friends and/or family to the Victory dinner there may be some number restrictions depending on the restaurant we select. So if you are bringing people please send me an email advising me of any extras and I will add that to my count it would be good if that was sooner rather than later.

From here on I won’t just make it a weekly Blog I will add to it as things happen so keep checking the site for updates.

March 1

Hi again everyone,

We are just under three months out from the start of the rally and things are starting to get nicely bedded down.

Norton Street closes for the ICT

Last Tuesday, Sydney’s Leichhardt Council officially approved the closure of Norton Street for the finish of the Rally and they will sponsor the logistical support. So, thank you, councillors! Your support and enthusiasm is much appreciated by us all.

This also means we have nice area of our own to collect in. I have invited clubs and drivers to come and join us for bit of an unofficial Show and Shine as part of the afternoon. I am expecting a pretty solid turn-up from the clubs, so feel free to invite friends to come along and join in the fun, welcoming you to Sydney.

I will ensure there are adequate refreshments for everyone.

Reunion dinner
As competitors from previous ICTs will remember, for the past two years we have had a reunion dinner on the night before the Rally start. Founding competitor, winner of the 2008 rally and thoroughly nice guy, Lido Russo, has previously given over most of his stunning Walsh Bay restaurant, Ventuno, for an ICT pizza-and-beer gathering.

Everyone had a great time, but this dinner is never just about the food. It is a chance for every one of the ‘old hands’ to re-connect, as well as meeting the new entrants and making them feel at home and part of our ICT family.

This year we are starting from Melbourne so I will be arranging something similar there. This dinner is very reasonable, entirely optional and not included in your rally fees. So, stand by for more info on this in coming weeks.

The New ICT Badge

Media attention begins
The media is already publishing stories thanks to our intrepid PR manager, Liz Swanton, with the latest in last week’s Parramatta Sun about Ben Doig and Wayne Green – good story, lads.

I was also recently contacted by the Italian media who want to run stories on the ICT. So they understand the Italian connection! So too does David Hasselhoff (aka The Hoff) who is following the ICT on Twitter.

Victory dinner
I have been asked by a number of you whether you can bring friends and family to the victory dinner, and the answer is – yes, of course. You will need to pay separately for them and I will advise the location of the dinner and the cost for your guests in coming weeks.

Club visits
Last week we visited the Classic Rally Club and told a great bunch of members about the rally, although they didn’t take much telling because the last two winners of the rally – Dominic Votano and Robert Panetta – are both members. There could be a strong move to try and achieve a hat trick. I could mention quite a few drivers who are planning to rain on their parade, however…

On March 8, the Chairman of the Duchenne Foundation – Peter Hojgaard-Olsen – and me will be visiting the NSW Fiat Club and we thank them for inviting us. In fact, a big ‘thankyou’ to all the clubs that have allowed us to take up some of their precious meeting time to tell their members about the rally and the charity we support.

We would certainly be pleased visit any other clubs that would like to hear about the ICT. Just send me an email (details below). As mentioned in previous newsletters, if you are not NSW-based, we have some great competitors who will be happy to come and tell you about the ICT.

ENTRY FORMS

NOW IS THE TIME TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE IN THE 2011 ITALIAN CONNECTION RALLY – FILL IN THE FORMS AND RETURN THEM TODAY.

There will be more news soon – so drive and enjoy, but stay safe.

Contacts
Robert Gunn – Event Producer – tel: (02) 9960 1733; fax: (02) 9960 1744.
Email: robert@italianconnection.com.au

Rob’s Blog
17 February 2011

Halfway through February, and how time is flying.
I have just been chatting with Fabio at Brunetti’s restaurant in Melbourne, where we would like to gather for the rally start. I have had confirmation that they will welcome us. Fabio is a real enthusiast. I am trying to talk him into joining us in his classic Alfa Romeo at least for the first leg. That’s also where we will have our rally breakfast, European style of course, because they have some very serious pastries and equally good coffee.

I am delighted to advise that the Vespa Riders Club has called and will be bringing at least 25 scooters to the start to escort us out of town. They’ll be joined by several other clubs who’ll provide us with an escort, so it should be a spectacular start on a crisp May morning.

Welcome back to David Judd returning from a great effort last year. David’s 1973 Fiat 124 Abarth is third from the left on this page, and welcome to another brand new entry – David Rooney. I’m sure you’ll all be looking forward to meeting him.

We had a great visit with the Lancia Club and next week (February 22) we’ll be visiting the Classic Rally Club to tell them all about the rally.

It’s very important for everyone to know that our stalwart Technical Back-up team Vic (Undies) and Matt will be following the field again this year with a truck full of spares to fix any problems you might have. Regulars will remember how they nurtured Old ‘55 (1955 Fiat 1100) in 2009, getting him home safe and sound.

So don’t worry if you think you might need technical back-up. Vic and Matt will be just moments away.

We will soon be heading out to travel the route and plan your adventure for this year. Trust me! There will be more challenges and more amazing roads.

Registrations are coming in thick and fast, but some of you who are coming haven’t sent in your completed form. Remember you’re not official until we have the completed entry form. It is very much a case of first in, first served, so don’t miss out.

There are just 10 days to go before bookings close so make sure you are signed on. And keep an eye on your local paper – some of our members have already been interviewed about their involvement in the event.

If you’ve signed on, but you haven’t yet returned your media form to Liz, please do. She’s chatting to newspapers around the country to raise the profile of both the rally and the charity we are all working so hard for.

Rob’s Blog
7 February 2011
It’s February 7 and the countdown continues to May 20 – Day One of this year’s event.

Our media manager has been a very busy bee, touching base with media contacts around the country, so stand by for features on our competitors in local papers across Queensland, NSW and Victoria in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, I’ve been busy finalising arrangements to have video coverage of the entire rally which will feature on the website and maybe one of the free-to-air channels. Stand by for more information!

Welcome back to Jon Dickson and Team Tazio. Jon has been involved in all the rallies. Another regular back this year is John Carigliano – fantastic news – while Dominic Votano has just confirmed he will be back to defend his title. You have been warned the battle is on!

In other news, Bill Maslin from Gundagai has changed his car from a tame VW to an Audi TT. No excuses for the motorkhana now, Bill. Just keep practising that hand brake turn…
Also from Gundagai comes the news the local police will join the fun. They’ve asked to compete in the Gundagai motorkhana which will be held under lights. No news yet on what they’re going to drive but we’re delighted they want to be involved.

I will be visiting a few clubs in the coming weeks: this week it’s the Lancia Club; on Tuesday, February 22, the Classic Rally Club and on Tuesday, March 8, the Fiat Club – all in NSW. If you want to chat about the rally, come along. I look forward to seeing you there. Stand by for further dates.
I’m not the only one keeping past and potential competitors informed. Peter Doig is doing the same with the Victorian Alfa Club while David Judd and Peter Parussolo are talking to the Victorian Fiat Club.

Those who entered last year will remember that beautifully restored 1939 Alfa Ala Spessa that was on display in Myrtleford for our arrival. Beautiful car. The exciting news is there is every chance it will join us for the leg from Melbourne to Myrtleford.

And before I go…have you registered yet? You know we only have limited places, and they are filling fast, so make sure you are signed on.

ITALIAN CONNECTION RALLY 2011
Rob’s Blog
31 January 2011

Well here we are again. Scary to be at the end of the first month of a new year already! Hope 2011 is looking good for you so far.
It’s looking good for us. A big ‘thank you’ to founding ICT competitor and all-round nice guy Charles Di Petta who is flying the ICT flag and will become the ICT ambassador at the Macedon Rally. He will be proudly promoting the 2011 ICT on his 1970 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV.

Another thank you to Peter Doig. As he promised, he’s created a wonderful letter to gather sponsors for ICT entrants in an effort to increase our contribution to the Duchenne Foundation. Send me an email and I will send you the template (robert@italianconnectionrally.com.au).

If you’re in Canberra, or have friends there, make sure you come along to our display at Auto Italia Canberra, on Sunday, April 17. It’s all happening on the lawns in front of Old Parliament House from 10.00am to 2.30pm.

Fiat will be the featured marque for Auto Italia Canberra this year with the Fiat 1500, Fiat 1800 and Fiat 2300 being the featured models to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launch of those models.

Talking about all things Fiat, I have been advised by ICT entrants and Fiat Club members Ian Allison and Warren Smith that the Fiat Clubs have been active helping the Duchenne Foundation and have raised hundreds of dollars from a number of chapters. Well done for a great cause, guys!

And if we had a prize for the most dedicated entrant, it would have to go to Daniel Nicholson. He and father Don will be travelling all the way from Queensland to compete in this year’s event. That’s amazing.

This is their first year but Daniel’s best friend Ben Doig has been hounding him for the last few years, saying he has to sign on, and he is. They will freight the car to the start in Melbourne and then drive all the way back after finishing in Sydney. Should be a very pleasant adventure – and thanks for signing up. We’re all looking forward to meeting you.

Don’t forget, if you want to come from interstate and don’t want to put too many extra kilometres on the odometer, we can help arrange transport for your car.

If you haven’t signed up as yet for this year’s event, remember there’s not much time left. In order to make sure all our bookings are locked in, we have to have all entries confirmed by 28 February, so if you haven’t registered yet, you had better get cracking.
Take care…

ROB’S BLOG
18 January 2011

Hi all,
This whole blog thing is good! To keep finding things to talk about means I have to keep making things happen so I have something to talk about!
I heard from an old favourite of the Italian Connection Rally last week. He emailed to say that after a year’s hiatus he’s coming back – and bringing one of the superstars of the Rally with him. No, it’s not a Lambo or a Ferrari; it’s Peter Parussolo’s brilliant 1955 Fiat 1100.

After the 2009 rally the little car just made it home before collapsing. With a lot of loving care Peter has brought Ol’ ’55 back to life and he and his crew are once again going to join us. Check the 2009 photo gallery on this site to get a glimpse. I can guarantee there has never been a motorkhana entrant who did the course with six suitcases strapped to the roof!
Welcome back Peter and Ol’ ’55.

Also welcome back to our important NSW regional print media partner The Daily Advertiser who have confirmed their second year of support for the Rally.

Another fantastic supporter and founding competitor of the ICT – Peter Doig – is also back again. His commitment and assistance in raising money for our charity, the Duchenne Foundation, has been outstanding. Peter has some great ideas on how we can double our fundraising this year so I have patched in a bit of Peter’s last email for you to check out his thoughts. Thanks Peter. You always step up.

Peter’s idea: “… I’m going to write to as many people as I can (and I know shed loads of people) asking them to be a Supporting Sponsor for $100. They’ll get an official Duchenne Foundation receipt and on my car I’ll have panels on each of the rear doors saying Supporting Sponsors. Then I’ll list all the people and their companies on those panels.
So if my co-driver and I can get 30 Supporting Sponsors, it’s an extra $3000 in the tin for Duchenne pretty easily. If we get 25 cars each averaging 20 Supporting Sponsors then it’s an extra $50,000 without too much effort. I reckon as a group of entrants we should aim to generate that figure apart from whatever the Foundation does …”

Sounds like he’s challenging the rest of us, doesn’t it??!!

Meantime, I am hoping to attend a few car club meetings over the coming weeks to tell people about the ICT and the wonderful charity we are supporting. As dates get confirmed I will list them on my blog.

Question: How many of you would be interested in joining the inaugural European Italian Connection Trophy in 2013, starting in London and travelling through France over the Swiss/Italian Alps before calling into Tuscany, Milan and finishing in Rome?We expect a lot of Brits in this event but Australian ICT competitors will have reserved places and special prices and we will find you cars to drive.
It will be a six day event plus a pre-rally day in London. We are looking at a spring event April/May. Just send me an email to log your name and I will get you more details as they come to hand: Robert@italianconnectionrally.com.au

In the meantime, we are standing by for your 2011 ICT registrations. As you know, we like to restrict the numbers to keep the event friendly and personal, so there are only limited places available. Go to the 2011 Registration Downloads after clicking on 2010 rally.

ROBERT’S BLOG
10 January 2011

Happy new year!
I hope you all had a safe but amazing Christmas break.
Laini and I did a bit of a road trip to Albury that took us partially on the ICT route. We over-nighted in Gundagai (our second ICT stop-over this year) and we found new terrific motel accommodation for the rally which I have subsequently booked for us.
We drove in and around Gundagai, Tumut and Adelong – fantastic vistas around every bend.
I didn’t get to catch up with our favourite Gundagai entrant, Councillor Bill Maslin, but I did receive an exciting text message from him telling me they have arranged for a very special Sydney socialite – the lovely Maria Venuti – to join us when we arrive. I don’t think she will be entering the motorkhana but she is a fun lady and will certainly add to our already great rally spirit.
Many of you have already registered – and it’s great to have you back – and we’re also getting some enquiries from potential new competitors, some of whom are interested in trying our new single-leg ‘rally taste-test’.

But we are just six weeks away from registration closure (February 28) and we have room for a few more entries – so if you haven’t signed up already, please make it the first new year’s resolution you attend to or you might miss out! We do have a ceiling on the number of entrants, to maintain that special camaraderie we all enjoy. So register now – and why not get a friend involved as well?
We are also trying to organise a car for the Duchenne Foundation chairman, Peter Hojgaard Olsen, and his son so they can be part of the fun. He is currently driving a Range Rover – not the perfect rally car!
Tiina and Angela will be back, of course, with threats of increased competiveness to better their last year’s second position to be the all-girl winning team.
Stand by for more news as the action accelerates and get those registrations in!

Rob’s Blog #1
Hello everyone

Can’t believe how quickly this year has gone and Christmas is upon us!

So too is the next rally! It all kicks off in Melbourne this time around, on Friday May 20. If next year whizzes past like this year has, it will be on us before we know it!

There’s lots happening. I’m talking to some exciting new potential sponsors, our event organisers, Jeff and Peter, are looking at some new roads, and the first new entrant to sign up is coming all the way from Queensland. You’ll find more out about him in a few weeks’ time.

But the big news for next year is the all-new ‘taste test’ concept we’ve introduced, especially for people who are not sure if they are ready for a three-day event, or don’t have time.

If that’s you, then why not sign up for one-day run, either from Melbourne to Myrtleford, or from Gundagai to Sydney and have some fun while you raise some money for the wonderful charity we support, the Duchenne Foundation.

Remember, you don’t need to have an Italian car to enter this event, despite the name! It’s all about travelling on great roads and having a good time, while driving from Little Italy (Carlton) in Melbourne to Little Italy (Leichhardt) in Sydney!

If you’ve done the event before, we certainly hope you will be coming along again.

For more information email Robert Gunn at Robert@italianconnectionrally.com.au