Published on: 06/06/2024 Updated on: 20/02/2025
Grand Prix Bordino 2024, Alessandria is in the spotlight of historic car enthusiasts June 7-9 thanks to the race dedicated to the memory of Pietro Bordino, one of the most famous drivers of the 1920s. The event is part of the ASI Circuito Tricolore, which Mafra supports as a sponsor.
Pietro Bordino was one of the most famous drivers of the 1920s, so much so that he earned the nickname "Red Devil." His, in fact, was the victory in the first Italian Grand Prix held on the Monza circuit: it was 1922 and he was driving a Fiat 804. The champion from Turin later lost his life inApril 1928, during practice at the Alessandria Circuit.
To honor his memory, the Veteran Car Club P. Bordino of the Piedmontese city is organizing the Grand Prix Bordino, a re-enactment that is part of theASI Circuito Tricolore, of whose entire season Mafra is a sponsor.
The event, now in its 32nd year, is held in Alexandria and Lake Maggiore from June 7 to 9.
A recall scenario
The Grand Prix Bordino reflects the spirit of theASI Circuito Tricolore events, designed to allow people to discover gems of our territory with their classic cars. This edition features a route involving Lake Maggiore, a treasure trove of gems valued as far back as the 1800s.
Indeed, writers such as Stendhal, Byron and Flaubert and musicians such as Listz and Wagner often stayed in the resorts overlooking its waters. Unmissable stops for visitors are the Borromean Islands e Villa Taranto in Pallanza, but also the nearby lakes of Mergozzo andOrta.
Also this year, participants in the event are asked to wear clothing consistent with the era of their car. In fact, the cars entered cover a time span from the 1930s to the 1960s.
The organizers also offer some tips for choosing the right clothing to match your car. A panel of vintage and costume history experts is in charge of awarding prizes provided for the best matches.
Bordino, a reckless life
Pietro Bordino, to whose memory the Grand Prix is dedicated, was born in Turin in 1887. He entered Fiat as an apprentice and met Vincenzo Lancia, thanks to whom he soon became involved in auto racing.
The first race he competed in and won was in 1908; in 1912, the driver from Turin participated in the Targa Florio at the wheel of a Lancia.
In the following decade Bordino became popular thanks to his successes at the Los Angeles 250 Miglia and the 1922 Italian Grand Prix. In 1927, however, was his victory in the Milan Grand Prix, and in 1928 his class success at the Targa Florio.
After these results, Bordino decided to quit racing, but Ettore Bugatti convinced him to return to racing to challenge an up-and-coming champion, Tazio Nuvolari.
On April 16, 1928, while testing the course of the Alessandria Grand Prix, Bordino lost control of his Bugatti to a dog. He ended up in the waters of the nearby Tanaro River and lost his life there.
Bordino 2024 Grand Prix Program
The Bordino Grand Prix 2024 program (if you want to learn more, click here) is spread over three days, June 7-9.
On Friday, June 7, participants meet in Piazzetta della Lega in Alessandria, from where the first car departs at 4:30 pm. The route includes refreshments in Gattinara, before the crews continue to Stresa and theRegina Palace Hotel, where dinner is held.
On Saturday, June 8, cars are scheduled to depart at 8:15 a.m.; at 9 a.m., participants have the opportunity to visit Villa Taranto in Pallanza . This prestigious villa was purchased in 1931 by Scottish Capt. Neil Boyd Mc Eacharn, who decided to create an elegant English garden there. Today the gardens of Villa Taranto are one of the major attractions in the Lake Maggiore area.
Once the visit is over, the crews continue on to Orta San Giulio, a pretty town on Lake Orta, where a stop for lunch is planned. From 2:30 p.m., the itinerary continues along the shores of Lakes Orta and Mergozzo, before returning to Stresa.
In the evening, from 8 p.m., participants have the opportunity to take a boat cruise on Lake Maggiore, stopping for dinner at theIsola Bella.
On Sunday, June 9, the cars are scheduled to depart at 8:45 a.m. Arriving by 10 a.m. in Borgo Vercelli, crews can visit a local rice production company. Finally, at 1 p.m., the awards ceremony is scheduled in Alexandria.
Mafra stands alongside the participants in the Bordino 2024 Grand Prix, with whom it shares a passion for the beautiful cars of yesterday and today.
Find out about all the ASI Tricolor Circuit 2024 events, click here!
