THE Aprilia All Stars event went ahead last weekend at the Misano World Circuit, raising €200,000 for flood relief charities in the process.
The Emilia Romagna region was submerged earlier this month after weeks of dry weather were followed by record rainfall causing the area (also referred to as Italy's 'Motor Valley') to be consumed by devastating floods. It's estimated that around 15 people lost their lives in the disaster, with thousands left homeless, and schools, businesses and transport infrastructure left in a state of disrepair.
With so many of the country's automotive industry located in the region (Ducati, Ferrari and Lamborghini and Maserati reside there along with the Imola and Modena race tracks) it was the automotive world that jumped to assist. Earlier last month, Aprilia took the decision to go ahead with its Aprilia All Stars event, an annual celebration of all things Aprilia. And not just for the sake of running the event, Aprilia decided to use it as a vehicle to help rebuild the area in Northern Italy.
That decision resulted in more than 15,000 people converging on the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Rimini last weekend, as they joined the stars of Aprilia's MotoGP squad and some big names from Aprilia's past. Headlining the event were factory riders Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales, who were joined by Lorenzo Savadori, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. The legends at the event were WorldSBK and MotoGP legend Max Biaggi, MotoGP star Loris Capirossi and Alex Gramigni, with all the legends being previous world champions with Aprilia.
The €200,000 was raised by Aprilia, who donated €10 for every atendee at the event, and further added to the pot with fund raising activities throughout the weekend. some of the riders even brought along riding kit and memorebilia ti auction at the event, further adding to the pot. The money will now be used to help those worst affected by the disaster, a very worthy cause I'm sure you'll agree.
Original article (published 23/05/2023) continues below.
THE planned Aprilia All Stars event due to take place at the Misano World Circuit later this month will go ahead as planned after widespread flooding in the region.
The decision to push ahead with the star-studded track experience was reached after organisers spoke to local government officials, and the decision was taken to use the event to help the region with financial support.
Earlier this month, the Emilia Romagna region was hit by record amounts of rainfall after a long period of high temperatures and drought. With the ground baked dry and as hard as concrete, the deluge of rain (in places half the annual amount of rainfall in just 36 hours) had nowhere to go. Official estimates show that more than 50,000 people have been displaced, with more than 5 billion euros in damages, and an estimated 16 fatalities.
To try and help out, the Aprilia All Stars event will not only act as a beacon of solidarity to those affected by the flooding, but Aprilia will also make a contribution of aid to the Emilia Romagna region for every participant at the event.
Speaking about the event, Fabrizio Piccioni, Mayor of Misano said:
"I am happy to confirm the date of Aprilia All Stars the party will be as planned and will be the sign of a Romagna who never stops. The community of Misano is already ready for this great event and will be pleased to welcome the great family of Aprilia, its champions and, above all, the thousands of enthusiasts who will invade our circuit”.
The Aprilia All Stars 2023 event will be taking place at the Misano World Circuit on Saturday Mat 27th 2023. As always, there will be the stars of Aprilia’s MotoGP efforts at the circuit, events and activities for visitors to take part in, live entertainment and music, and the rideout on the circuit that this year will end in the nearby town of Riccione.
More information on the event can be found on the official website.
