From September 25 to 27, 2026 the Italian National Member Federation (ANF) of FIVA, Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of its founding at the Misano World Circuit.
The event was highlighted by a number of key events including thematic exhibitions mirroring the mission of FIVA for historic vehicles, whether they be mechanically propelled road vehicles aged over thirty years of age or “Youngtimers” which are vehicles aged between 20-29.
Accordingly, the three-day gathering not only included a broad gamut of cars and motorcycles but also a large gathering of utilitarian vehicles which took place concomitantly with a meeting of the FIVA Utilitarian Commission headed by FIVA Utilitarian Commission Director Timo Vuortio. The gathering of the utilitarian vehicles was further highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MOU’) between ASI and Confagricolura, Italy’s oldest organization representing and protecting Italian agricultural enterprises. The MOU encompassed a collaboration between ASI and Confagricolura for the protection and preservation of Italy’s historic agricultural mechanization heritage. The signing ceremony was attended by Nicola Gherardi, a member of Confaricoltura’s national executive board. Gherardi stated that the signing of the MOU reflected the fact that “ASI brings extensive experience in the protection, certification and promotion of historic motoring while Confagricoltura provides its representative role and the wealth of knowledge that the agricultural world can offer in reconstructing telling the story of the evolution of agricultural mechanization.”
Complementing these activities was the presence of hundreds of vintage and classic motorcycles and automobiles ranging from Formula racers to a special ‘ASI Veteran Show’ with century old vehicles. What stood out was how these vehicles were organised, leading to, in effect, a vast open air museum with three main exhibition areas divided into different ‘paddocks’. These paddocks included, most notably, ‘Paddock 1’, also known as the “Club Village” which was dedicated to the congregation of over 70 national clubs of ASI. Of particular interest was the section named “Serving the Law’ where a broad number of Italian police cars through the ages were put on display, including a number of truly unique Lamborghini’s. The police cars subsequently carried out a small parade across the grounds with their sirens and lights blazing.
Paddock 2 was where visitors could admire hundreds of vehicles belonging to the participants and where they could visit the “Match Race Area by Microlina & Zero Time” where regularity trials were being held.
Of particular note was the fact that the gathering was not only open to the public with free admission but was also organized in accordance with ISO 20121 certification standards ensuring sustainable event management.
Complementing these thematic exhibitions were a number of track sessions which were open to all vehicles leading to the ability to witness everything from a bone stock Citroen DS to full race prep Porsche 934 doing laps. The track was also used to undertake a number of parades which encompassed everything from vintage motorcycles to formula racing cars.
While the events were underway, a number of flyovers were made over the track by historical aircraft adding to the excitement.
One of the more interesting aspects was the attention paid to the history and heritage of Italian motorsports. According to FIVA and ASI President Alberto Scuro, “ASI Fest represents the culmination of an entire year dedicated to celebrating ASI’s 60th Anniversary …… it is a celebration to share the values of associationism that are dear to us, a moment of cultural exploration through the exploration of the evolution of motorsport that has characterized the last 150 years of its history”. Accordingly, not only were a broad range of Italian racing machines on display ranging from early Abarths to full blown GP motorcycles, but there was also the opportunity to meet with Italian racing legends like race car driver Arturo Merzario, Formula One team owner Giancarlo Minardi and racing driver and chairman of the FIA Single Seater Commission Emanuele Pirro of the FIA. Pirro is not only responsible for shaping the regulations and development pathways for junior and international racing categories such as Formula 3 and Formula Regional but also oversees new regulations and sustainable fuel. Over the years he has served on a number of key FIA bodies including the Driver’s Commission, the Circuits Commission and the Historic Motorsport Commission. However, Italian motorsports were not only represented by the automobile side, as many fans flocked to see and meet legendary 15-time Moto GP World Champion Giacomo Agostini who was on hand as well.
What was most apparent from ASI FEST was how ASI, together as a member of FIVA, is laying the groundwork for preparing for new challenges in the historical vehicle sector, including tackling a multitude of new issues such as alternative fuels, and green tech.
These activities mirror the initiatives underway at FIVA. It was within this context that FIVA Emmissaire Maryam Talaee was on hand together with ASI Green Commission President Francesco Di Lauro to work with members of the press to demonstrate the benefits of biofuel on the track in a biofuel powered Lancia Stratos, while FIVA Director of the Utilitarian Commission, Timo Vuortio highlighted best practices in environmental sustainability by promoting sustainable transport solutions, including using environmentally friendly HVO100 diesel – once again demonstrating that historical vehicles, even diesel-powered utilitarian vehicles, could be compatible with the protection of the environment. The two were also joined by FIVA Communication Vice President Ramin Salehkhou, Financial Vice President Luigi Frigerio and Secretary General Gian Mario Mollar all of whom were on hand to present FIVA’s activities at a special FIVA stand.
As both ASI and FIVA have now reached sixty years of activity, it is obvious from ASI Fest that with so many new challenges nowadays in the world of energy and mobility, both FIVA and ASI will continue to work and set the stage for continuing to achieve and maintain the balance between enjoyment and responsibility for the next sixty years.
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