Vintage Road Racing European Championship:
third and final round in Croatia
The third and final round of the 2022 Vintage Road Race European Championship took place at Croatia’s picturesque former Grand Prix circuit Rijeka.
The number of competitors was especially affected by the late change of date from September to August, but those that were there enjoyed one beautiful sunny day on Saturday and one wet day on when rain showers developed during the afternoon on Sunday to complete the season on a wet track.
There was strong support from HMS and Italian riders, who dominated both the two races.
Zoran Salopek won class 9a and the race outright whilst fellow HMS riders Franco Usmiani, Luciano Garlassi, Bert Heider and Felix Weizierl took the wins in classes 3, 6 and 7a respectively.
Germany’s Bernd Pollmann had mechanical problems with his immaculate Aermacchi’s but still held on to win both the Classic 350cc and Classic 500 Championships.
Luciano Garlassi made the relatively short trip from Italy to make a late charge in the Class 6 (Classic 750cc) Championship to take two class wins and the FIME Gold Medal.
In class 7a (Forgotten Era 351-1300cc) Yamaha mounted Bert Heider came out best in a three-way battle with Mario Stocco and Arrigo Vinsani to take the Silver Medal. Mario Stocco’s two second places were just enough to secure the Bronze.
Croatia’s Zoran Salopek was in a class of his own all weekend and took both races wins in style and the Gol Medal in class 9a
In class 9b newcomer to the Vintage Road Racing Felix Weinzierl won his class in both races and took the Post Classic Gold medal.
