The rallies of Emilia Romagna: history and spectacular routes through hills and engines
In Emilia-Romagna, alongside the icons of speed on the track, there is another, more dusty and adrenaline-fuelled soul: that of rallying, which has been rooted in the region’s motoring culture for decades. The hills of Modena, the ridges of Romagna, and the mixed terrain of the Apennines and plains have given rise to routes that are as technical as they are spectacular, attracting thousands of enthusiasts every year.
The region’s major rallies: the races that made history
Among the most important names are the Modena Rally, the Rubicone Rally, the famous Appennino Reggiano Rally, and the Colline di Romagna Rally. These events take place on iconic roads, often the same ones travelled by the big names in motorsport in their early days. Some events boast origins dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, with historic editions that saw the participation of legendary cars and drivers who went on to become famous nationally and internationally. In many cases, modern rallies are accompanied by historic versions dedicated to vintage vehicles, in a fascinating mix of past and present.
Tracks between breathtaking landscapes and driving skill
The rally routes of Emilia and Romagna are the perfect blend of technical challenge and scenic beauty.
They wind through hills, vineyards, Apennine hairpin bends, and charming villages, with gravel sections and mixed asphalt that put even the most experienced drivers to the test. Areas like Castelvetro di Modena, Salsomaggiore Terme, Castrocaro, Reggio Emilia, and Pennabilli offer postcard-worthy landscapes and thrilling curves. It’s this fusion of sport and territory that makes every rally an unmissable event.
A calendar full of events for enthusiasts and the curious
The rally season in Emilia-Romagna is packed with events, spread between spring and autumn. Alongside the big classics, there are smaller yet highly popular stages such as the Rally Alta Val Tidone, the Rally Città di Scandiano, and the Rally Ronde del Monte Caio. These races attract teams from all over Italy as well as an international audience, with an offer increasingly intertwined with local tourism. Often, the events also feature street food, live music, and exhibitions of historic cars, turning the competitions into true festivals of motorsport.
Rally and territory: engines that fuel the local economy
Beyond the sporting side, rallies have a positive impact on the local economy and the image of the region.
Hotels, farm stays, restaurants, and local businesses benefit from the presence of teams, staff, and spectators. Many races are also organized with the support of tourism boards and local administrations, which see rallies as an opportunity to showcase the landscape and promote the region’s strong motorsport identity. In this way, Emilia-Romagna successfully combines passion, sport, and local development, in true Motor Valley style.
Passion, adrenaline and tradition in Emilia’s rallies
Rallies in Emilia-Romagna are one of the truest expressions of passion for motorsport.
Between challenging bends, scenic ridges, and engines echoing through the valleys, every event is a blend of adrenaline, heritage, and territory. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or a curious traveler, attending a rally here means living an intense experience — deeply rooted in tradition yet looking toward the future.