RS CUP: TARTABINI UNLEASHED AT MISANO AS BONIFAZI AND MASSARO CLAIM THE TITLES!

SevenHills’ 2022 season came to a close with the final round of the RS Cup at Misano Adriatico. Even the first race of the Renault Clio series, run at night, delivered plenty of excitement for the Rome-based team. First Paolo Tartabini took a fine fourth place, helped by a ten-second penalty handed to Jelmini; then came mathematical confirmation of no fewer than two titles. Andrea Bonifazi held off Ercole Cipolla to clinch the Over 50 title, a thoroughly deserved crown for the pharmacist from Orvieto, won despite starting the season with a handicap after the non-start at Vallelunga. Then Mario Beltrami’s failure to get away handed Massimo Massaro victory among the 2000 naturally aspirated New Clios. The driver from Terni finally has a prestigious title, after fierce head-to-head battles both with the unlucky driver from Codogno and with Nunzio Anastasi, his rival on the Riviera too with a New Clio rebuilt after the Mugello accident. The second race, run under a beautiful early November sunset, was white-hot. Lancellotti led into the first corner with Franca second, but Tartabini charged up from the back, passing first Casciandrini and then Fazioli to move up to third. Then came the Safety Car, caused by Pietro Alessi’s breakdown on the racing line, which bunched the field up again. At the restart Tartabini tried to join the fight for the win, but Franca found the right gap to pass Lancellotti and pull away. The Lombard driver then lost out in the ensuing scrap. Lancellotti’s unexpected retirement after a race contact settled the title in Franca’s favour. Tartabini and Fazioli were left to duel alone for second place. Meanwhile, the new champions’ parade took on a slightly bitter note. Cipolla hit Bonifazi at the first corner, sending him spinning into the sand. The Orvieto driver did well not to stall the engine and rejoined the race on the lead lap. Things went worse for Massimo Massaro who, after leading among the naturally aspirated cars, suffered a technical problem and stopped at the side of the track. While Franca sped towards victory and the title, Tartabini and Fazioli fought tooth and nail for second place right up to the chequered flag, and it was SevenHills’ driver from the Marche who came out on top on track. Race Direction, however, immediately penalised both Paolo and Fazioli, promoting a fierce and very quick Casciandrini onto the podium, followed by Longoni. Meanwhile, Bonifazi managed to finish tenth overall on the lead lap and, despite his disappointment over the contact, was satisfied.

That brings the RS Cup season to a close for SevenHills, who thank their drivers, mechanics and sponsors for the excellent results and for the two titles won in this spectacular 2022 year.

The Rome-based team’s new programmes for 2023 will be announced soon.