The 22nd Tirreno Messina Rally was presented in the Oval Hall of the Municipality. The details of the national final of the ACI Sport Italian Rally Cup and all the related initiatives were illustrated by the organizers of Top Competition, with the municipal councilors for sport Massimo Finocchiaro and for Civil Protection Massimiliano Minutoli, the President of the Automobile Club Messina Massimo Rinaldi, the first Citizen of Roccavaldina Salvatore Visalli, the Councilor for Sport of Torregrotta Raffaele Nastasi and the representatives of the major brand partners including Grimaldi Lines, Vadalà Auto, Pirelli and Caronte & Tourist. Also present were some federal managers including the ACI Sport provincial trustee Nico Salvo, the supervisor Bernardo Di Caro and Massimo Cambria, member of the ACI Sport Rally Commission. Top Competition President Maria Grazia Bisazza entrusted her message to Federica Battaglia, who underlined the sharing of intentions with all the entities that support the organization of an event that concerns the entire territory and highlighted the constant attention to the professional figures that make up the organizational staff, starting with the International Race Director Mauro Zambelli.
The technical aspect of the special tests and the route in general was illustrated by the vice president of AC Peloritano, Marco Messina. The safety numbers were underlined by Armando Battaglia, former member of the ACI Sport Sports Council, who focused on the commitment of 200 Match Officials, confirming his gratitude to the Police Forces for the fundamental contribution to the safety and serenity of the event, for which the contribution of the numerous volunteers is essential.
Registrations are close to closing, set for this evening at midnight, with over one hundred and fifty participants already confirmed and a constantly updated list.
Councilor for Sport of the Municipality of Messina, Massimo Finocchiaro who brought the mayor’s greetings: “We strongly believed in this project and we were rewarded with the important Aci Sport Coppa Italia national final, we achieved the objective we had set ourselves, because we demonstrated that we can be welcoming in terms of real receptivity, security and above all organisation. The presence of the police forces leads me to underline that a city has been “militarized” precisely because we want that everything takes place in the safest way. There is enormous interest for the protagonists and for the entire race and therefore both the crews themselves and the citizens must be able to experience these days of sport in a serene way because the presences will be many. The image of the city will be in great evidence and therefore we must capitalize on this great opportunity which is such for the whole territory. The impact of these presences is fundamental for the socio-economic fabric.
Massimiliano Minutoli, Councilor for Civil Protection of the Municipality of Messina: “For the organizational aspect we considered the race as a maxi event for which as civil protection we activated a race operations center. It is an absolute first, an initiative to have maximum attention on the activities that take place during the rally week. We are counting on the massive involvement of not only the police, but also volunteers and in particular the interaction of citizens so that everything takes place safely”.
Massimo Rinaldi, President of AC Messina, highlighted the figure of the unforgettable Daniele Settimo, Delegate/Trustee of ACI Sport and President of the Rally Commission, who strongly wanted the Finals in this race: “For the members of the Federation, total compliance with safety regulations is standard practice, for which the support and work of the police forces is fundamental, but we always hope for maximum collaboration from the public. As for the turnout, we can say that the numbers are truly exciting because so many crews mean a lot of people so the advantages on the territory from every perspective will be extraordinary and this is very important” -.
Salvatore Visalli, Mayor of Roccavaldina: “An unmissable opportunity of great visibility, not only an exceptional economic impact. The passage inside the town is the spectacular characteristic that distinguishes our town and has given it enormous notoriety and we are enthusiastic about this”.
Raffaele Nastasi, Sports Councilor of Torregrotta: “The final involves our territory which, thanks to Top Competition, which is from Torregrotta, has developed a strong culture for motor racing. The event constitutes an extraordinary showcase and therefore as administrators we are enthusiastic and proud of it”.
A widespread media coverage has been planned with live on ACI Sport TV (228 Sky and 52 Tivùsat) and live streaming, reports on national and regional newspapers and constant social activity, to talk about the entire event and enhance the Messina area in all its aspects.