Had it not been for tourism, Jesolo might have remained a sleepy town nestling on the shores of the Venetian Lagoon, bathing in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. These days it's a typical bustling Italian seaside resort, with over 350 hotels lining its 15kms of sandy beaches. Bit the mere mention of the name Jesolo is enough to make the average kart enthusiast's eyes glaze over! Back in the 80's the mythical
Pista Azzura, which opened in 1961, was at the height of its glory, playing host to numerous European and World championship races. The current track retains the sinewy layout that Jesolo was famous for but it has been extended to accommodate a fast straight, bringing the total length of the track to 1045 metres. As has been the case from the start of the Italian season, Julie's name was to be seen on numerous karts, both from France and elsewhere. Just two months after its creation, the Julie Tonelli Children's Fund is beginning to take shape. It's too soon to draw any conclusions, but numerous contacts have been made and a number of projects are in the pipeline. The aim is to help sick and disadvantaged children by using Julie's name to establishing partnerships in the world of karting and other motor sports. Julie's parents are totally committed to the success of the fund. Indeed, they live for this opportunity to perpetuate the memory of their beloved daughter. It should be noted that there is absolutely no personal gain in this for them; to them it's just a matter of giving generosity.
Of course the Julie Tonelli Children's Fund has neither the fame nor the size of the Ayrton Senna Fondation but its aims and methods are similar. World famous Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna's name is enough in itself to forge the partnerships that allow his Foundation to help hundreds of thousand of children overcome their educational handicap and thus escape from misery. So it was against this backdrop that the Tony Kart factory unveiled a special limited edition "Ayrton Senna" kart - only 200 of them will be built - at an official presentation on the Saturday at Jesolo. Before a public that was visibly moved, pictures from Ayrton's life on and off the track were projected as an official from the Senna Foundation took the drapes off a magnificent black, green and yellow chassis bearing the champion's name. In a 3rd round Italian Open Masters race that saw some spectacular spills, Burkhard Maring, driving a Birel/Iame, came out on top in KF2. The German driver doesn't say a lot in the paddock but once out on the track he had the last word by winning both races in the ex-ICA category by a mile! 17-year old Burkhard is an old hand in German and Italian championship racing - last year he took part in both ICA and FA events. He came 8th in the 2006 World Cup in Angerville. But this double victory will remain one of the highlights of his career to date. It's because of Roberto Moriglio that he sports Julie's colours today. He was intrigued by the pink butterflies on Roberto's helmet and tracksuit so asked him what they were. He was particularly moved to hear about the recently created Foundation, for personal reasons. So since Ugento last month he has been a Julie Tonelli driver.
Nicola Nolé, the Italian CRG/TM dirver, found out about Julie Tonelli when he went world cup racing in Angerville in 2006. Of course Julie's faithful followers were out in force at that meeting on the French track. The young European ICA champion is straight-faced and serious when he's racing but full of smiles off the track. Since he heard Julie's story he never forgets to sport her little pink stickers. He says they bring him luck! It's true that he's going to need all the luck he can muster this season, as he waits for an engine that will enable him to express his talent to the full.
No sooner was the racing in Jesolo finished than some of the drivers packed their bags ready to leave the following day for a trip to the other side of the world, where the KF1 World Cup race in Suzuka awaits them (25-27 May). Julie will also be making the trip thanks to Davide Fore', Benjamin Bailly and Nathanaël Berthon.