Race, Compete, Win: Bernina Gran Turismo Virtuale Powered by Roarington on September 20–21 in St. Moritz
13 September 2024 1 min read 2 images
This year marks the tenth edition of the Bernina Gran Turismo, taking place on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21. As tradition dictates, the race will feature two rankings: one for participants in the Competition category and another for those in the Regularity category. Both grids will showcase an extraordinary lineup of automobiles – from pre-war masterpieces to iconic sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s, alongside more recent models that embody the spirit of speed and elegance. Adding to the spectacle, the exhibition of participating cars in St. Moritz will lend an aristocratic flair, turning the town into a stage of automotive heritage. The celebrations begin on September 19, when drivers will use the Roarington simulators for a dedicated training session at the Kulm Country Club. From September 20–21, the simulators will move to the St. Moritz Village Square, opening to the public for the Bernina Gran Turismo Virtuale. Here, visitors can step into the driver’s seat, test their racing skills, and compete for the coveted title of Day Champion.
The timeless allure of St. Moritz is deeply rooted in its history, shaped by aristocratic grand hotels, luxurious boutiques, exclusive clubs, and its world-renowned ski slopes. Yet cars and their irresistible charm have always been part of the story. Long before today’s spectacles, St. Moritz was already home to daring automotive events: races on the frozen lake and refined Concours d’Elegance set the stage for an even bolder idea. In 1929, visionaries launched a hill climb on the challenging 16.5 kilometre route to the Bernina Pass, an exclusive stage with all the right ingredients for glamour and excitement. From the outset, the event drew not only the wealthy drivers who could afford these extraordinary machines but also throngs of affluent spectators, many of them proud owners themselves. They flocked to St. Moritz and the Bernina Pass to witness legends such as Hans Stuck in his Austro-Daimler ADR 3.0 and Louis Chiron in his Bugatti T47 claim victory, and to admire magnificent creations from Alfa Romeo, Lagonda, Lancia, and Mercedes-Benz.
The idea of reviving this romantic event was born just over a decade ago, thanks to renowned collector Kurt Engelhorn. He obtained the rare permission to use the spectacular road climbing from La Rösa up the Poschiavo Valley to the 2,328-metre Bernina Pass, allowing the staging of time trials and races under the name Bernina Gran Turismo. Achieving this was no small feat, given that September still draws considerable tourist traffic. The clever solution was to close the road only during each practice session and race, then reopen it in between. This ingenious approach not only ensured smooth logistics but also delighted spectators, who could move to different vantage points along the course to witness the cars in action in varied settings.
On Friday at the Kulm Country Club, the Roarington simulators are reserved exclusively for the participating drivers. Here, they can combine the thrill of virtual racing with the valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with the challenging Bernina route ahead of the real competition.
On Saturday and Sunday, for the very first time, the thrill of the Bernina is opening to the wider public. The Bernina Gran Turismo Virtuale powered by Roarington will take place at the St. Moritz Village Square, directly opposite the Tourist Information Office on Via Maistra 12. Here, enthusiasts can race the legendary Bernina route on the Roarington simulators, and go head-to-head in pursuit of the coveted Day Champion trophy. It’s an unmissable chance for everyone to feel the adrenaline, the challenge, and the glory of the Bernina Gran Turismo Virtuale powered by Roarington.
