THE BEGINNING
In the end of the 1950s, the world of Go-Kart made its appearance in Italy, imported directly from America. It was in this context that the engineer Bertazzoli had the idea of founding the Pista Azzurra, a circuit dedicated to Go-Kart races, located in the splendid location of Jesolo.
After months of work and preparations, the big day finally arrived in July 1960. The emotion was palpable in the air while the pilots gathered for the first race organized on the Pista Azzurra. The event attracted a large audience, eager to attend the first breathtaking challenges.
GROWTH
In 1964, Mario Calzavara bought the circuit from the Bertazzoli family, bringing the Pista Azzurra to a new level of size. With his entrepreneurial vision and dedication to the world of Go-Kart, Calzavara transformed the Pista Azzurra into one of the most important circuits of the time.
In 1968, the Pista Azzurra had the honor of hosting the world championship of Go-Kart, thus gaining international fame. Pilots from all over the world faced each other on this prestigious track, making fans dream and leaving an indelible mark in the history of sport.
The Champions Cup
This consecration is confirmed, starting from 1972, with the first edition of the "Cup of Champions", an international race which in a few years becomes a classic of the international calendar. In its 13 editions it hosts all the pilots that in the following years will find success in the highest automotive formulas or will remain as legends in the Kartistic world.
In the following years, world -renowned drivers have traveled the curves of the Pista Azzurra, leaving their mark in its legend. Names such as Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Zanardi, Hair, Fullerton, Wilson, Schurmann and Forsmann have challenged the limits of speed and ability on this unparalleled circuit.
The World Championships
In 1976, the route expands from 720 meters to current 1,048 meters. In 1984, the paddock was also moved, thus increasing the size and services of the structure. This marks the beginning of a new era of major kartistic events, including the Junior World Championships in 1986 and two editions of the FK 135 cc World Championship (1987-1990).
The Pista Azzurra continues to host numerous editions of European championship tests, Italian championships and open championships, allowing a new generation of drivers to run to Jesolo. Pilots like Hamilton and Rosberg took part in these events, leaving their footprint on the track.
The new millennium
In the 90s, the Pista Azzurra began to host not only go-kart competitions, but also relevant rallies and events in the world of automotive. Among these rallies of great prestige there were the Ferrarissimo and stages of the Giro d'Italia of historic cars.
With the advent of the new millennium, the Pista Azzurra adapts to changes in the world of motor races. The arrival of new disciplines such as the Supermotard finds the track ready to welcome stages of the world circuit. A path is integrated on the dirt road, specially designed to meet the needs of this discipline. The Pista Azzurra also becomes the home of minimoto events, further expanding its offer.
The Pista Azzurra today
Starting in 2012, the Pista Azzurra became the headquarters of the ASI-GO-KART SHOW, an international historical kart rally. This event, which reached its climax in the last edition of 2023 with the participation of over 180 pilots and 210 karts, has established itself as the most important European event in the sector. This confirmed the international vocation of the Pista Azzurra in hosting major events.
In addition to the races, the Pista Azzurra has also hosted musical events over the years, including Cantagiro, the Festivalbar and memorable concerts, such as that of the Chemical Brothers. These musical events have added an artistic and entertainment dimension to the already rich history of the Pista Azzurra.
Managed by Mario Calzavara first and by his son Francesco later, over the years, the Pista Azzurra has continued to offer Kart rental services for adults and boys. Thanks to this activity, thousands of people have had the opportunity to try the adrenaline of the Kart within a circuit which, thanks to its history and reputation, has become an icon of this motor discipline.