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Greatest Formula 1 Races – The Race of Two Worlds 1957-1958

500 Miglia di Monza

500 Miglia di Monza – The Race of Two Worlds

By Dennis David

In 1954, redevelopment of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza included rebuilding the oval portion of the track which had been abandoned during World War II took place. Monza the oldest continuous Formula 1 venue’s rebuilt banking was now much steeper and also unfortunately bumpier. In 1956, Giuseppe Bacciagaluppi, then president of the Automobile Club of Milan and chairman of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, invited Duane Carter, competition director of the United States Automobile Club (USAC), to attend the second running of the Italian Grand Prix on the freshly rebuilt circuit. Bacciagaluppi and Carter believed that an oval race held in Europe instead of the United States would be popular and could attract the top Formula One and USAC teams to an international competition.

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