fast & glamourous
Adrenaline-filled afternoon at the track. Speed and racing pulse. Style and engines. Full-throttle fun. Another way to feel the thrill on a Versilian day. And to discover that Forte dei Marmi, after all, also has a rock soul
Words by Niccola De Prà - Photography Alessandro Moggi
It’s early afternoon. The sky is clear and blue. The sun shines. A light breeze wafts the palm fronds. Imposing pine canopies in the distance, the last bulwark before the beach. A crystal-clear, perfect day. Perfect to go to sea. A few hours of stillness, rest, chatting under the umbrella, boardwalks, and ice cream. A dip in the water, the pages of a novel flowing slowly toward the grand finale...But no, the sea isn’t our destination today. Today, Forte dei Marmi isn’t peaceful, nor a postcard. Instead, it rhymes with adrenaline: speed, racing pulse, full-throttle excitement. “See you at the Canniccia,” I said to her. “Cause it’s time to dance!”.
Here we are on the paddock, my best friend and I. “Helmet?” “Got it.” “Gloves?” “Ditto.” We’ve what we need, but inside,we’re brought to fever pitch. The doors of the garage open, and the cars line up perfectly. Colorful, bold, a little retro, with big wheels and round headlights. “So stunning! I’ll take the white one.” “I’ll get the black one. No half measures today, tout court.” The first rumble of the engine. The first thrill of the heart. The circuit is a black and winding track that meanders through an endless meadow, with trees and hedges all around. The rest of the world is cut off.
The doors of the garage open, and the cars line up perfectly. Colorful, bold, a little retro, with big wheels and round headlights. “So stunning! I’ll take the white one.” . . .
We’re standing still on the starting line, side by side. Inside the narrow cockpit, we are one with the cars. They serve; we own. One last knowing glance. “Are you ready, Lucrezia?” “Ready, Allegra”. Let the track day begin!
Screeching tires. Insane acceleration. We ride the first pit straight in a flash. Then, a big bend to the left. And the quick chicane: left-right-left. Another wide curve, and we’re back at the starting point. The first lap is done. It was an instant, but super cool. So, let’s hit the track with the second, third, and fourth. Lap after lap. Moment after moment. Now, me ahead, you behind. Then me behind, you ahead. It is not a race. It is a dance.
A pit stop to share emotions and cool the engines. Then, back on the track. Laps, laps, and more laps. And as we get familiar with the car, we start to see that world that seemed cut off. The majestic Apuan Alps in the distance. The Seravezza and Pietrasanta hills and, farther down there, the Camaiore and Massarosa ones. Picture-perfect Forte dei Marmi, now we finally recognize you! A new, unexpected postcard, shot with speed and strong emotions.
The time has come to shed the pilot’s shoes. Now, let’s enjoy the maneuvers of others here from the bleachers. Cars whizzing by. Energy still high. “Who do you root for?”. “The yellow one. “I’ll support the blue one: go blue!” Slowly, the strong emotions of the day fade into a smile. Sipping a drink on the terrace at sunset is a prelude to an evening that promises to be long and special, with something new to tell friends. A secret to share with those who don’t know yet... that Forte dei Marmi also has a rock soul.
one track, many passions
La Canniccia, born (or rather reborn) from a fervor for engines and the allure of Versilia, has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer a disco, it has evolved into a venue for captivating events and unique experiences, all intertwined with the world of two and four wheels. That’s where our girls spent their afternoon: at full throttle, racing among sports cars, and relaxing by the trackside.
It once was the beating heart of Versilia’s nightlife. Now, the initiative of Attilio Bindi, a renowned entrepreneur fond of Versilia, has turned La Canniccia into a new and original meeting place for socialites and motor enthusiasts. A large green area with a mini car circuit stretched over seven hundred meters at its core is perfectly suitable for parades of vintage cars and presentations of new car or motorbike models. It is a true paradise for speed lovers who want to experience it in full safety, with well-defined curbs and LED lighting along the entire perimeter. A completely equipped paddock further enhances the experience, immersing pilots and guests in an environment where passion and adrenaline merge to perfection. The superb terrace overlooking the paddock embraces the entire track on the one side and the spectacular view of the Versilian hills and Apuan Alps on the other, framed by the palm trees of a luxuriant tropical garden. A restaurant and other modular spaces for events of all kinds round out the motor club.
