Late Luca Salvadori Posthumously Crowned Champion

A heartwarming gesture from a rival team has seen Luca Salvadori posthumously crowned the 2024 National Trophy 1000 Champion.

Salvadori was tragically killed while taking part in an International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) round in Germany, after falling heavily at the Frohburg road race.

In the wake of the accident, the only other team in with a chance of winning the title in the National Trophy, the Pistard team’s Gianluca Galesi Milella took to social media to confirm their attendance at the final two rounds would only happen so they could pay their respects to their fallen rival.

Rovelli’s and the Pistard team’s withdrawal means Salvadori and the Broncos team take the championship with a total of 100 points. Rovelli came second riding a BMW, while Andreozzi Alessandro came third on his Aprilia.

Speaking about his decision to withdraw from the final two rounds of the championship, Pistard Team rider, Filippo Rovelli, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his rival. He said:

“Luca, it's been years that our roads have crossed on the track, but never like this year have we given ourselves a battle.

“Every race was a real head to head.. We still had two races in front of us, two opportunities to challenge ourselves once more and continue to grow together.

“But today, for me, the championship ends here. It doesn't make sense to continue without you on the track, without your drive, your talent. This title is yours, Luca, and you earned it well, race after race.

“I wanted to celebrate you differently, shake your hand and tell you in person that you were the best. This championship is yours, and it will forever be yours.

Thankful for every moment we spent together.

“I love you”

The fifth round of the championship saw a special ceremony take place on the grid, with the President of the Moto Club Spoleto, Daniele Cesaretti, handing over Luca Salvadori's number 23 to Luca Conforti, team owner of the Broncos Racing Team, officially retiring the number 23 from the national championship.

Prior to racing in the INT series, Salvadori also spent time in the MotoGP paddock, campaigning for the Premac Team in MotoE.

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