Valentino Rossi has won the 34th edition of the “Caschi D’oro” (Golden Helmet), a prize awarded by the highly respected Italian magazine Motosprint.

The nine times World Champion also took the 2009 Top Rider prize, an award that was voted by the numerous readers of the Italian motorcycle magazine, who preferred Rossi over Toni Cairoli and the 2009 WSBK Champion Ben Spies. Toni Cairoli, this year’s MX1 World Champion won the Golden Helmet for the motocross category.

The Caschi d’Oro Awards ceremony took place December 7th at the Teatro delle Celebrazioni in Bologna.

Last year’s winner was three times World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss.

Continue reading: Valentino Rossi Wins 'Caschi d'Oro' 2009

This Sunday saw another fund raising motocross event called Una Gara x Luca (a race for Luca) organized by MotoGP rider Marco Melandri and Scot Racing’s Sporting Director Alberto Martinelli, who got together to help injured Luca Pellegrini, by raising funds to pay for his rehabilitation.

Last August, Pellegrini lost control of his bike after a technical failure, crashed and sustained serious spinal injuries and after an operation was completely paralyzed, but after being transferred to the Montecatone Clinic in Imola, the seventeen year old has now gained some use of his arms and wrists, but still faces long and expensive treatment.

12,000 fans including Luca, showed up for this memorable event at Autodromo Bonara di Castrezzato track and weren’t disappointed because they saw race track riders and motocross riders face off in an exciting two heat race.

Continue reading: Melandri and Cairoli Win Una Gara x Luca Fund Raising Event