STORY OF THE DAY: Ghersi Chases the Winner into the Apennines

Pietro Ghersi drove the number 35 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 Monza to second place in the Parma–Poggio di Berceto hill climb on 29 April 1934. The long road ascent from Parma toward the Apennines was won by Ferdinando Barbieri in another Alfa Romeo. Ghersi’s runner-up finish placed Scuderia Ferrari machinery at the front of a demanding non-championship event.

The contest was decided against the clock, leaving Ghersi no opportunity to respond directly once his run was complete. He had to balance the enlarged eight-cylinder engine’s acceleration against the need for clean braking and accurate placement on a public road. Second place showed strong pace while acknowledging Barbieri’s superior time on the day.

The 8C 2600 Monza was a competition development of Vittorio Jano’s 8C 2300. Its supercharged straight-eight retained twin overhead camshafts and a central gear train, while increased displacement improved torque for acceleration and climbing. The short, open Monza chassis was especially appropriate for a hill climb, where low weight and rapid response mattered more than endurance equipment.

Pietro Ghersi was an Italian racer from Genoa who first established himself on motorcycles before moving into leading sports cars and Grand Prix machinery. He drove regularly for Scuderia Ferrari and won events in Alfa Romeo 8C equipment. His second place at Parma–Poggio di Berceto reflects the breadth of a career that ranged from long-distance road races to concentrated mountain competition.