Alfa Romeo’s P2: Speed, Symbolism, and the Birth of Fascist Motorsport
Description
This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, discusses the Alfa Romeo P2, an iconic racing car designed by Vittorio Jano that debuted 100 years ago. The P2 dominated Grand Prix racing during the two-liter formula in the mid-1920s, helping Alfa Romeo win the first World Championship in 1925. The presentation, delivered by Paul Baxa, explores the broader industrial, cultural, and political significance of the P2 beyond its sporting achievements, particularly its role in Mussolini's Fascist Italy. The P2's victories were used by Mussolini's regime to symbolize Italy's industrial revival and national pride, while also influencing motorsport culture and politics during that era. The narrative touches on the car's design, its impact on Italian motorsports, and the personal stories of key figures like Antonio Ascari and Enzo Ferrari. The Alfa Romeo P2 remained successful in racing through the 1930s and eventually became a symbol of Italy’s motorsport legacy.
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00:00 The Alfa Romeo P2: A Racing Legend
00:53 The P2's Broader Significance: Fascism and Motorsport
03:00 Historical Context: Italy in the 1920s
04:21 The P2's Racing Achievements
05:11 Design and Engineering of the P2
06:40 The P2 and Italian Industrial Culture
07:34 The P2's Impact on Italian Motorsport
22:11 The P2's Legacy and Continued Influence
26:47 Q&A Session; Closing Remarks and Credits
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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.

















