MotoGP, Farewell to Aurelio Longoni, the King of Regina chains

We have heard the bad news that Aurelio Longoni has left the racing paddock forever, and there isn't one person who doesn’t mourn his passing. For almost 50 years Aurelio represented Regina chains. From the Tourist Trophy, where I first met him, to the world championship, he was the transmission king.

Motorcycles still have this irreplaceable old way of transmitting power to the wheel, and it seems impossible that even with today's ever-increasing horsepower levels it works perfectly. But if this is the case, it is also thanks to the experience of Aurelio, who over the years represented the historical memory of chain evolution.

Just one glance was enough for him to see what state a chain was in. But it was not only his experience that he brought to the pits, but also his friendliness and kindness. A unique character.

He worked with Agostini, Hailwood, Sheene and when Moser broke the one-hour record in Mexico City in 1984 it was Aurelio who brought him a titanium chain and sprocket. Alice Margaria told us all about it, HERE.

Aurelio, originally from Dolzago (Lecco), was 71 years old and had graduated as a mechanical engineer. After graduating he was a worker and Regina hired him to flank a technicians who was about to retire. They asked him if he would like to travel the world and he replied: "okay". From 1974 he never stopped. A job that fascinated him and that he interpreted in the right way of the Continental Circus of the time: Aurelio Longoni retrieved the chains that the rich teams used, perhaps, once, checked them and then passed them on to the less wealthy teams.

Goodbye Aurelio, I will really miss chatting with you in the pitlane, your wit, your memories and above all your smile.