Bari  G. P.

By Emilio J. Lezcano / carsNtravel

The Bari Grand Prix was held in the seaport of Bari, on the adriatic coast of Italy who
organized races between 1947 and 1956 on a circuit that ran through the streets of the
town, over a distance of 3.449 miles (5.550km) and the whole town coming to a
virtual standstill on race day.

BBari G. P. circuit 1948

Althought flat, it was an exacting circuit with all the natural hazars of a city along its route, with fast and slow corners, hairpins and fast straights.  The post-war boom in motor racing allowed the Bari Automobile Club to organize their first race in 1947, starting with a full-glooded Grand Prix event, won by Achille Varzi (Alfa Romeo 158)  at 65.15
mph (105.275kph).

The Lungomare circuit was used every year until 1956, when Stirling Moss won the race drivinga Maserati sportcar, with one break in 1953. 

Bari GP. Jean Behra 1956

The growing concern with spectator's safety after the Le Mans catastrophe of 1955 had many side effects on motor racing, one being stricted rules by governments and governing bodies and after the tragic death of Alfonso Cabeza de Vaca y Leighton in the 1957 edition of the Mille Miglia, the Bari street could no longer comply with international requirements and the Grand Prix was cancelled.