It's neither normal, nor serious ...

It's not obligatory to enter an Italian car to be part of The Italian Connection social motoring event which will be held from May 22-24 with the delightful twin objectives or (a) having fun, and (b) raising money for the various charities nominated by each competitor.

The event is open to all marques and the entry includes machines as diverse as a 1955 Fiat and a 2005 Bentley.

Rather than spend money on fine-tuning their cars, many entrants go for a touch of silliness. One has produced an exact carabinieri replica, down to the uniforms...

The three-day, 1200 kilometre event links two vibrant Italian precincts in Australia's two largest cities - Sydney's Leichhardt (Norton Street) and its cultural counterpart, Carlton (Lygon Street), in Melbourne.

Obviously there is an abundance of fine dining before the start and after the finish.

Between the capitals is some great motoring on some wonderful driving roads, interspersed with proved to be an enjoyable rally that used some of the best sealed roads between the two capitals.

To add a competitive element, a motorkhana will be held along the way, in the main street of historic Gundagai, the first overnight stop.

That evening participants will break bread and sip wine at an Italian Connection Welcome Dinner at the historic Lanigan Abbey.

After a challenging drive on some glorious alpine roads, the drivers and crews stop at Myrtleford, initially at Gapsted Wines for a reception for competitors and VIPs.

A glam welcome dinner will be hosted by Alpine Shire's Mayor at the Savoy Club.

The final day takes the cars to Melbourne for a display in Lygon Street and a victory dinner at Club Abruzzo, where the tall tales will start...

It's all for terrific causes and it will be great to see people smiling at motor sporting activities....