THREE DRIVERS, AN ITALIAN VICE-CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND AN OVERALL RUNNER-UP FINISH
Race Weekend 44 brought an emotional end to October and start to November for DAG Management. Three drivers competing at Mugello and in South African karting, a prestigious 2026 Italian GT Endurance Vice-Champion title for Mattia Bucci, and an excellent overall runner-up result for Brodi Cooper Dowling: achievements that reflect not only competitiveness, but also the character and development of these young talents.
I am particularly proud of Mattia, Matteo Bergonzini and Brodi. Each faced a different challenge: technical problems, team strategy, a three-hour endurance race and hard-fought karting heats. My role is to support them on a journey shaped not only by results but also by resilience, professionalism and every step forward.
I sincerely thank the drivers, their families, the teams, engineers and everyone who makes this journey possible. Every result comes from the work done together at the circuit, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me and in DAG Management.
MUGELLO | ITALIAN GT ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 4
MATTIA BUCCI | #163 | GT CUP 1ST DIVISION PRO-AM
2026 ITALIAN GT ENDURANCE VICE-CHAMPION
For Mattia Bucci, the Mugello weekend marked the conclusion of an important championship campaign, crowned by the 2026 Italian GT Endurance Vice-Champion title in GT Cup 1st Division Pro-Am. It is an achievement that fills me with pride and rewards the consistency, determination and hard work shown throughout the season.
The car’s potential was already clear on Friday. After P4 in class in the opening free practice session, Mattia set P1 in class in Free Practice 2 (P35 overall). Teammate Agoglia also recorded P1 in class in the third free practice session.
Qualifying, however, was severely affected by an engine problem. Cremona had secured P2 in class in the first session, but the issue stopped Agoglia in the second, and the subsequent engine change prevented Mattia from taking part in the third. It was a frustrating setback just as the crew had shown promising pace.
The three-hour endurance race unfolded in exceptionally difficult conditions, with torrential rain making driving and car control extremely demanding. Mattia’s crew was running second in class when the car spun. The time needed to get going again cost valuable minutes and crucial positions, compromising both the chance to fight for the championship title and a podium finish in the final race. The crew eventually finished P36 overall and P4 in class. Naturally, I am disappointed that such an opportunity slipped away, but incidents can happen in conditions as challenging as these. Above all, I am immensely proud of Mattia: finishing the 2026 season as Italian GT Endurance Vice-Champion is an important and thoroughly deserved reward for all his hard work.
MUGELLO | ITALIAN GT ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 4
MATTEO BERGONZINI | #571 | GT CUP 2ND DIVISION AM
P1 IN CLASS IN HIS OWN QUALIFYING SESSION
Matteo Bergonzini also experienced an intense weekend at Mugello in GT Cup 2nd Division AM, demonstrating encouraging speed and effective teamwork throughout the event.
The #571 car finished P3 and P4 in class in the first two free practice sessions before moving up to P1 in class in the third. That progression provided a positive foundation for qualifying.
The three qualifying sessions confirmed the crew’s potential: Abbati took P1 in class in the first, Zerbi secured P2 in the second, and Matteo delivered another P1 in class in the third session, finishing P19 overall. For Matteo, this was a strong demonstration of his speed and ability to deliver when it mattered.
The three-hour endurance race was made exceptionally difficult by torrential rain, testing visibility, grip and the drivers’ ability to manage the car. In these demanding circumstances, Matteo and his crew kept working with determination all the way to the chequered flag, finishing P39 overall and P4 in class. The result does not fully reflect the potential shown in qualifying, but I am pleased with Matteo’s commitment and contribution to the team. Handling such difficult conditions is also invaluable experience in endurance racing.
FORMULA K | 2026 RMC NR KART CHAMPIONSHIP – REGIONAL ROUND 6
BRODI COOPER DOWLING | #422 | JUNIOR MAX
P2 OVERALL | HEAT 3 WINNER
Brodi Cooper Dowling continues to show remarkable determination and speed. At Formula K for Round 6 of the RMC NR Kart Championship, he secured a brilliant P2 overall after a day that demanded resilience and the ability to fight back.
After P10 in the warm-up, Brodi qualified P5. The opening heat was disrupted by a crash at the start. He recovered to P10 on track, but a bumper penalty left him classified P14. It was the kind of difficult start that could have affected the rest of his day.
Instead, his response was outstanding. Brodi finished Heat 2 in P3, then claimed a superb P1 victory in Heat 3, gaining two positions. He backed it up with another P3 in Heat 4, again moving forward by two places.
The P2 overall result rewarded a day of pace, persistence and concentration. I am truly proud of his ability to recover from a difficult opening and turn disappointment into motivation. This attitude, as much as his talent, is what makes his progress so special.
CLOSING REFLECTIONS
Race Weekend 44 leaves me with much to be proud of: Mattia Bucci’s 2026 Italian GT Endurance Vice-Champion title, secured despite a rain-soaked final race and an incident that compromised the crew’s chances of victory and a podium; Brodi Cooper Dowling’s overall second place; and Matteo Bergonzini’s competitive performance, including P1 in class in his qualifying session and a particularly demanding endurance race at Mugello.
I am proud of what all three drivers demonstrated beyond the final classifications. My heartfelt thanks go to their families for their trust, to the teams and technical staff for their work, and above all to Mattia, Matteo and Brodi for their commitment and passion. Every weekend adds valuable experience to their journey. My goal remains to help them build strong, lasting careers, one step at a time.

