At the end of the 1950s, a group of Italian craftsmen began to build kart chassis, attempting to reproduce those made in the USA. This marked the beginning of Umberto (nicknamed Birel) Sala’s road to lasting success, his karts becoming famous for their technical brilliance and personality. During their heyday they accumulated no fewer than 25 World Championships as well as countless European and National titles. Many Formula 1 stars, including the likes of Patrese, Rosberg, Modena, Pirro, Hakkinen and Montoya, began their motor racing careers karting in a ‘Birel’. Pages 336pp, 420 black & white and colour illustrations. English.