Loconte targets podium finish at Italian hillclimb championship finale

The 71st Coppa Nissena will serve as the final round of the 2026 Italian Supersalita Championship, taking place from 11–13 September at the Caltanissetta circuit. Organised by the Automobile Club Caltanissetta, the event will award the national hillclimb titles across multiple categories, including the two-cylinder class and the Sicilian championship for modern and historic vehicles, with coverage provided by ACI Sport TV.

Angelo "The Doctor" Loconte will contest the demanding and high-speed Nissena layout in his Mini Cooper JCW (RSTB 2.0 class), prepared by AC Racing. The driver aims to secure third place in his class standings and fend off rivals' challenges during the season finale. Loconte competes under the Gretaracing banner.

The event takes place in a sombre atmosphere following serious incidents at the previous round at Erice. Loconte acknowledged the gravity of those events, stating that the thoughts of victims and injured will weigh on competitors' minds throughout the weekend. The championship battle will unfold across three days: Friday 11 September features technical and sporting checks, Saturday 12 September includes two official practice runs over the approximately 5,450-metre course, and Sunday 13 September hosts the two competitive races, both broadcast live on ACI Sport TV.