The symphony of potent engines echoes through the narrow coastal roads of northeastern Italy, painting a vivid sonic landscape against the backdrop of the border with Slovenia. This is not a reenactment of a classic endurance race, but rather the exhilarating procession of the Dodgeball Rally, a modern pilgrimage for supercars that recently traversed from Monaco to Croatia.
The Genesis of an Automotive Expedition
Jonny Dodge, the visionary behind this curated automotive experience, speaks of its 16-year legacy. His background in orchestrating ultra-luxury services—from superyacht sales and private jet charters to exclusive Formula 1 hospitality—provided the perfect foundation for an event that caters to an elite clientele. The rally’s origins trace back to a simple desire among friends to extend the thrill of track days with their extraordinary machinery. What began as a spirited drive to St. Tropez has evolved into a meticulously planned, multi-day journey that unites automotive passion with unparalleled luxury.
A Parade of Automotive Artistry
The 2025 edition commenced at Monaco’s iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, where approximately ten pairs of drivers and navigators gathered before departing from Casino Square. The spectacle was significantly enhanced by Starr Luxury Cars, a premier U.K. exotic car rental company and rally partner, whose CEO, Ike Ordor, led the charge in a Lamborghini Huracán Evo. The convoy showcased a dazzling array of Italian masterpieces, including Ferraris such as the SF90, F8, 296, 812 GTS, and Roma, alongside a Maserati MC20 and several Porsches, including the 911 Carrera 4 GTS. Starr Luxury Cars ensures a seamless experience, offering participants turnkey access to these exceptional vehicles.
Ordor elaborated on his partnership with Dodge, stating, “I’ve known Jonny for a while and admire what he does and the community he creates. We decided to collaborate as a partner to provide the best vehicles, and also bring some of our clients to enjoy these vehicles and engage in a community that the Dodgeball Rally is all about.”
The Italian Riviera and Beyond
The route swiftly transitioned from the French Riviera into Italy, hugging the picturesque coastline. The initial culinary interlude at La Meridiana Relais & Châteaux set a high standard, offering exquisite Ligurian fare. The day culminated at the Grand Hotel Bristol in Rapallo, with an optional excursion to the glamorous enclave of Portofino via motorboat, a chance for participants to savour the dolce vita.
Rally veterans like Ian Campbell, CEO of Nucleus Research, lauded the event’s intimate scale and the quality of roads and company. “It’s a smaller group of folks, it’s intimate, it’s a great challenge, we go through great roads, we meet a lot of fantastic people, and it’s a lot about building those connections,” Campbell shared. Robert Rooks, a 10-time participant and retired Deloitte Partner, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the profound camaraderie: “It’s not just about the cars, it’s about the people we meet, the relationships we have, the friendships . . . it’s everything; cars, people, location, roads, routes—everything.”
Motor Valley and Alpine Ascents
Day two saw the rally venture inland, delving into the heart of Italy’s “Motor Valley.” A memorable stop at Agriturismo Cavazzone, a historic family farm, offered a taste of authentic Emilian cuisine. The subsequent drive through the Dolomites provided a thrilling contrast, with participants navigating challenging mountain passes before arriving in Trento. The city, home to the esteemed Ferrari Trento winery, hosted a tour and tasting at its Michelin-starred Locanda Margon, followed by an overnight stay at Hotel Villamontes.
Sophia Momodu, navigating for the rally’s sole all-female team, remarked on the aural pleasure of a Lamborghini in the Alps. Her co-driver, Fade Ogunro, driving their Porsche, expressed pride in representing women drivers. “I’ll be here next year,” she asserted confidently.
Adriatic Coast and Enduring Connections
The penultimate day guided the convoy back to the Adriatic coast, traversing Slovenia and entering Croatia. The route offered a dramatic mix of descents through forested hills and exhilarating stretches along precipitous seaside roads. A highlight was lunch at Castello di Spessa, a historic estate offering a winery and resort, before concluding the day at the Adriatic Istria Resort. The final leg involved a ferry crossing to the island of Pag, featuring a delightful stop at Boškinac winery and hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Zadar. The rally concluded with Champagne toasts and a shared sense of accomplishment, solidifying the lifelong bonds forged among participants.
Joe Caradonna and Christopher Kouza, returning participants and sponsors, highlighted the “mountainous roads” as a key draw. Kouza praised the organization, “Jonny Dodge and his entire team, they make you feel welcome. It’s a first-class experience—highly recommend it.”
Jonny Dodge articulated his philosophy: “What we’re trying to foster here is the importance of community. I think, in modern-day society, often we’re losing that. Community is where I see the future of not only the vertical of luxury, but the vertical of pretty much every sector you can think of. Community is one of the biggest trends right now, and the growth of that is enormous. The people who meet on these trips are just so like-minded, enjoy these experience so much, and come together and create bonds for life. I feel honored to be able to be helping support that.”
The 2026 Dodgeball Supercar Rally is scheduled to run from Milan to Barcelona, September 3-6, promising another exceptional gathering of automotive enthusiasts.
Business Style Takeaway: The Dodgeball Rally stands as a premier example of curated luxury experiences, blending high-performance automotive passion with exclusive social networking. Its appeal lies not just in the exquisite machinery but in the elite community it cultivates, making it a desirable status symbol and a testament to the enduring power of shared passion within the luxury sector.
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