We're coming up to what is probably the hottest part of the year, and most people will be making sure their ACs are in good working condition and up to the task of keeping things temperate. Yet in Europe, and across the pond from there, its getting very cool. Cool not necessarily in terms of temperature, but certainly in terms of major racing events. You see, lovers of sports and motorsport in particular are in for a bit of a bonanza as we get into May and June. May means the French Open for tennis fans but more importantly it signals the start of a motorsports orgy! In fact, these two months will see three of the greatest track races in the world.

First off, there is Formula One of course – two races in May and the same number in June. But as far as great races go, in terms of importance, prestige and atmosphere there is nothing to beat the fabulous Monte Carlo Grand Prix that takes place in the principality of Monaco. Monte Carlo has romance attached to it – it also has the casinos where fortunes are made (and lost) and then there is the aura of the famous actress the late Grace Kelly, who became Her Serene Highness – The Princess of Monaco. A round-the-houses street race, the Monaco GP traces its origins back to one Anthony Noghes who was insulted by the Association of Recognised Automobile Clubs, the FIA equivalent then, not granting membership to his club – Automobile Club de Monaco. So as many are wont to do in such situations, he got together with his fellow Monegasque Louis Chiron, a well-known racer at the time, to organise a race for himself.