RVM legends: “Janica” Clemente

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RVM legends: “Janica” Clemente

For many years "Janica" Clemente was the last Madeiran to win the Tour of the Island, how the Rally Vinho da Madeira was first named. The driver managed the feat in 1975, in the edition that immediately succeeded a pause on the organization of the event, due to the Oil Crisis of 1974. Almost another 30 years had to pass so that another Madeiran, Vítor Sá, would win. The driver's triumph only came to reinforce his popularity in the archipelago, since he was already quite revered not only for his friendliness, but also for his amazing driving capacities, filled with many power slides.

João "Janica" Clemente Aguiar was born in Funchal at the end of the 1930's and built a career in motor-racing always associated with Ford. His main results were conquered in the 1970's driving cars such as Ford Cortina Lotus and the two Ford Escort RS 1600 versions. As many other Madeiran drivers of the time, he was well positioned in the rallies ran in the Canary Islands. The driver retired from competitions quite early and came to pass away at the beginning of 2018 from a prolonged illness.