In the world of retro-automobiles there are many family crews that can often be seen on the participants lists of this or that event. But only one family tandem can boast about winning the «most beautiful road race in the world», both individually and as a duo. And how pleased we are that now both of them have visited us. Please, welcome the two-time Mille Miglia champion, the successor of the Winter Marathon tradition and the founder of Franciacorta Historic — Roberto Vesco.
— Greetings, Mr Vesco! It is such a great honour to have you here with us! You got involved with the retro-automobiles very suddenly, about 35 years ago, as you said in one of your interviews. What happened in your life that served as a trigger?
— Good afternoon! The pleasure is mine, Andrea has told me about you! Well, here is what I have to say. I’ve always been actracted by cars, since I was very young when I started working on them as mechanic and electrician.
-Do you remember your first car? How did you get it?
-My first car was a Fiat 500 with Abarth elaboration, bought as used one.
-In another interview you mentioned that Fiat 514 is quite a rare model with only several cars produced. Are there any difficulties in its maintenance nowadays?
-Now we can find several mechanics that can work on that particular car but I think that not any of them are capable to make it perform at its best.
-As far as we know, you also have a rare BMW 328 in your collection. Why did you decide to add a German car to the list of your vehicles?
-I bought this car in 2010 from a Friend, I’ve always considered this as an avant-garde model because it is very comfortable with a great engine, good mechanic, good brakes etc.
-You have a wonderful collection of cars as well as tachometers, exhaust silencers, chronometers and books. Why exactly books? Do you like reading in your free time?
-I own over 1200 books that are perfectly listed and all of them are about automotive brands, history of cars, history of brands, history of races, etc. I think that a lot of information can be found on them even before internet. I also own the complete collection of historic magazine produced in Italy since late 20s.
-On the Internet there is a photo report about one of your private garages just outside Brescia. We can see trophies, car parts and other things that are closely connected to your business. But do you remember what it started with?
-It started with the passion for historic motorsport, began as a teenager, then grew up in 70s and 80s and a passion that continues today.
-Tell us, please, how you came up with the idea of building up your own company, Vecars, in 2007? What was the reason for that?
-In summer of 2007 I took advantage of the opportunity to buy Winter Marathon® brand from the past organizers (the same of Mille Miglia) that sold it. It was a great opportunity not to kill a historic and famous race wordwide.
-Italy is a country with strong traditions in automotive sport, which is why it is no surprise that your company has fitted into its field. But do you have any competitors in the sphere, at least, in your region, or you can be considered a dominant company?
-There are a lot of competitors because there are a lot of races organized here in Italy. Winter Marathon is one of the most particular ones for its features, the fact that it is held in winter, 60/70% by nights, through Dolomites…
But VECARS is not only organizing events, it is a point of recerence for historic motoring sector, we work and offer 360° consulting tooking advantage from a lot of experience.
-You have set two great events in the calendar of Europe and, in the course of time, many other countries – Wintermarathon and Franiacorta Historic. Have you ever thought of adding more events to the list in summer or in autumn to cover other seasons?
-Not at the moment, in particular due to the Covid-19. Maybe in the future…
-How great is your help in the preparations to the Winternarathon and Franciacorta Historic now? Do you support Andrea at every stage of getting ready for the event or just occasionally?
-We work as a team 365 days during the year to set up all our events in the greatest way. I work more as PR and finding sponsorship and him on the preparation of the sports part.
-Andrea is doing much to keep your rallies living and running at a high level. How important is it for you that your son is following your footsteps?
-For me it is very important. Recently we are back running together with great success as Gran Premio Nuvolari and 1000 Miglia.
-Are there any more representatives of the Vesco family who can make up a dynasty? Does Andrea have any brothers or sisters who could be able to run the business as passionately as you two are doing it now?
-I have two sons, Andrea and 4-years older Simone that co-operate with us for the graphic and social networks. Andrea has recently became father of two twins, Vittoria and Nicol? that now are 5 month age. I hope the Vesco dinasty can continue for a long time…
-Do you give your son any advice before rallies, including «Mille Miglia»? Or do you consider him an experienced pilot and try to stay aside?
-Actually I don’t. Andrea have a lot of experience because he started racing as my codriver in 1994.
-How much did it mean to you that you took part in this year’s «Mille Miglia» alongside with your son after so many years? And who came up with the idea of this reunion?
-One of my favourite moments ever. We have raced Mille Miglia 5 time together before 2020 with 2 second places, 2 third and 1 seventh. Finally we have won Mille Miglia together and actually we are the only family to have won separately (Roberto in 1993, Andrea in 2016-2017) and together (Roberto+Andrea in 2020). A great honor and an hardly beaten record.
-Can you say how many trophies you have had in your career, at least an approximate number? Which is the most valuable one?
-I don’t remember as I started racing in late 70s. I have achieved a lot of successes but the Mille Miglia 2020 with Andrea is maybe the most important.
— While following your duo at the 1000 Miglia, we were wondering why your Alfa Romeo has got the steering wheel on the right (which is not typical for European cars)?
-Many cars built in Italy during late 20s and 30s had the right drive, think about Lancia, Fiat and Alfa Romeo of the era…
-Can you please tell us, what the process of giving you that Alfa Romeo involves? Do you have to sign any paper? And what about licence plates? Are they there when the car is in the FCA Heritage Museum or do you get them just before going on MM? Give us please all the details if it is possible.
-We use the Alfa Romeo thanks to the owner, Mr. Hans Hulsbergen of Villa Trasqua. We usually have a contract signed but in this occasion it is not necessary thanks to the good relationship with him and his family. The car is not in the Alfa Romeo Museum because it belongs to a private collection. The car remains in Italy all year long and we usually use it two or three weeks before the event we decide to take part in, usually Gran Premio Nuvolari and Mille Miglia.
-And the final question, we believe. This “Mille Miglia” was very unusual and there were not so many strong competitors. Were you sad about it and who you would like to struggle on the road?
— It was sad not to have top competitors this time, we usually love compete when all the top pilots are presented. We hope for the next edition to have them back.