When I returned home from Mosport on Sunday afternoon, I sat down in front of the computer to write. I had never met Dino Crescentini, though I had admired his Wolf Dallara and even his Can-Am motorcycle. The events from earlier in the day had upset me as a person, as a driver and as a motorsports enthusiast. I had to respectfully inform my fellow enthusiasts of the tragedy of the day. Little did I know that The Garage would become the hub where so many would convey their messages of sympathy and memories to Dino’s family. I am honored that I have been able to help connect all of you.

As I sat down to write, it occurred to me to have a look at the post I had published to promote the VARAC Festival early the day before. It was a detail shot of Dino’s car taken at last year’s VARAC Festival.

We have heard stories of Dino’s love of his friends and family, and we’ve heard how he loved to share his love of motorsports. Some of that love has obviously rubbed off, as so many people have sent in photos to share. After the break, you’ll find a quantity of memories. As there are children in many of these photos, I think it is best to let the images do the talking and leave out the credits. Thanks to everyone who has shared their photos.

Funeral and visitation arrangements:

1. Visitations at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home – 54800 Van Dyke Rd. and 25 Mile Rd., Shelby Twp. MI 48316, Tel: 586-677-4000

a. Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00 pm

b. Friday from 1:00 to 9:00 pm (prayer service at 7:00 pm)

2. Funeral Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1400 Inglewood, Rochester, MI 48307, Tel 248-651-7486

a. Saturday at 10:00 am (In-state beginning at 9:30 am)

b. St. Andrew is within a neighborhood north of downtown Rochester and just east of Rochester Rd. between University Rd. and Timken Rd. Going northbound on Rochester Rd., make a right turn on Romeo Rd north of University. Turn left shortly thereafter on Inglewood Rd.

3. Instead of flowers, Dino’s family has asked that any donations be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, For Dino Crescentini, 1421 East 12 Mile Rd. Bldg. 4, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

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Part way though the Group 6 race for Wings & Slicks this morning, the hills around Mosport went silent. It was the kind of eerie silence where you know that something very bad has happened.

At the top of the hill, in the slight bend the Ex Gilles Villeneuve Wolf Dallara Can Am car of Dino Crescentini got sideways at very high speed. The wind got under the car, which barrel rolled several times before impacting the wall and then rolling again. The successful endurance and sprint racer died at the scene. Organizers canceled the rest of the day’s races out of respect.

Our thoughts go out to Crescentini’s family and crew. The vintage racing community is a small, tight knit one and this afternoon was pretty sombre, with much reflection and friends supporting each other. Even though vintage racing is a fun pastime that doesn’t often cause injury or death, all must remember that some classes are high strung racing machines capable of close to 200 mph. It doesn’t take more than the tiniest of errors to bring on catastrophe.

Related Post

• Dino Crescentini: Memories in images
• Pipes
• 2008 VARAC Festival on this weekend at Mosport
• Tales from race control
• Shutter Speed: Dewar, Cooke, and Jackie