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.
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I have contacted the president of VARAC and mentioned to him about making an award in Dino’s honor. Either a sportsman award or a hard charger award.
He is passing it on to the club and also Dino’s hoe club and I will keep everyone posted on what comes from this idea.
What actually caused the crash? I heard he lost the front wing??
Hey guys,
Just wanted to send an update that I intend to download this whole page and print it off to bring with me as a condolence booklet for the viewing. I thought Vinci and family would appreciate being able to read first hand the outpouring of compassion on this blog.
Also, to RaceDrive.com — THANK YOU for posting his website address. For the life of me I could not remember the address and google wasn’t bringing up any results. Every combo of cbc that I tried came back as Server Not Found. I was about to hunt through my closet to find the CBC Building t-shirt that Dino gave me recently since I knew the site address was on the shirt.
I was driving the blue car #77 in the photo above. Dino was behind me only for a moment and although I was moving along well, he passed me like I was standing still- like he always did. When they red flagged us, I was second in line about 40 yards from the tragic scene. I’m still stunned that we have lost one of our racing family. After reading through all this and knowing that Dino’s family is seeing it as well, I want to share a thought or two.
Dino received immediate care from the track workers and medical people. There were many involved and everyone acted with care and speed. The professionalism of everyone involved was evident to me and had it been me, I couldn’t have asked for more. Dino was well cared for.
The drivers meeting was very somber and quiet. I think we all knew we lost a brother. When our fears were confirmed, all hats were removed and placed over our hearts. No one needed to suggest that, it was our natural response. No one said anything; no one wanted to race. We all just filed out and went silently to our chores.
I knew Dino only as a fellow competitor. Not having the opportunity to know him as a friend is obviously my loss. I know that the the thoughts of all of the vintage racing community are with his family. Fare well Dino.
Roy
Brian – please e-mail me at Tornadographics@comcast.net and provide me with a cell number I can reach you at. I have an idea on how we could display this incredible outreach of sympathy for Dino to his family.
Dominic,
Will do. I’m currently sneaking onto the page while at work, but when I get home tonight I will send an e-mail your way with the cell #.
I would like to send our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dino Crescentini.There were alot of drivers who did not want to go and race, even before the announcement that it was call off. I myself thought that was the right thing to do out of respect to Dino and his Family. He will be missed.
All of us at VARAC and in the vintage racing community are pained and saddened by the loss of fellow racer Dino Crescentini at the 2008 Vintage Festival at Mosport, June 22, 2008. Dino’s fellow competitors are amateurs who race for the sheer joy of driving these wonderful cars and sharing the experience with vintage race fans. This joy was clearly a large part of Dino’s life, a joy which he shared with everyone. To quote some of those who Dino met:
“Joie de vivre”, he had that in spades, it was infectious, flowing over all with whom he had contact. There was always a “buzz” around Dino in the paddock… people simply enjoyed being near him and he had time for the simplest questions from onlookers – most of which he must have answered a thousand times before. Dino Crescentini was a great ambassador for the Vintage Racing Community; his comportment embodied everything we love about our sport.”
Someone else said: “I am sure I am only one person of so many in the racing community that he has touched over time with his enthusiasm for things fast, things Italian, and things of beauty.”
Another said: “I’m so glad the family is seeing the outpouring of love for Dino. I can’t think of a better tribute to a man than to see how many people were touched in a positive way through a sport he loved so much.”
This Festival was, to quote Charles Dickens “the best of times-the worst of times”. In many ways it was shaping up to be one of the best VARAC Festivals ever. It turned into a tragic experience we all wish had never happened.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dino Crescentini’s wife his children, his family and his many, many friends.
I met Dino briefly last year at Gingerman while competing at my first vintage event. He was driving an Alfa-powered F3 Ralt and I was a long, long, way back in an FF. Very nice guy. My best to his friends and family.
Thank you Brian. I will look for it later.
I do some tracking at Mosport but was not there for the VARAC this past weekend (thank goodness). My condolences to Dino’s family, friends and fellow racers.
I am in no way affiliated with Mosport or VARAC, but for anyone that is upset about $$, I WILL PERSONALLY REFUND YOU YOUR ENTRANCE FEES. Email me at bitterbitter1 “at” yahoo “dot” ca. Yes, that’s a real email address. I will provide you with an address so that you can send me ORIGINAL PROOF OF YOUR TICKET COSTS. Photocopies or scans will not be accepted.
The one condition is that you must also sign an affidavit, provided by me, swearing you will never visit Mosport or any VARAC events ever again.
Sound fair?
Words can not describe the empty feeling in my heart.I had the pleasure of meeting Dino,he dropped by our paddock space to chat and wish us a safe race,we were in group 6,his last race.The look on the pit marshals face as I talked to her seeking some news about the red flag said the whole sad storey.Condolences to family and friends,you will be missed.
I never had the chance to personally meet Dino Crescentini, but it is obvious to me that he was an amazing man. My son and my husband were the ones who had the privilege of meeting and talking with him and Emilio during Saturday’s Mosport event. Dino allowed my son to sit in his car and even involved him in preparing the car for the race. He made my son so happy, and I could tell from the sparkle in my son’s eyes when he talked about Dino that he was a racer like no other. Even from reading the posts of others on this blog, I get the distinct impression that Dino touched the lives of everyone he met. Mr. Crescentini was clearly a very kind and enthusiastic person and wanted others to share in the joys of racing with him. Hearing the news of his death deeply saddened us, and our condolences go out to his whole family. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you.
I just want to send my condolences to Dino’s family and friends. It was a great pleasure watching him race.
Dino’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hey Dominic, I sent you an e-mail with my cell.
I did not have the good fortune to know Dino personally (rather I just had some pictures of his terrific Wolf saved to my hard drive). It is clear though that he was a very warm and interesting person. It is a terrible loss.
Today I read many accounts of such selfless acts such as taking great amounts of time to share his love of the sport with others (having kids sit in his car etc.) It is hard to know what to say, but I guess what I mean is I sure would have liked to know him. For all the family and friends, my condolences for your loss.
Hello everybody,
First, I would like to express my deepest sympathies, and regrets to Mr. Crescentini family, friends and all the others fellows that knew him. I never had a chance to meet him in person, but I’ve seen him on the track on Sunday morning event. I’ve been reading this blog since was started, and I’m profoundly impressed of what a “Great Man and Racer” he was. There is no doubt that who really likes or gets involved in racing has a “unique character” and an open heart.
I’m glad that we got rid of those pricks “…asking for the money back”, and meet some real people on this blog.
I would like also to address the idea (for everybody) and especially to Mr. Gary Grant, if would be possible to open an account where we can donate some money in his honour.
I do apologize if I upset anybody with my proposal.
To Mr. Grant – I do have a shot of Dino racing on Sunday at corner #3….probably on his last lap…if you would like to have it/or posted let me know and I’ll e-mail it to you.
To all the drivers: Great Men, Great Hearts and a Great decision!
To all other personnel and organizers at Mosport: Great Professionalism!
To those left behind I offer my condolences.
RIP Dino
I am in such unbelievable shock I couldn’t begin to describe it !!
My Partner and I are huge fans of Mosport…huge fans of Dino’s.
We decided to attend on Saturday and I’m really happy that we did because we wouldn’t have met our buddy otherwise. We were there at Saturdays race along with our 3 children.
Even though we hadn’t seen Dino since last year he recognized us immediately with a big wave to come and see him. It was like we had spoken yesterday. Big hugs all around. I should have grabbed him riight then and there and taken off with him. He would still be alive.
We chatted…our daughters got in his car. We had a photo shoot which I wouldn’t mind sharing if someone is interested.
We discussed his miss of the Saturday afternoon race. He and his next door neighbour thought it was at 5:30 pm. We discussed Saturday morning qualifying. He was to be on the pole in the afternoon. We discussed that it must have been fate him not racing on Saturday afternoon.
I was lucky enough to sit in his car last year (2007) to help steer his car into his truck after Sunday’s race.
I am so very, very sad that Dino is gone. Our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We were going to invite him back to our house next year….we live very close to mosport.
Thank you to the maker of this blog. I am glad to read that we were not the only ones who Loved him.
Following my first comment above, I would like to add the following, especially after reading all of the other great posts on this blog:
To Mr. Crescentini’s familly and friends
You have been blessed by the presence of a great man in your life. Your loss is one that is shared by many, as we all grieve with you. Without having known him personnaly, my familly and I had the privilege of meeting him on Saturday, and to have been present at the final moments made this sudden loss one that will be forever in our hearts. He was a great man. I hope with time your sorrow will transform into something free of pain and sadness, full of happy memories that will bring his warm presence back to you, for he will always be by your side. At the end of the day, when all will be said and done, may no regrets ever alter the fine moments you shared with him. May he be remebered for his kindness, his passions, his love for his familly and friends, as a great man who will be missed by many, but will never be forgotten, for he touched everyone he met by being the great man that he was.
Our thoughts are with you
Annie Carrier and Familly
That was beautiful Annie ! Thank you
Godspeed Dino!!!!!
every year i go to the vintage festival and there’s Dino and his Dallara always parked close to the gas pumps.
every year i drool over that beautiful car looking like the day it rolled out of the factory. now 2 stars of vintage racing are gone for ever.
we are in this hobby because of our love for old race cars, mantaining them and more importantly the thrill of driving them.
sunday was a very sad day for vintage racing. i’m very sad right now and i know next year i will walk past the same spot in the pits and Dino and the Dallara won’t be there and the sadness will hit me all over again.
anyone complaining about losing $25.00 doesn’t understand what we’re about.
dave darrow
I am Emilio’s son Mike. I want to thank everyone who has commented so graciously for Dino and his family. Dino was simply the BEST at everything he did. I never seen him without a smile and he brought racing so close to the fans. My father, his friend loved him for his desires and true friendship. Dino was so unique that being around him made you happy on a bad day. I was honored to help my father drive his truck and trailer, empty, back to Rochester Hills Michigan. I know his spirit lives through all of us and has impacted our lives in some way for our good. Dino, thank you for sharing your life with us and showing us the better way to live and live for our dreams, you will be dearly missed. Dino will be honored at Wulchek Calcatera funeral home In Shelby Township Michigan at 25 mile and Van Dyke Thursday, and Friday. Funeral will be Saturday.
I met Dino many years ago, when I was a crew member for another racer. At that time, I remember Dino as being exceptionally receptive to my interest in that amazing car. Later I was fortunate enough to be able to race in the vintage series for several years. His absolute repect for all members involved, at any level, in this sport, will never be forgotten. God Bless You Dino!
I’ve taken screen shots of every single message posted on this blog. I then eliminated any of the non-sympathetic messages and the replies dedicated to those very short-sighted people.
For those of you who posted a message with a reply to the selfish clowns, as well as, heartfelt comments to Dino’s friends and family, with the help of PhotoShop, I did keep the heartfelt comments intact and erased the rest. I felt it wasn’t necessary for those attending Dino’s viewing/funeral to have to read any of that stuff. I sincerely hope I have not offended any of you in doing this. Your comments to Dino’s friends and family will be seen.
As of last evening (up to and including message #114) I plotted out two 36″ x 36″ sheets of paper full with all of the beautiful messages. I’m sure I will have a 3rd sheet by day’s end.
These huge sheets of paper will be attached to large poster boards and put on display for Dino’s family and friends to read. I’m sure they will offer comfort to know they are not alone in missing this wonderful man.
Dominic, That sounds beautiful. I’m sure the family will appreciate the effort and certainly all the kind memories.
I’ll be putting together all of the photos everyone has sent me to post later this evening. I will also forward the original size images to Dominic to use.
On Saturday morning I helped Dino buckle up before going out for another session, or rather, I helped the young boy who was helping Dino buckle in. Every time I saw Dino he went out of his way to invite a youngster to help him with the preparation of the car or the buckling in process. Of course, the look of wonderment in the kid’s eyes was priceless. To me, that is what Dino was all about: sharing his joy and his passion for the sport he loved so much. I will genuinely miss his uplifting presence in the paddock.
Godspeed Dino. Thanks for the memories.
Daniel Thompson
Dominic,
You can also find tributes from the folks that were at Mosport here – http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=14439
Many of the folks that have expressed their sympathies are officials or other competitors from regional racing.
Colene
Thanks Colene. I will check the site at lunch and do my best to include those messages as well. I’m already filling my third 36″ x 36″ piece of paper from this blog alone. I will try to photograph the boards prior to transport to the funeral home for posting on this site. Seeing these things in this format is pretty amazing!
First, to the family – our most sincere condolences. We were all shocked and saddened with this loss.
We were on the mock grid for the next event and saw the red flag, then the ambulance took off and we knew something bad had happened. As the news filtered, quiet descended – it was erie. Then the news at the Driver’s Meeting. The worst possible news.
Any fool that felt the racing should have continued just doesn’t get it – a man was killed.
In the circumstances, I must say VARAC handled everything as competently and professionally as possible. None of the participants has any complaints.
Dear Friends,
Many of you have asked about Dino’s funeral arrangements. Here are the details:
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.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to call.
Seb
Jamie B/ Seb – This is Emilio’s son. Please e-mail me with a cell number I can reach you at: tornadographics@comcast.net.
I have a question for you.
Thanks
Radu – the suggestion of donations is thoughtful. I’ll let the family weigh in on that one, though I suspect they would prefer donations be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as above.
There is a tribute to Dino posted on the VARAC site.
Godspeed.
I did not personally know Dino but being from a family that has raced cars for what seems like a million years I am comfortable knowing full well that we shared many of the same thoughts and feelings that creates life to be so appreciated as a tangible from which we judge not only our self but in fact the lives of those we touch around us and the pleasure that ensures from it.
I have been fortunate to have met Patrick Hemingway, who edited a book written by his father, Ernest Hemingway, titled True at First Light. As I read some of these many tributes to Dino I am reminded of some of Hemingway’s quotes. Without a doubt Hemingway is one of my favorite authors primarily because of his ability to say so much about a man merely by some of his accomplishments. One of my favorite quotes from True at First Light is when he wrote, “”In Africa, a thing is true at first light and a lie by noon and you have no more respect for it than for the lovely, perfect weed-fringed lake you see across the sun-baked salt plain.” What is was saying is that many men talk about things they want to accomplish but they never find the ability to accomplish them. Another one of my favorite Hemingway quotes is, “There are people who love command and in their eagerness to assume it they are impatient at the formalities of taking over from someone else. I love command since it is the ideal welding of freedom and slavery. You can be happy with your freedom and when it becomes too dangerous you take refuge in your duty. I was bored with this since I knew myself and my defects and strengths too well and they permitted me little freedom and much duty.”
Hemingway would have truly enjoyed Dino since it’s obvious that Dino was not someone who saw things to be true at first light. In fact what he saw in his heart and mind was a way to do what he loved and what made him and others live life to the highest expectations possible. He enjoyed his freedom and slavery, he knew himself and found happiness in his duty. Dino’s family and anyone who knew him or others like him fore that matter have truly been blessed.
To the Family & Friends of Mr. Dino Cresentini,
The British Empire Motor Club, it’s Board of Directors and it’s members extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to you on the loss of your beloved father, brother, son, husband and friend. We stand in silence and solidarity with you in your time of grief.
“To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one’s ability, for I feel that life is measured in acheivement, not years alone.” – Bruce McLaren, died June 2,1970
Quote “I was thinking it would be nice to feature Dino Crescentini and the car on the cover of next years Mosport Vinage program and poster.” Quote
I agree I would also like to add, the event in future years should be renamed in his honour.
My father and I went by Dino’s house this evening to drop off a few photos for the picture boards being assembled by Dino’s daughter.
I described the Blog Board I had put together and asked Dino’s wife if she would like to have it at the funeral home.
She said “Yes” she wanted it there since she wanted to read all the nice things people have written. She has refused to go on the computer because she fears coming across pics or video of the aftermath.
So, to all who have written such nice things, it will be read by many, even those without computer access.
God Bless you and yours.
Dominic
I have posted the many photos that have been sent to me here
As a former Olympian, I am surprised there is not more written with respect to Dino’s participation on an Olympic team a feat that deserves equally as much recognition as any other and no small feat in it’s self. Not only does it appear to have been yet another amazing adventure from an equally amazing gentleman but the journey he and his team mates took to get there was a book within it’s self. It’s interesting to note Dino held dual citenzenships so that he could compete in the Olympic Games. It’s easy to say there was no moss growing under Dino’s shoes. Here is a newspaper article taken from The Seattle Times. By the way, Dino’s team beat the Jamacian team and I bet Dino and his buddys had a few laughs over that.
Four Bobsledders Take New Route To Winter Olympics
So next month four men from Rochester Hills, Mich., who possess dual citizenships in the tiny republic of San Marino, will travel to Norway for their chance.
The four are Dino Crescentini, 46; Marcello Crescentini, 41; Renzi, 42; and Mike Crocenzi, the only one still in prime bobsled age at 24.
Their chance is about as unlikely as that of the Jamaican bobsled team that competed in 1992, a feat that prompted the movie “Cool Runnings.”
San Marino, the world’s smallest republic with 24 square miles and about 23,000 people, is allowing the Michigan four to represent the country that sits within eastern Italy.
The quartet overcame doubts by officials in San Marino – where the Crescentinis were born and Renzi’s and Crocenzi’s parents are from – during trials last month in Lake Placid, N.Y., finishing third in one race and fourth in another. That gave them enough points for an Olympic berth.
To Gary Faules . . . . You must remember that most on this blog are/were associated with Dino thru his car racing. But here is a story about Dino’s competitive nature as it pertains to bobsled.
Everything was going well for Dino and the team until race day. Dino came down with a terrible bout of the stomach flu. In typical “Dino” fashion, he still showed up to race. As we all know, they did not do as well as they would have liked, but Dino still put his love of racing above his own illness and piloted the sled to the best of his ability.
I did see a couple 8 x 10’s of Dino & team mates preparing to make a run down the bobsled track. So, this great moment in Dino’s life has not been forgotten.
Thanks for a great tribute. Typical for a world class athlete to give it his all regardless of what sport he took part in. I would have not expected anything less of him.
Dr. Smooth:
Many good ideas have been proposed on this blog to honor Dino, including yours. Of course, it is way too early to discuss these ideas with Dino’s family who would/should have some input.
In the weeks to come, I’m sure Dino’s family will consider each idea thoughtfully. Of course, these decisions do not solely rest on the Crescentini family, but must also be considered and approved by the officials at Mosport.
I’m sure both parties will come up with an appropriate tribute to Dino; it is too important to keep Dino’s spirit towards Vintage racing alive for all who shared in his passion.
The next few days will be very difficult for Dino’s family and friends . . . please ask our Lord to bestow upon them a blessing of inner peace and continued faith.
I just wanted to say that the news of Dino’s death made its way around the whole republic of san marino by tuesday morning.Everyone over here either knew or had heard about dino.(he opened an old car museum many years ago,bobsled olymic team,one of the first to bring over american cars). My biggest regret is that the last time i was visiting family in detroit, i saw dino at the san marino club, and he was telling me that he turned his ferrari boxer into a convertabile and that i had to see it.he told me to call him and come see it.I never called him and never saw him again. I would do anything to have that opportunity again. Resta in pace Dino.
My friend John Blouin and I met Dino on Friday the 20th because John recognized the car as the one that he’d photographed when Gilles Villeneuve drove it. In John’s words, getting photos with Dino ‘completed the set’. I have photos of John, Dino and Dino’s friend from that day – anyone who wants copies can contact me at jacohoe@rogers.com.
Our deepest sympathies to Dino’s family and friends.
Wow, the funeral home tonight was PACKED tonight for the first evening of visitations.
Dominic did an amazing job on the poster board with all the comments. It truly is one thing to scroll up and down and see all these comments. It’s another thing to see all of the comments on poster board covering 27 square feet of real estate.
Dominic, it was a pleasure meeting you and if you’re there tomorrow I’ll likely see you there again. If not, it was good meeting you!
Many, many people showed last evening to pay their respects to Dino’s family. I’m sure there will be even more people this evening (Friday).
To Gary Faules: Dino’s daughter created many (approximately 10 or 12 of them) picture boards of Dino and did a fabulous job on each one. Two or three were dedicated just to Dino’s Olympic endeavor as a bobsledder and his participation in the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. As a fellow Olympian, I thought you would like to know that.
Brian M: It was my honor to meet you and your family . . . very nice people. Thank you for the compliments. I will be there on Saturday.
I’ve known Dino for quite some time. Although never close friends, we both belonged to the San Marino. Dino was a few years older then I, and I admired the heck out of him. He had a great family, a successful career, handsome, and had all the toys. My admiration didn’t derive from all of that. It stemmed from the person he was. He was the kind of guy you wished more for. He always had a smile and a kind word for whomever he met, and always seemed genuinely happy to see you. With all he had going for him you could not detect one once of arrogance. I will truly miss him. My prayers and condolences to his family.
Mr. Oliviera,
How incredibly ignorant of you. A human being lost their life, and you are complaining about 10 or 15 dollars??? I am a track marshal at Mosport, and a loss like this saddens us all. How dare you downplay such a tragedy? You are obviously not a true fan of the sport. If you were, you would be well aware that something like this affects all involved – emergency response, marshals, fellow drivers, spectators and fans, and family and friends more than anything else. I hope I never have the misfortune of running into you at the track.
Saturday, June 28, 2008, was the day of Dino’s funeral. It was a sad day to be sure. The turnout was amazing! Almost every pew was full. There were 6 Honorary Paul Bearers from the San Marino Club and 10 Paul Bearers around Dino’s casket.
The priest gave a very inspiring sermon. In an attempt to add just a bit of levity, after looking around, the priest quipped about having a collection at the mass . . . everyone chuckled. The priest stated that each of us, regardless of our situation, must do our best to put a smile on the face of everyone around us as Dino did. And, if we do that, then we are fulfilling our life by doing good for others.
So, in Dino’s memory, let’s try to imitate him each day by trying to make others smile.
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