Passion for the Vespa is growing in Central and South America too. The Vespa World Club has national clubs in Argentina, Chile and Colombia, who in turn have dozens of local branches. Official clubs that have recently joined the VWC include the Vespa Clube do Brasil and the Vespa Club Ecuador. But the Vespa world across the Atlantic doesn’t stop there. Many clubs are active in Mexico, including the Vespa Club of Mexico City, which last year organised the first “Track Day Vespa” at the “Kartodromo Internacional de la Ciudad de México”; take a look at the video (produced by Eskine Media; music: New Street Adventure-The Big A.C.).
1° TRACK DAY VESPA CIUTAD DE MEXICO:Track Day Vespa was such a success that it was repeated again this year, on 12 November. There was a great turnout of Vespa riders in racing mode (see the group photo under the title, ed.), ready for a day of healthy competition, the excitement of a challenge and the pleasure of being among friends. A memorable occasion: riding round the track on a Vespa is a special thrill.
And while the Mexican Vesparados were counting the laps, their Argentinian counterparts were out in full force for the “1st Vespa Sudamerica Days”, from 11 to 13 November in Cordoba, organised by the Vespa Club Cordoba with the support of the Municipalidad de Cordoba, and in cooperation with Vespa Club Argentina and Vespa World Club. Report and photos in the next issue.
Still in Argentina, the Vespa Club Rosario took part in the third edition of the “Exposicion de Motos”, at the Parque Nacional a La Bandera in Rosario, from 20 to 30 October. The huge display of international motorcycle brands included a number of rare vintage Gilera bikes – with a guest in the person of warmly welcomed rider “Chiche” Caldarella (photo below), who received an award at the event together with other champions from the 1960s – and vintage models from Moto Guzzi (which is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year): the exhibit was organised by Moto Club Rosario, a partnership dating back 103 years to 1913.
ARGENTINIAN RIDER BENEDICTO CALDARELLA, NICKNAMED “CHICHE” (BUENOS AIRES, 1940), STAR OF THE CLASSIC MOTORBIKE EXHIBIT IN ROSARIO. AT THE 1963 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GP IN ARGENTINA, HE RODE A GILERA BIKE IN THE 500 CATEGORY, WINNING THIRD PLACE.
Here are some photos from the MCR FB page (photo credit: Sergio Canclini). The vintage two-wheelers were not just for show: they roared through the city centre, to great applause from the public.
The exhibition area dedicated to the Vespa included a number of historic vehicles (a tribute to the celebrated scooter’s 70 years) and memorabilia. Photos sent by Salvador Mateo Ruiz, president of Vespa Club Rosario.
From South America, a giant leap to Russia to share this marvellous photo: a wonderful accolade from the Vespa Club of Moscow for the Vespa’s 70th anniversary. The number and logo were created by dozens of Vespa scooters, forming a striking sight.
