For many of us, Danilo Calmonte is ‘the captain’ of Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano. It is difficult to write ‘was’. Every barchetta aficionado knows about the fantastic event he and his brother Renato created about 20 years ago; participating in Le Mitiche at least once means that one is a real sports car enthusiast.
For the last ten years Danilo was fighting for his life against cancer, but only a few knew it. On February 23, 2012 Danilo lost his battle against lung cancer.
When he was young, Maserati stole his heart. In his collection sits a real jewel, a Maserati A6GCS 1954, the sole Maserati bodied by Scaglietti. Danilo used it regularly, attending all sorts of events, from the Mille Miglia to less known country fairs, always eager to meet people that share the same passion. That passion also brought him to manage his own F3 team in the 1970s, and to finance the career of Miki Biasion, (two time World Rally Champion with Lancia) as he started his profession.
Well, no more phone calls every week to talk about cars, friends, people and what to do for the next Mitiche. I’m gonna miss you, captain. And I’m sure not to be the only one.
Dino Brunori
Danilo Calmonte, may the great founder and ongoing capo of Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano rest in peace.
By utter, dumb luck did I find the annual Le Mitiche Sport four years ago, ran it once and immediately had to run it twice more. It is the best event of its kind, because Danilo Calmonte was the best at it. He took a personal interest in everyone and every detail. Take a fun open car to Le Mitiche and pay tribute to the man, in the Italian Alps in June. Ciao for now Danilo.