Friends, relatives, ex-drivers and above all many marshals participated in the pain of the family, for the disappearance of Amilcare Ballestrieri, 88-year-old entrepreneur and former rally driver, who died last night in his home.
The Co-Cathedral of San Siro saw the celebration of Don Fabrizio Gatta and, among others, one of his navigators, Silvio Maiga, was present, as well as his brother Sergio. But, as mentioned, the most numerous ‘troop’ was that of the route marshals and many enthusiasts who admired him as he raced on the roads of Sanremo.
Among the others present also Gabriele Noberasco, also a pilot and entrepreneur who did not want to miss out to say goodbye to his friend Amilcare.
During the service, Luca Pazielli (who had also written a book on Hamilcare) read a letter dictated to him about a year ago by Ballestrieri, as a greeting to friends and relatives. Here is the warrior’s leave:
In my life I have always sought humility, but in this moment of farewell from everyone, I wanted to define myself as a warrior, because grit has always distinguished my career. It wasn’t easy, because I started early at the age of 17 with my Guzzi 50 to be a sausage salesman to be able to afford Ducati first and then Laverda. The first great satisfactions came on the San Romolo climb, but above all on the Ospedaletti circuit, where I finished second behind Brambilla after a comeback race with Parilla and where I also challenged myself with Agostini. Then came the successes on four wheels, thanks to the involvement of Daniele Audetto, to whom I will be forever grateful, with that legendary race on the island of Elba which was a springboard for both of us.
Entering the Lancia racing department allowed me to enter Olympus and Cesare Fiorio was always very helpful towards me. I want to remember two events in particular from those years: the victory at Sanremo in 1972, paired with the very good Arnaldo Bernacchini, with the Fulvia HF, that victory allowed me to celebrate my idols in the best possible way: Leo Cella and Franco Patria and then the triumph at the Targa Florio with the Stratos, paired with Gerard Larrousse. After the brief Alfa Romeo period, the wonderful adventure with Opel, first as a driver and then as sporting director. The victory of the Italian championship, the first foreign brand to conquer it and then also the European championship, were enormous satisfactions, like all the victories shared with Lucki, Tony, Dario, Miky and Rudy, who were not only great drivers but also great friends. I’ve always had a good relationship with all my teammates, with all the co-drivers, but also with my opponents, because I’ve always respected them and they’ve shown that they appreciate my generosity.
At the end of my career I had the opportunity to be an instructor for the CSAI federal school in Vallelunga and for the Driving Camp, experiences that have given me a lot from a human point of view and allowed me to get in touch with many people I am still fond of. Another important moment was the collaboration with Renato Della Valle, who involved me in incredible adventures and has always been a great friend. In my life I have met many important personalities from sport and industry and I think I have always managed to win their trust and sympathy, certainly not because of my culture but because of my humility, for example Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has always shown me a lot of affection. One last thought to all my fans and friends, who don’t have to bother coming to my funeral: I thank you for the friendship, esteem, encouragement and support you have given me. I have now removed the trouble.
