Don Vesco Died

PKRWUD · 12-22-2002, 08:01 AM

A gentleman named Don Vesco died this week, and when I read this in the newspaper, I paused and took a deep breath. Why? Let me explain.

About 13 years ago, I was a member of Joe Teresi's team that was determined to recapture the worlds record for the Worlds Fastest Motorcycle. We felt that record should be held by an American made bike, and put together a Harley powered streamliner which we took to the salt flats in Utah. Unfortunately, our attempt was cut short due to rain, and it would be another year later before we actually did it.

Anyway, the record we were after was set on a Kawasaki by a gentleman named Don Vesco. Don set 18 motorcycle and six automobile records during a career that started when he was only 16.

In 1970, he was the first person to ride a motorcycle at more than 250 mph. Five years later he broke the 300 mph barrier on his Silver Bird Yamaha, powered by twin Yamaha TZ750 engines. In 1978, he increased the record to 318 mph on a Kawasaki turbo, where it stood until we beat the record 12 years later.

He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 1986, Don broke his neck in an accident in which his car went 30 feet in the air. He lost an eye when he was hit by a rock while watching a sprint car race in 1996.

He did most of his tests on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where he was instrumental in the "Save the Salt" effort.

He died last Monday, December 16, of prostate cancer at the age of 63. It just goes to show you that even the wildest of the wild are susceptible to things like cancer, which encourages me to live life to the fullest, every single day.

Take care,
~Chris

12-22-2002, 08:01 AM	#1
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Don Vesco Died A gentleman named Don Vesco died this week, and when I read this in the newspaper, I paused and took a deep breath. Why? Let me explain. About 13 years ago, I was a member of Joe Teresi's team that was determined to recapture the worlds record for the Worlds Fastest Motorcycle. We felt that record should be held by an American made bike, and put together a Harley powered streamliner which we took to the salt flats in Utah. Unfortunately, our attempt was cut short due to rain, and it would be another year later before we actually did it. Anyway, the record we were after was set on a Kawasaki by a gentleman named Don Vesco. Don set 18 motorcycle and six automobile records during a career that started when he was only 16. In 1970, he was the first person to ride a motorcycle at more than 250 mph. Five years later he broke the 300 mph barrier on his Silver Bird Yamaha, powered by twin Yamaha TZ750 engines. In 1978, he increased the record to 318 mph on a Kawasaki turbo, where it stood until we beat the record 12 years later. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1986, Don broke his neck in an accident in which his car went 30 feet in the air. He lost an eye when he was hit by a rock while watching a sprint car race in 1996. He did most of his tests on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where he was instrumental in the "Save the Salt" effort. He died last Monday, December 16, of prostate cancer at the age of 63. It just goes to show you that even the wildest of the wild are susceptible to things like cancer, which encourages me to live life to the fullest, every single day. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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