| We Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Don Vesco |
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| 1978 Don Vesco and his "Lightning Bolt" Kawasaki motorcycle streamliner |
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| 2001 Don Vesco and "The Turbinator" with the Hot Rod Magazine Top Time Trophy |
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It was in 2001 that legendary Don Vesco blazed across the Bonneville Salt Flats in the beautiful 30 ft. long "Turbinator" streamliner setting the F.I.A. Absolute Wheel Driven Landspeed Record @ 458 mph, (a record that still stands today!) Weeks before the record run, Don made his fastest pass down the flats @ an amazing 470 mph! After this "test" run Don was certain he could achieve his ultimate goal of 500 mph. However, cancer claimed his life the following year, leaving his goal and dreams unmet. We celebrate Don's life and take a look back at the man - the forever racer.
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| Don Vesco, photo by Gordon Menzie |
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The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America museum is unique. No other motorsports facility is dedicated to showcasing all forms of racing; cars, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft, snowmobiles, watercraft and more. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is dedicated to both educating and entertaining the public while honoring and immortalizing the men and women and the exciting machines that made motorsports history. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to racers who have demonstrated skill and excellence in motorsports. In 2004 Don was honored as an inductee into this prestigious group. Brother Rick accepted the honor on behalf of Don, who had passed away 2 years before. We humbly thank and appreciate the Hall of Fame for the great work they do in preserving the memory of those who have contributed to American racing history. The Hall is located in Novi, MI.
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| Author Louise Noeth, "Landspeed Louise," interviews Don... |
| 1969 - 1970 Don breaks motorcycle landspeed record |
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| 1970 Team Vesco & "Big Red" |
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At Speed Week 1969 Don Vesco posted the fastest one-way motorcycle time at 227 mph in his twin 350 cc R3 Yamaha streamliner. The 18 ft. liner was fashioned out of a wing tank. Handling problems plagued Don and crew but they were encouraged with the speed and power the Yamahas produced. Team Vesco returned to the salt the following year with a redesigned, repainted streamliner. Don set a one-way speed of 240.244 mph on gasoline, only to have the rear tire blow out on the return run. Two weeks later, Don became the fastest man on two wheels by establishing the record at 251.924 mph
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| 1975 Don Vesco first over 300 mph on a Motorcycle |
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| 1975 World Record holder Don Vesco & the Silver Bird |
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| A Photo Tribute to Don Vesco |
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| The Early Years |
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| Road Racing |
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| Land Speed Racing |
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| Don Vesco 1939-2002 |
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