Don Vesco, 1939-2002
 

The World's Fastest

Don Vesco, the current wheel-driven land speed record holder and a former motorcycle land-speed record holder, died 12/16 at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California, after a bout with cancer. Vesco was 63 years old.

Vesco held 18 motorcycle and six automotive records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and he owned the outright motorcycle land-speed record for 19 years with his 318.598 mph run. He is also the current wheel-driven land speed record holder with his run of 458.44 mph set earlier this year.

In addition to his speed records, Vesco was also a successful road racer and was the founder and owner of Don Vesco Yamaha in El Cajon, California, a dealership that also sponsored many a road racer - including 250cc World Champion Kel Carruthers and former Grand National Champion Gene Romero.

Godspeed, Don.

Godspeed to one of the pioneers.

Sorry to hear about Don Vesco. I use to follow raod racing and Vesco Yamahas were awesome. He has done much for motorcycling and deserves to be remembered fondly.
Michael
Ride Safe