Emilio Ostorero
Emilio Ostorero (23 November 1934 – 21 July 2023) was an Italian professional motocross racer and rally driver. He was nicknamed "Leone di Avigliana" ('Lion of Avigliana').[1]
Emilio Ostorero | |
---|---|
Born | 23 November 1934 |
Died | 21 July 2023 88) Turin, Italy | (aged
Occupation | Driver |
Life and career
The son of a sailor, Ostorero was a motorbike enthusiast from an early age, and before starting his competitive career he worked as a mechanic at the Alpino motorbike company in Stradella.[2] He started his professional career in 1952 in the 175cc class, and in 1956 he won his first Italian Motocross Championship title in the 250cc class.[2] In 1957 he won the national titles both in the 250cc and in the 500cc classes.[2]
Ostorero won a total of 16 national titles between 1956 and 1970.[3] He was also the first Italian to win an international Grand Prix, conquering a GP in the 1960 Motocross World Championship.[3] After his retirement in 1976, he took part in several rallies, notably placing sixth at the 1984 Rallye des Pharaons with a Honda XL 600 R.[2][3] The same year, he received the title of Commendatore of the Italian Republic.[2][3] He also served as the Italian technical commissioner at the Motocross des Nations for 12 years.[3][4] He died on 21 July 2023, at the age of 88.[3]
References
- Allasia, Federica (22 July 2023). "Addio alla leggenda del motocross Emilio Ostorero, il Leone di Avigliana". La Stampa (in Italian). Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- Cereghini, Nico (22 July 2023). "È mancato Emilio Ostorero". Moto.it (in Italian). Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- Boni, Valerio (24 July 2023). "Addio a Emilio Ostorero, 16 volte campione di motocross". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- "Addio alla leggenda del motocross Emilio Ostorero". Sky Sport (in Italian). 23 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.