Tribute to Pasquale Cassani

Ten years after his death, the Municipality of Maranello pays tribute to Pasquale Cassani (1927-2012), one of the protagonists of the golden age of motor racing. Maranellese, a mechanic by profession, during a decades-long career Cassani raced with drivers of the caliber of Fangio, González, Ascari and Villoresi: with the latter he won the 1951 edition of the Mille Miglia.

In memory of a figure strongly rooted in the history of motor racing and the city, the municipal administration has created a commemorative plaque, which will be officially discovered on Sunday 3 July: it is located near the roundabout at the intersection of Via Piero Taruffi and Via Michele Alboreto, streets named after drivers. A place also symbolically full of meaning, therefore, to celebrate a character like Cassani, little known to the general public but worthy of being remembered for the many feats he accomplished in the world of car racing.
He joined Ferrari in Maranello at the age of sixteen, where he worked from 1943 to 1960, and from 1947 Cassani was in the Scuderia’s Racing Department: in the following years he participated in various races on the Cavallino cars, including four Tours of Sicily, the Corsa of the Dolomites, the Carrera Panamericana and the Temporada Argentina. The most important undertaking remains linked to the Mille Miglia, the legendary road competition between Brescia and Rome held between 1927 and 1957: Cassani took part in four editions and won the one in 1951, as co-driver of Luigi Villoresi on a Ferrari 340 America Berlinetta Vignale.
After leaving Ferrari, he continued to work in the world of motors, founding a karting team. In 1968 he was the first president of the Maranello Cycling Society.
The uncovering of the plate takes place precisely in conjunction with the holding of the Cycling Memorial named after him, to underline the link between Cassani, Maranello and city sport.

Program of the day

Sunday 3rd July 2022
“Criterium Giovanissimi”
Memorial Giuseppe Manfredini and Cav. Pasquale Cassani
Cycling race organized by the Maranello Cycling Society reserved for the very young category (from 7 to 12 years old)

• 8.00 am Meeting of competitors at the Coffee Break (Via Farina, Maranello)
• 9.30 am Departure from Via Alboreto. The race takes place on the Via Alboreto, Via Bandini, Via Trebbo Nord, Via Villoresi route
• 11.30 am Tribute to Pasquale Cassani with uncovering of the plaque
• 12.00 Memorial awards ceremony