Dust and Glory, Memories and Protagonists

A deep dive into motoring history in the Gesso Valley

In mid-June, the town of Valdieri, a small center in the Province of Cuneo overlooking the Gesso Valley, hosts "Dust and Glory, Memories and Protagonists", an event that celebrates the epic era of car racing that animated the Cuneo valleys in the last century. For two days, the town squares are transformed into an open-air exhibition of competition cars, while veteran drivers return to recount the feats and anecdotes of those legendary challenges.

The stars: Racing Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars

At the heart of the event are over thirty historic automobiles, primarily competition Fiat and Alfa Romeo models, lined up in Piazza San Martino and Piazza della Resistenza. These are cars that took part in the most famous races held along the hairpin bends of the Cuneo valleys, displayed statically so that enthusiasts can observe them up close and hear the stories of those who drove them to the finish line.

Drivers share their stories

The most evocative part of the event is the meeting with the protagonists: well-known names in Cuneo and Piedmontese motoring such as Mauro Pregliasco, Oscar Barel, Pippo De Stefano, Dario Della Torre, Pier Felice Filippi, and Piergiorgio Deila return to share memories and testimonies. The meeting is held at the "Alberto Bianco" hall of the Alpi Marittime Protected Areas Management Body, in a direct dialogue between fans and champions.

The blessing at the Sanctuary

On Sunday, the rally moves to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Colletto, where the traditional blessing mass for vintage cars takes place, symbolically opening the dynamic season for historic vehicles. The ceremony is also a moment of remembrance, dedicated to the club's late members and in particular to Alessandro Dutto, the founder and first secretary of the club.

The Scuderia Veltro

The event is organized by the Scuderia Veltro of Cuneo, a sports association based in Madonna dell'Olmo affiliated with the ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano). The association is best known for the "Ruota d'Oro Storica," a national ASI event held in September, of which "Dust and Glory" represents a sort of summer preview in the Gesso Valley territory.