Meet the Squadra

Born in the dark days of the worldwide recession amidst skyrocketing oil prices, Squadra 0170 is a tribute to those whom have gone before. Those chosen few who weathered pain, famine, war and whims of Italian machinery to rise above adversity. Those who have risked it all for the greater glory of a golden chalice. To become famous; if only for the Warhol 15 minutes, only to see it crumble into the dust of obscurity overshadowed by lesser mortals.

Squadra 0170’s sole purpose of existence is to laugh in the face of those who would dominate us. AIG executives who would not return bonuses, Oil company CEO’s who make more than the gross national product of Sardinia and time-share salesmen offering a free cruise. To those oppressors we say plfth! In the spirit of Marcello Vittorio Volare we come to establish a new era of Alfa domination in racing. Neither rain nor snow nor radius of hairpin will keep us from our appointed destiny, unless of course a wheel falls off or we suffer some other unfortunate malady.

Pseudo Team Leader Rick, a veteran of many failed attempts, strikes the tone for The Team. The same free-spending spirit he employs at his “regular job” funding the U. S. Navy’s fleet programs will fit right into employing the unlimited budget (up to $500 US) we have in preparing our Alfa for the coming match. Be not taken in by his goofy grin, his aw shucks demeanor and the tomato sauce on his mustache, this former Swift Boat Captain is prepared to lay his life on the line, just as did the late Marcello, for the greater glory of The Team.

Lead driver/mechanic Tom, a legend in his own mind, knows more about Alfa Romeos, racing and mechanics than any person alive or dead. But don’t take my word for it just ask him, he’ll tell you. Tom is what you would call a Big Guy. By that we mean he can change the CG of the car just by lifting one cheek to pass gas. Comes in pretty handy on those tight left-handers. Tom’s major function; however, is to keep Squadra 0170’s machine in prime condition. Ready, if you will, to leap off the starting line and careen into history. Picture Meatloaf in Bat Out of Hell, only with short hair.

That leaves Brad, he Terror of Toano, whose sole purpose is to feign interest, keep the beer iced and try and not hold up the back markers too much. To expect much else would not only be amusing, but quite hopeless as well. It is rumored that he is quite the ladies man so keep your daughters and wives locked up until he is safely strapped in behind the wheel. The best that can be said for him is that once he gets a couple of drinks in him he really isn’t too bad a guy. He likes to have a shot or two before the competition starts, “to calm the nerves,” just as he does before he steps into the cockpit to fly an airliner in his “day job.”

This, then, is the modern day Squadra 0170. Men of Brio. Men of Danger. Men of Class. We bring new meaning to the term Grit. It’s what’s in our souls. It’s what’s in our teeth. It’s what’s in our OLIO.