5 replies to this topic

[LaRascasse]

Does anyone know what ever became of Nilton Rossoni? He was a young Brazilian driver who was making his way up the American open-wheel racing ladder quite successfully about 5 years ago. He seemed to be very fast, and won a number of races -- too much talent to not be racing anymore.

[wibblywobbly]

Interesting question. I've not seen hide nor hair of him, since I saw him win a Barber-Dodge Pro Series race, at The Glen, back in '99.

[Fiorentina 1]

Great driver, one of the best I've seen at that level in the USA. After winning the title in BDPS he got taken by his Indy Lights team owner. He won $300,000 from Skip Barber after winning the BDPS title, but didn't come up with the second portion of the Indy Lights budget and ended up doing Long Beach only. $300,000 for 1 race!

Basically, his dad ran out of money and the kid went back to Brazil to go to school. His dad was selling a piece of property to pay for the remainder of that Indy Lights season, but escrow took too long and that was that.

[Graham Clayton]

Basically, his dad ran out of money and the kid went back to Brazil to go to school. His dad was selling a piece of property to pay for the remainder of that Indy Lights season, but escrow took too long and that was that.

Fiorentina1,

It seems that Rossini's dad came up with an illegal way to make money, which landed him in jail. It seems that the son was implicated as well:

http://articles.sun-...pection-service

http://www.legalinfo...ral-prison.html

[mwphoto]

There's a name I haven't heard about in a long time, sad to hear about recent events. Met him several times during the 1998-2000 Barber Dodge seasons. Nice young man and as pointed out, a very good driver.

Edited by mwphoto, 28 July 2011 - 21:04.

[Fiorentina 1]

I read the article about the e-bay scam some years ago. It's too bad. The kid was really good! Could have had a good little career in Indy Cars or Grand-Am.