Peter G. Vicari

Founder Vicari Motorsports

Daniel Kruse sat down with Pete Vicari for an interview about Vicari Motorsports, The Vicari Auctions and Collector Cars in General.  So here we go.

The Vicari legend began in 1946 when a returning Navy SeaBee came home to his family and community to begin Pete Vicari General Contractor Inc. Pete Vicari the son of the founder Peter Vicari has continued his father's successful business with a twist, he started Vicari Motorsports.

Vicari Motorsports began as a race team for Pete and his sons. It has grown through the years to include the Vicari Auto Collection, and Vicari Auto Auctions. The 12 th. Annual Crusin the Coast Auto Auction is October 9 & 10, 2009. We sat down with Pete to ask him some questions on the eve of this wonderful annual event.

1. So do you think the investment quality of cars will remain?

The car market has remained strong for years. An investment in a classic automobile provides an investment you can enjoy. If you bought a 1970 Cutlass 442 in 1995 for $7,500 you would have had it to enjoy for those ten years, and now depending on the model you are seeing sales as high as $100,000. The stock market can't hold a candle to that.

1. With all of the interest in Auto Auctions will people make more of an effort to attend one in their area?

Yes, I have more people asking me when our next auction will be and what kinds of cars will be at the sale. I think the local or regional auction provides a great day of fun and excitement in the automotive arena.

1. When at an Auction what should you look for?

You should make up your mind as to what type of car you want to buy. If you want a Corvette then go take a look at the Vettes offered and know when they are coming to the sale block. Then remember your budget and try to purchase your dream. Be sure that you realize that you are buying this car so take a good look at it and GO FOR IT, BUY YOUR DREAM.

1. The prices at some television auctions seem above the average families means, what does Vicari Motorsports Auctions offer the regular guy?

I think that all of the hype around the auction market is a double-edged sword. It obviously draws more attention to the hobby, which is great for the exposure value. But I am afraid that the high prices people see at those television auctions might scare the average guy away, which is where we are different. We offer the public a quality product at a much more affordable price. We want everyone to feel welcome and come have a good time at an auction.

1. Everyone knows that a Shelby will be valuable, what are the sleepers people are overlooking?

Well I kind of already hinted to the next group of valuable cars. The muscle cars are really coming into their own. The ones that are true sleepers in investment quality are the special models that were offered from the big three. The 442's, the GS Stage cars, the Drag Pack Mustangs, etc these are the next group of sleepers.

1. In your collection of 50 cars 15 are Corvettes, why so many Corvettes?

I am 50 years old and the Corvette was the American sports car to beat when I was a kid. My dad bought me a 4 door Oldsmobile to go off to college. On my way home from college the first week after I started college I traded the car my dad bought me for a used Corvette. It was a 1966 Corvette and I was 18. My dad was furious but that is when the Corvette bug got me. Of course he may have helped it along, I bought my first car at 11 years old for $20.00 a 40 Ford. Kids and responsibility made me sell that one but once I had the means I started my collection with the purchase of a 65. Now I have a 54, 56, 57, 58, 65, 68, 69, 71, 73, and an 80. My favorites are the big block cars.  In 2005 when Katrina Devastated The Gulf Coast my first Vette was flooded in 15 feet of water. The person who had it contacted me and asked if I would be interested in buying it and I did, it is now being restored to it's original Glory and I plan on driving the wheels off of it just like I did when I had it the first time.

1. What do you think of the new Vette?

The new C6 is a wonderful car with a ton of bang for the buck. From the grill to the round taillights this car pays tribute to the Vettes of the past. A car with 400-horse power off the showroom floor that is serious performance.

1. You let your sons race in NHRA & IHRA Competition throughout the U.S., are the cars safe?

Well in all motorsports there is some risk, but Junior Dragsters are very safe. They are welded cages that are just as strong upside-down as they are on the wheels. In addition the motors used are one-cylinder lawnmower motors we tweak up for the kids. The top speed they run is only about 80 mph. They are great fun for the entire family. Junior Drag Racing is a true family sport.  The Top Dragsters run the 1/4 mile in 6.60 seconds at over 200 mph. The Super Comp Dragster run the 1/4 in 8.90 seconds at 180 mph and the Super Gas car runs the 1/4 in 9.90 seconds at 140 mph.

1. A family sport, mom dad and the kids?

Yes, most Junior Drag teams include the entire family. Dads tune, kids race, and Mom make sure every one is safe. The pits become a little city full of your neighbors, friends, and even biggest rivals.

1. What does the future hold for Vicari Motorsports?

Vicari Motorsports is a company on the move. We plan to run three Classic Car Auctions in the 2009 calendar year. Racing is also a mainstay of Vicari Motorsports. We have  a three car team now racing. The team includes 1 Top Dragsters,  A Super Comp Dragster and a Super Gas Car. The future of Vicari Motorsports and the entire Classic/Racing car business looks bright.  It has been a very rewarding experience and we are doing all we can to grow the sport to the next level.  P.J. is  in NHRA  Division 4 Competition in Top Dragster and in IHRA T/D Competition..

Special thanks to Pete for spending some time with us. Thanks for the tour and we look forward to seeing you in Biloxi in October.

Here Are A Few Pictures Of The Vicari Motorsports Museum

Click On The Pics For A Larger Image.