In the vast expanse of motorsport history and the construction industry in South Africa, few names resonate with the legacy of dedication, passion, and resilience like Celso Scribante’s. From the momentous inception of Scribante Construction by his father, Aldo Scribante, to the thrilling laps on the race tracks that defined Celso’s own journey, this blog delves into the life of a man who was not only a titan in business but a relentless competitor on the racing circuits. Celso’s story is not just about the roar of engines or the thrill of speed; it’s a poignant narrative of a life lived with unyielding perseverance, dedication and commitment.
CELSO SCRIBANTE’S ROOTS
The late Aldo Scribante, Celso’s Father, was born in November 1913 in Italy and immigrated to South Africa in 1937. He joined his brother Franco in the construction industry and formed Scribante Construction a company that now has entered its third generation of Scribante’s in South Africa.
Aldo always had a passion for fast cars and this was the catalyst that prompted him to pursue motor racing. Between 1959 to 1961 he sponsored two Lotus 7 -F1 cars that were driven by Dennis Guscott and Lionel Rowe. These cars mainly participated in the local Port Elizabeth championship and the odd endurance event that was held in Cape Town.
SCUDERIA SCRIBANTE’S CONCEPTION AND GROWTH
In 1960 South African Motorsport introduced the local F1 championship ,which prompted Aldo to acquire a Lotus 21 climax FPF 1,5 litre straight 4 cylinder ,which he entered into the South African F1 championship in 1962 driven by Neville Lederle.
South Africa used to host one leg of the FIA formula one world championship every year and in 1962 Scuderia Scribante /Lucky Strike racing with Lederle driving the Lotus 21 managed to finish 6th for the days racing. This still remains Scuderia Scribante/Lucky Strike racings best performance to date in a F1 championship race. They competed again in 1965 with the Lotus 21 but did not qualify with Lederle at the wheel.
Scuderia Scribante /Lucky Strike racing acquired a F1 -Brabham BT11 -2.8 litre –four cylinder in 1967. They competed in the SA leg of the F1 world championship with Dave Charlton driving and unfortunately had to retire the vehicle.
Sir Jack Brabham visited South Africa to compete in 1968 during the SA -F1 championship and Scuderia Scribante /Lucky Strike racing acquired his F1 -Brabham BT11 Repco-3 litre-V8 after the days racing had been concluded and continued to race in the Local SA –F1 championship.
In 1970 Scuderia Scribante/Lucky strike racing acquired a F1 Lotus 49C with a Ford Cosworth V8 engine and entered the local SA –F1 championship where they managed to win the South African championship for the first time and placed 12th in the SA leg of the F1 world championship round.
In 1971 Scuderia Scribante/Lucky strike racing managed to win the local SA –F1 championship for the second consecutive year racing a Lotus 49C with Dave Charlton at the wheel.
In 1972 & 1973 Scuderia Scribante/Lucky strike racing managed to win the local SA –F1 championship for the second and third consecutive years racing a Lotus 72D with a Ford Cosworth V8 engine with Dave Charlton at the wheel. Today this car can be seen at the entrance to British American Tobacco’s premises in England with it’s original racing decals.
In 1974 Scuderia Scribante/Lucky strike racing managed to win the local SA –F1 championship for the fourth consecutive year racing a McLaren M23 with a Ford Cosworth V8 engine with Dave Charlton at the wheel. They competed in the SA leg of the F1 world championship with Dave Charlton driving and finished 19th overall.
Aldo Scribante decided to give back to SA motorsport in 1974 whereby he offered to build the local race track at cost and the club could repay him when funds became available. The club then decided as a gesture of good will to name the circuit Aldo Scribante race track.
In 1975 Scuderia Scribante/Lucky strike racing managed to win the local SA –F1 championship for the Fifth consecutive year racing a McLaren M23 with a Ford Cosworth V8 engine with Dave Charlton at the wheel. They competed in the SA leg of the F1 world championship with Dave Charlton driving and finished 14th overall. The local SA –F1 championship was discontinued and formula Atlantic /Formula 5000 was introduced as the top formula for the 1976 season.
In 1976 Scuderia Scribante/Lucky strike continued to race a March 76B with a Mazda rotary 13b which provided 320hp. This same car owned by Mr Piet Bredenham from Durban ,will be brought to Scribante race track on Saturday 14th and Aldo’s son Celso will perform a few laps of honour during the lunch break at 12h30pm.Â
Celso at the tender age of 18 in 1962 tried unsuccessfully to persuade his dad Aldo to allow him the opportunity to compete in one of his race cars. Aldo simply answered that he did not bring his son into this world to die on a race track. Celso will get his chance to drive one of his dad’s cars on Saturday unperturbed by the 55 year waiting period!
Scuderia Scribante/ Lucky strike racing managed to win six consecutive SA local F1 championships between 1970 to 1975. They remain the only South Africa F1 team to compete in three F1- FIA international events overseas. Their best place finish was a 6th position in 1962.Â
CELSO SCRIBANTE’S 59 YEARS OF SERVICE AT SCRIBANTE CONSTRUCTION – A LEGACY OF DEDICATION
Celso Scribante started working for Scribante Construction in 1964 and never left! He used to operate different machinery every holiday and would spend his days with the operators, until he could operate the machines himself. He celebrated his 59th year at Scribante Construction in Feb 2023.
A LEGACY OF PERSEVERANCE: CELSO SCRIBANTE'S COURAGEOUS JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER
After a 4 year battle with Cancer, which took his life at the age of 79, Aldo, Silvio, Francesca and Pina laid him to rest on what would have been his 56th wedding anniversary, on the 14th of October 2023.
As the sun set on Celso Scribante’s remarkable journey at the age of 79, after a brave four-year battle with cancer, his legacy remains indelible in the hearts of those who knew him and in the annals of South African motorsport and business. Celso Scribante’s life was a testament to the power of never giving up, regardless of the challenges faced.Â
Celso Scribante’s contributions to motorsport and the construction industry, along with his undying spirit in the face of a daunting health battle, stand as enduring reminders of his strength and character. Though cancer may have claimed his life, Celso Scribante’s legacy of perseverance, dedication, and passion will continue to inspire future generations, racing forward, just as he always did, against the odds.
