The GP Aperol di San Marino e Riviera di Rimini racing weekend at Misano isn’t the only event that Adriatica Riviera has to offer for fans who flock to the east coast of Italy, for some sun (not so much this particular weekend), fun and top notch motorcyle racing.
Every year the city and Gresini Racing hosts the DEDIKATO event to remember the late and not forgetten Daijiro Kato (who has a street named after him near the Misano circuit) and raise funds for notable charities.
This year the event was also dedicated to the late Marco Simoncelli (who never missed the event since it started in 2005) with the proceeds this time going to the Marco Simoncelli Foundation.
Over 15,000 fans showed up for Dedikato 2012 (that had to be postponed due to the weather conditions) and the event has held at the Arena 58 and started with an exhibition of parachute jumpers, while the highlight of the evening was a souped-up Ape Car Cross race, that numerous riders, paddock personnel and journalists took part in.
The win went to Moto3 rider Kevin Calia (who would crash out during the Moto3 race on Sunday) who beat MotoGP riders Mattia Pasini and Michele Pirro.
Other riders who showed up were Randy De Puniet, Niccolò Antonelli, Simone Corsi, Federico Sandi, Romano Fenati, Alessandro Tonucci and World Superbike rider Marco Melandri (Andrea Iannone was upset because someone forgot to invite him).
Former MotoGP rider turned to safety advisor for Dorna, Loris Capirossi, was also on hand.
The evening ended on the notes of Rainband performing their tribute song to Marco Simoncelli, Rise Again and the de rigueur fireworks display.
Check out the rest of the photos and a highlight video after the jump.
