Emilio Di Guida Passes Away

Photo: John Dagys

Venezuelan sports car driver Emilio Di Guida died suddenly near his home in Doral, Fla. on Saturday. He was 50.

Di Guida was a regular competitor in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Sports Car Series over the last three years, highlighted by two GTC class victories in 2012 in a TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

More recently, he was part of 8Star Motorsports’ Corvette DP program last year, teaming with Sebastien Bourdais in the second half of the Rolex Series season, which saw them record two top-five finishes in six starts.

In addition to racing in America, Di Guida also achieved success in his native Venezuela.

He was Venezuelan GT Junior champion in 1994 before going on to claim titles in the Chrysler Neon Cup, Fiat Palio Cup, Mustang Cup, Chevrolet Corse and Aveo Cups, while also finishing second in the Colombian Endurance Championship in 2007.

Di Guida recently took part in the Roar Before the Rolex 24 in 8Star’s Prototype Challenge car, with an eye towards potentially competing later in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season.

DiGuida passed away from an apparent heart attack while jogging. He is survived by his wife, Carla.

Sportscar365 sends its condolences to Emilio’s family and friends at this difficult time.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John