The Project

Excerpted from Scoot! Mag's Winter Issue, 2008:

"Project Stella was initiated by Bald John of GGR Scooters in Tucson, AZ. Bald John approached Paolo Cividino and Tony Simoni in early 2008. The goal was to evaluate a number of performance tests for Genuine Scooter Company's Stella scooter. The driving force behind this project is Paolo Cividino. Paolo is a metal fabricator by trade and it is very apparent if you have seen any of his in his show winning scooters. Perhaps you've seen his green smallframe vespa featured in the Dec. 2007 issue of Scoot Magazine. Paolo began mixing his fabricating skills with his passion for scooters in 1990.

"And then there is Tony Simoni. This project could not have gone anywhere without this guy. Tony's experience with two-stroke racing engines dates back to 1985 and he started working with scooter racing engines in 1992. Tony is a mechanical engineer by trade and his biggest passion is 2-stroke exhausts. Tony's reputation among the scooter and performance community was priceless.

"The Stella Project couldn't have been pulled off without the faith and contributions of the people and companies who donated many of the parts being tested. Bald John of GGR & Motorsport Scooters provided much of the products tested.

"Everyone has heard of Hot Rod Al, his reputation speaks for itself. As far as we know, Hot Rod Al is the first real tuner and builder to recognize the potential of the Stella scooter and the demand for performance Stella parts. Keep in mind Hot Rod Scooters is in Cali...where Stellas aren't even sold!

"Props from the entire Stella community go out to Hot Rod Al for leading the way and offering his experience during this project. Stellas are very similar to the P-series Vespa, but there are differences. Let's test 'em! In addition to the major sponsor Motorsport Scooters and GGR Scooters, a huge thank-you goes to SIP, PM Tuning, and Chicago Scooter Works for sending us all the pipes we were sent to test."

To read the rest of the article, pick up a copy of Scoot! Magazine's Winter, 2008 Issue »