Pasta with tears.

Never heard of it? Well, just ask the four American amateur drivers who were led to slaughter in Treviso, Italy in the first of three legs of the Italian-American Challenge rematch.

In the two contest races on Wednesday (July 26), the Italians decimated the Americans. The best the visiting Americans could muster was a fourth-place finish by Tony Ciuffetelli.

Treviso is a 1,000-metre (5/8-mile) racetrack, and both races were predictably won by the Italians. Maurizio Scala won the first, followed in the winner’s circle by the affable Giancarlo Moretti, whose famed Murano glass factory is world renowned.

The unfamiliarity with the horses and surroundings didn't help the Americans, but excuses aside, the Italians once again outdrove the Americans. "We can't blame the horses, we can only blame ourselves,” Joe Faraldo reasoned. “But, as it always seems, when you don't do well there is always something or someone else to blame, and the truth is when you don't drive well, it is your own fault,"

While both Tonys, Ciuffetelli and Verruso, drove well, the horses they drove could have been more competitive with those the Italian drivers had. However, the Italian team have been gracious hosts to the visitng American team, treating them as well as could be expected, especially with good food and great wine.

As Mike Lachance once said after losing a race in Delaware, Ohio, “I just turn the page and get ready for the next one."

Tomorrow’s (Thursday, July 27) races are at Padova and for Team USA, a fresh start. If Team USA fails to catch up to the seemingly insurmountable Italian lead by the final leg at Cesena on Friday (July 28), former Italian amateur champion Michele Canale and friends will be waiting to carve up the remainder of what may be left of the American team.

While it is true that amateur racing is all about human relationships, it is sad for the Americans not to bring home the bacon while enjoying the tremendous hospitality of their Italian hosts. The American team will heed the advice of Mike Lachance and trek on behind the starting gate tomorrow.

(NAADA)