Gilles Villeneuve Museum
GrapeStars Leads NFT to Honor Formula 1 Driver Gilles Villeneuve
Written in partnership with GrapeStars
40 years today, in 1982, iconic Formula 1 Driver Gilles Villeneuve was involved in a tragic accident on the racetrack which ended his life at the young age of 32. The French-Canadian born Villeneuve was a six-time Grand Prix winner, which catapulted him to worldwide fame and recognition as he drove for the most famous and prestigious team in racing, Ferrari.
In partnership with the Gilles Villeneuve Museum in Berthierville, Quebec and The Serouno Group, developers of exciting new technologies dedicated to enhancing fan-oriented experiences, GrapeStars, the celebrity company, is proud to support a special NFT auction honoring the legacy of Villeneuve.
The NFT will launch in conjunction with the June 18th running of the Canadian Grand Prix, a special honor for the impact and legacy of Gilles Villeneuve. Proceeds from these one-of-a-kind NFTs are expected to help finance the construction expansion of the current Gilles Villeneuve museum.
Drone Footage courtesy of Gdrone Photography
To help celebrate the upcoming NFT drop honoring Gilles Villeneuve, on Saturday May 7th, GrapeStars facilitated an event on the famed Hollywood Beach Broadwalk next to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Josh Levy; Mayor of Hollywood, Florida, Susan Harper; Consul General of Canada in Miami, Xavier Canton from Serouno and Federico Britos, Latin Grammy Award violinist and Concertmaster of the Miami Symphony Orchestra were part of the special guests.
A Ferrari adorned with art honoring Gilles Villeneuve and other Formula 1 pieces by iconic Miami-based artist Leonardo Hidalgo was on display at the event.
Painting of Gilles Villeneuve by Eric Sévigny in partnership with Canadian journalist; Tom Lapointe
“Gilles Villeneuve was one of the most naturally gifted drivers to race in Formula 1. He captured not only the imagination of his home country, Canada, but of F1 fans around the world with his debut victory in the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix. Forty years to the day after his untimely death, we still remember him as the small-town Canadian who led a larger-than-life journey, instilling a love of racing among fans worldwide and putting Canada on the map for racing excellence.” Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Miami.
Federico Britos with his violin honoring Gilles Villeneuve
The legacy of Gilles Villeneuve lives on as the Grand Prix circuit in Montreal was named after him and the number #27 Ferrari car is still associated with him. In another touching tribute, Gilles’ younger brother, Jacques, competed in Formula1, however his son Jacques (named after his legendary brother) became the only Canadian to win the Formula One World Championship in 1997.
“The City of Hollywood is a longtime home to many Canadian snowbirds, and today we join our Canadian friends in honoring the memory of Gilles Villeneuve as a beloved champion whose spirit continues to inspire so many around the world” – Hollywood, Florida Mayor Josh Levy.
“As the President & General director of the Gilles Villeneuve museum, we are proud to honor the legacy of Gilles Villeneuve by joining forces with Jean-Jean Pelletier and his team in order to create these new NFTs’ campaign” said Alain Bellehumeur.
Susan Harper from the Canadian government talking about the legacy of Gilles Villeneuve.
About the Gilles Villeneuve NFTs:
Users will be given the opportunity to own a piece of history with both exclusive and ultra-rare NFT holding opportunities as well as access to collectables honoring Villeneuve.
The exclusive 1-of-1 NFT holder will also be bestowed with some amazing gifts including:
• A Miami Grand Prix Special Edition Champagne Magnum commemorating the 40th anniversary of Gilles Villeneuve’s passing.
• (1) 3 day pass for two to Disney World in Orlando, Florida or Miami Heat tickets for the 2023-2024 season.
• (1) pass for two to the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix.
• Free merchandise and a meet and great at the Gilles Villeneuve Museum in Berthierville, Quebec, Canada, with a special wine & cheese tour at the museum.
The holders of the Ultra Rare and Regular Editions of the NFTs will also receive exclusive providing such as passes to the Canadian Grand Prix and merchandise from the Gilles Villeneuve Museum.
Jean-Jean Pelletier; Co founder of GrapeStars.
“For GrapeStars, this is a major move towards mainstream adoption of NFTs as new users are introduced to this new concept through products that will definitely open a wide range of possibilities for real-world and virtual assets that people are passionate about, allowing connection and community wherever they are. This also increases fan engagement and brings a new dimension to digital interaction, allowing artists, race fans – everyone, really – to manage a unique piece of the artist’s history. That has value for everyone!” Jean-Jean Pelletier, Co-founder of GrapeStars.
Gilles Villeneuve Museum:
The Gilles-Villeneuve museum opened in 1988 in Berthierville, hometown of the champion. The museum’s collection is impressive. Curated from all around the world, several pieces of this collection are prestigious. From Berthierville to Maranello, Italy, passing by the most famous tracks, Gilles Villeneuve left an indelible mark on motor racing history.
Enzo Ferrari in 1980 in Imola with his Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve. Ferrari considered him like a son.
About GrapeStars:
Founded by the Brothers Pelletier, Robert, and Jean-Jean, along with Stephan Fortier, Stefan Lindqvist, and Charles-Andre Sauve, GrapeStars is a game-changing app where celebrities can promote their wine and spirits brands directly to fans via social media through the first-ever, virtual direct-to-consumer sales channel in 45 states. Learn more about GrapeStars at GrapeStars.com.
