1000 Miglia and Ferrari Tribute in Bergamo,Italy

The Mille Miglia is a historic and prestigious endurance race held in Italy. Originally established in 1927, it ran until 1957 as an open-road motorsport race covering roughly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) across Italy, hence its name which translates to "Thousand Miles" in English. The race traditionally started and ended in Brescia, with the route typically including stops in Rome and various other Italian cities.
History and Evolution
Early Years (1927-1957)
The race was conceived by four motoring enthusiasts: Aymo Maggi, Giovanni Canestrini, Renzo Castagneto, and Franco Mazzotti. It quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most challenging and exciting races in the world, attracting top drivers and manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati.
The original Mille Miglia was famed for its treacherous conditions and high speeds on public roads, which contributed to its dangerous nature. Notably, in 1955, Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson won the race in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, setting a record that still stands today by completing the course in 10 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds, averaging a speed of 98.53 mph (158.24 km/h).
Discontinuation and Revival
The race was discontinued in 1957 after a fatal crash that killed the Spanish driver Alfonso de Portago, his co-driver, and several spectators. This incident raised significant safety concerns, leading to the cessation of the Mille Miglia in its original form.
In 1977, the Mille Miglia was revived as a regularity race for classic and vintage cars produced before 1957. This modern iteration, often referred to as the "Mille Miglia Storica," emphasizes the historical significance of the race while prioritizing safety. Participants must maintain specific average speeds and follow prescribed routes, which still span roughly 1,000 miles.
Modern Mille Miglia
Today, the Mille Miglia Storica is celebrated as a grand tour rather than a high-speed race. It attracts collectors, enthusiasts, and celebrities from around the world who participate in an array of classic cars. The event usually spans four days, starting and ending in Brescia with a midpoint in Rome. The route varies each year but always includes scenic Italian landscapes, historic towns, and enthusiastic local crowds.
The Mille Miglia remains a symbol of automotive heritage, showcasing the elegance and engineering of historic vehicles. It is a significant event on the classic car calendar, blending the nostalgia of its early years with a contemporary celebration of motoring history.
Cultural Impact
The Mille Miglia has had a profound impact on motorsport and car culture. It has inspired numerous films, books, and exhibitions, and continues to be a source of fascination for automotive historians and enthusiasts. The event's legacy is preserved through the participation of iconic cars and the passionate community it attracts.
The Ferrari Tribute is a prestigious event held in conjunction with the Mille Miglia, specifically dedicated to Ferrari enthusiasts and their cars. This event allows modern Ferrari owners to experience the iconic Mille Miglia route, celebrating the rich heritage and connection between Ferrari and the historic race.
Overview of the Ferrari Tribute
Origin and Purpose
The Ferrari Tribute was introduced to honor the deep-rooted history of Ferrari with the Mille Miglia. Ferrari has a storied legacy in the Mille Miglia, with many of its early successes attributed to the race. The Tribute event provides a platform for Ferrari owners to participate in a highly-regarded motoring event, even if their cars are not vintage models eligible for the Mille Miglia Storica.
Participation
The Ferrari Tribute is open to all Ferrari models, from classic to contemporary, reflecting the evolution and innovation of the brand. Participants come from all over the world, bringing a diverse range of Ferraris to the event. This includes everything from vintage models like the Ferrari 250 GT to the latest supercars like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
The Event Experience
Route and Itinerary
The Ferrari Tribute follows a similar route to the Mille Miglia, starting and ending in Brescia and passing through picturesque Italian landscapes and historic towns. The journey typically includes a midpoint in Rome, mirroring the traditional Mille Miglia itinerary. Over four days, participants experience a blend of competitive driving, scenic touring, and cultural exploration.
Competitive Elements
While the Ferrari Tribute emphasizes the joy of driving and the camaraderie among Ferrari owners, it also includes competitive elements such as time trials and regularity tests. These competitions are designed to test drivers’ precision and adherence to set speeds rather than outright speed, in line with the Mille Miglia Storica's format.
#1000miglia #millemiglia #ferraritribute #supercar