The inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience Florida closed its first chapter with stunning flair, showcasing a stunning display of automotive art as it kicked off with 70 legendary cars racing through the state’s most picturesque locales. From Miami to Naples and beyond, this event transformed Florida into a vibrant celebration of motorsport heritage.
Over three exhilarating days, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida took participants and spectators on an unforgettable 1,000-mile journey across various scenic destinations, culminating in a glamorous finale along the iconic Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. The event, marking the first time the celebrated Italian automotive rally was held in the United States, beautifully intertwined competition, luxury, and cultural celebration with passionate gatherings in cities like Venice, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, and West Palm Beach.
The adventure commenced on February 22 with a public Training Day at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and Matheson Hammock Park & Marina, where car enthusiasts gathered to marvel at the stunning lineup of classic and modern vehicles before the official start.
The energy only escalated from there. As the convoy traversed Florida’s scenic landscapes, thousands of spectators lined the streets, capturing awe-inspiring moments as legendary cars sped by. Each checkpoint turned into a festive gathering spot, as communities embraced the exhilarating atmosphere that radiated from this prestigious event.
After an intense competition, the champions of the first-ever 1000 Miglia Experience Florida were announced:
– 1000 Miglia Original Class: Bruce Roch and Logan Roch with their striking 1953 Jaguar XK 120 OTS
– Classic Icons Category: Gabriel Hrib and Gabriel Hrib Jr. in their stunning 1959 Jaguar XK150 S
– Hypercar & Supercar Class: Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo representing Ferrari Club Italia in the impressive 2018 Ferrari 488 GTS
Each winning team secured guaranteed entry into future 1000 Miglia events, with top finishers earning spots in the highly coveted 2026 1000 Miglia in Italy. Winners also left with exclusive Chopard timepieces and Pacto racing helmets, symbolizing both elegance and high-performance motorsport.
The grand award ceremony took place at the splendid Biltmore Hotel, where the winners were honored in style against a backdrop of history and opulence. As twilight descended over Coral Gables, participants and distinguished guests celebrated not just competition but a shared passion for automotive excellence. The revelry culminated in a breathtaking display of the finest automobiles lined up before the hotel’s majestic facade.
Adding to the event’s prestige, Poltrona Frau presented the Best Interior Design Award, honoring exceptional craftsmanship across all classes. The awards went to three standout vehicles:
– 1000 Miglia Originals Class: 1937 Bugatti 57SC (Car No. 1), driven by John Rich and co-driver Kevin Berger
– Classic Icons Class: 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 2 (Car No. 59), driven by Arpad Papp with co-driver Terra Sickler
– Hypercars Class: 2024 Ferrari SF90 Spider (Car No. 122), driven by Paul Fenn with co-driver Maria Fenn
“This first edition of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida marks a milestone in the legacy of this iconic event,” said Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA. “We witnessed an extraordinary display of passion, competition, and camaraderie, uniting us across continents. We are eager to build on this success and further cement the 1000 Miglia’s presence in the United States.”
Aldo Bonomi, President of the Automobile Club of Brescia, echoed these sentiments, adding, “70 cars in the race and an incredible public turnout: the first edition hit the mark, delivering unforgettable emotions to both participants and spectators. This event confirms the strong appeal of the 1000 Miglia format in new territories.”
Gaetano Dieni, Director of Marketing & Communication at EGA Worldwide, remarked, “This event is not just about competition; it’s about storytelling, culture, and creating lasting memories. The overwhelming response proves that the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida is here to stay.”
The event received the patronage of esteemed institutions, including the Consulate General of Italy in Miami and the National Italian American Foundation, reinforcing deep cultural ties between Italy and the United States.
With leading names in classic and luxury automobiles, including The Barn Miami and Chopard as official partners, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida set the stage for what promises to be an annual tradition, linking Italy’s storied automotive heritage to Florida’s vibrant motorsport culture.
Credits: Courtesy of 1000 Miglia Experience Florida
