1000 Miglia Experience Florida
Miami, Florida – The inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience Florida has officially crossed the finish line, bringing a breathtaking 1,000-mile journey through Florida to a grand and unforgettable conclusion. Over three days, 70 of the world’s most impressive classic and modern cars competed across a route that spanned from Miami to Naples, Venice, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, and West Palm Beach, before culminating in a spectacular arrival along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.
With thousands of spectators lining the streets and celebrating at every checkpoint, this historic first edition proved to be far more than a race. It was a spectacle of passion, prestige, and motorsport heritage, blending competition, luxury, and culture in an event that brought the spirit of 1000 Miglia in the United States.
Starting on February 22 with a Training Day open to the public, enthusiasts and passionate alike gathered at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and Matheson Hammock Park & Marina to witness the extraordinary lineup of vehicles before the official start of the competition.
From there, the race embarked the next day on an exhilarating three-day adventure, tracing a route through Florida’s most scenic and historic locations, such as Naples, Venice, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, West Palm Beach and a glamorous finale in Ocean Drive.
1000 Miglia Experience Florida
As expected, Florida’s motorsport community embraced the event with unparalleled enthusiasm, transforming each checkpoint into a vibrant celebration of automotive culture and passion. Thousands of spectators gathered to witness the spectacle of legendary cars in motion, waving flags, capturing photos, and sharing their excitement as the convoy passed through some of Florida’s most scenic and culturally significant locations.
After three days of exhilarating competition, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida crowned its first-ever champions in the three distinguished categories:
- 1000 Miglia Original Winner: Jaguar XK 120 OTS -1953, crew Bruce Roch and Logan Roch
- Classic Icons Winner: Jaguar XK150 S – 1959, crew Gabriel Hrib and Gabriel Hrib Jr.
- Hypercar & Supercar Winner: Ferrari 488 Gts 2018 – Ferrari Club Italia, crew and Fabrizio Macario – Giovanna Di Costanzo
The winners of each category secured guaranteed entry into future 1000 Miglia events, with Coppa Florida and Coppa Classic champions earning a spot in the 2026 1000 Miglia in Italy, while the Coppa Hyper winner will compete in the 2026 1000 Miglia Experience Italia. Additionally, top finishers in Coppa Florida received entries to the 2026 Florida edition. As part of their victory, each winner was also awarded an exclusive Chopard timepiece, symbolizing the timeless elegance of the race, and a Pacto racing helmet, celebrating the fusion of heritage and high-performance motorsport.
The grand finale of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida unfolded in spectacular fashion with an elegant Award Ceremony held in the iconic ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. As the sun set on an unforgettable journey, participants, partners, and esteemed guests gathered in one of Florida’s most historic and prestigious venues to celebrate the completion of this remarkable first edition. In a fitting tribute to the event’s grandeur, the rolling masterpieces lined up in front of the majestic facade of the Biltmore, offering one final breathtaking display before the curtain fell on this extraordinary celebration.
A key highlight of the exclusive Award Ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel was the Poltrona Frau Best Interior Design Award, recognizing outstanding craftsmanship in automotive interiors. This special accolade, curated by a selected jury of design and automotive experts, was awarded to three standout vehicles, each representing excellence in their respective categories. In the 1000 Miglia Originals Class, the 1937 Bugatti 57SC (Car No. 1), driven by John Rich with co-driver Kevin Berger, captivated the jury with its timeless elegance and meticulous restoration. In the Classic Icons Class, the 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 2 (Car No. 59), driven by Arpad Papp with co-driver Terra Sickler, stood out for its unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship. Finally, in the Hypercars Class, the 2024 Ferrari SF90 Spider (Car No. 122), driven by Paul Fenn with co-driver Maria Fenn, impressed with its seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated Italian design. Each of these exceptional vehicles embodied the spirit of 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, celebrating a perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and design excellence.
This historic first edition is held under the patronage of esteemed institutions such as the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), and ACI Storico, reinforcing the deep cultural and automotive ties between Italy and the United States.
The resounding success of the inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience Florida marks the beginning of a new legacy, forging a lasting connection between Italy’s storied automotive heritage and Florida’s vibrant motorsport culture. The enthusiasm from participants and spectators alike has set the stage for what promises to become a celebrated annual tradition. One that will continue to bring the thrill, elegance, and prestige of the 1000 Miglia to the Sunshine State for years to come.
About 1000 Miglia – Founded in 1927, 1000 Miglia is widely regarded as the most beautiful race in the world. It is a unique celebration of Italian excellence, combining heritage, innovation, and passion for motorsport. The iconic Red Arrow, symbolizing the event, represents nearly a century of history. Organized by 1000 Miglia Srl, a subsidiary of the Automobile Club of Brescia, the race takes participants on a journey across some of the most stunning landscapes, showcasing the finest in automotive engineering and design.
About 1000 Miglia Experience Florida
1000 Miglia Experience Florida is an official 1000 Miglia race format. It’s organized by the official licensee Studio Ega Srl and its US operational company Ega Events USA LLC. www.ega.it
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