Miglia 1000

Imagine our surprise when we heard the roar of engines echoing through the city center of Sienna.  Even greater was our wonder as the crowds parted for these cars to thunder by.  Some people in the crowd were waving flags that said "Miglia 1000."  

It wasn't until we were in the airport in Milan on Monday morning that we learned more about Miglia 1000.  We happened to be standing in line at the American Airlines counter behind a gentleman with Miglia 1000 tags on his bag.  As we turned a corner in the line, I mouthed to Dave, "Ask him."  Another risk for both of us, since we just don't talk to strangers.  It wasn't a huge risk as we figured he'd be willing to talk about himself and this mysterious Miglia 1000 since it was all over all of his luggage.  It turns out he was a driver in one of the cars.  The race started in 1927, as a true road race covering 1000 miles of public roads in Italy.

The race begins in Brescia, goes to Rome and then back to Brescia.  In 1957, a car went out of control.  The driver, co-pilot, and seven spectators were killed in the accident.  The Pope intervened; the race was no more.  Today it is a road rally, with check points along the way for drivers.  What a next opportunity to see vintage cars.

We hope Gavin will one day want race cars in his room.  We'll have just the images to print and frame to adorn his walls.  (I just updated his room with construction equipment, else I'd be updating it now--just to use the pictures.)

You can see the crowds pressing in as the cars drive by.  I can see how a car could go out of control and hurt people.  I'm really surprised that it took 30 years for it to happen.