The 21st Annual California Mille, which celebrates Italy’s most famous race, the “Mille Miglia”, starts Sunday, April 24th at the famous Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill in San Francisco. Over 70 historic race cars will be on display. There will be cars from Great Britain, Columbia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada and from all over the United States. Only cars that could have qualified for the Italian event which ran from 1927 to 1957, can participate in the California Mille. The public is invited to come see the cars and meet the drivers from 11:00am to 6:00pm.
The following morning, they begin their 1,000 mile tour which is more of a demanding drive than a race. They will cross the Golden Gate bridge for a four day trip through the back roads of Northern California. Along the way they will take some laps on two racetracks, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma and Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows. They will end their journey on Thursday evening with a Banquet and Awards Dinner at the Lodge in Sonoma.
From www.californiamille.com, here is short summary of each day’s travels.
“On Day One we’re planning to do a few laps of Sears Point (Infineon) Raceway, before we lunch at Arturo Keller’s fabulous Petaluma hilltop museum. We’ll finish the day at Solage in Calistoga, where they treated us so well last year.
Day Two will consist of a beautiful drive up to the Little River Inn, and back to Calistoga.
On Day Three, we’ll go Northeast from Calistoga, on more of California’s magic country roads, lunching at Thunderhill Raceway, and putting in a few touring laps, then back on a different route to Solage.
The Fourth Day will prove that no matter which direction you travel from Calistoga, it’s a great driver’s road and scenic to boot.”
According to Martin Swig the Director and Dan Radowicz the event planner, “This is the first time we’ve tried a hub-and-spoke style route. We think you’ll enjoy it.”
For more information and a complete roster of the cars and drivers please visit: www.californiamille.com.
In 2010, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the California Mille, they produced a video with highlights from last year’s events.
To order your 30 minute DVD ,simply mail a check in the amount of $49 (includes tax & shipping) to:
Amici americani della Mille Miglia
154 Mitchell Boulevard
San Rafael, CA 94903.
(Be sure to include your shipping address)