The 1000 Miglia, that traverses Italy each year, has been hailed as “the most beautiful auto race in the world.” The event now holds a United States edition, the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA, in and around Middleburg, Virginia. It returns this year from October 19-22.
The event is reserved for up to 30 cars in two classes: the 1000 Miglia Era Class and the Post-1000 Miglia Era Class. The first is open to 1000 Miglia-eligible cars, built between 1927 and 1957, as well as significant sports and ground touring cars built during the same period; the second is open to select sports, grand touring and supercars built from 1958 to present.
The U.S. race covers more than 500 miles and will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in Middleburg, ending on Saturday, Oct. 22. The participants will be hosted by the Salamander Resort and Spa. Wednesday will comprise practice and testing at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. On Thursday and Friday mornings, the Town of Middleburg will host the exciting “green flag sendoff” to officially begin the race.
On Friday, drivers will return to Middleburg in the mid-afternoon for a special event in the town, resulting in the award of the inaugural “Middleburg Cup.” This event will conclude with a street festival where the public is invited to see the cars on display, eat local food, and mingle with participants and fellow enthusiasts.
On Saturday, the cars will start from Middleburg and head east to Creighton Farms where they’ll participate in time trials within the community and be on display for ticketed spectators before heading to Maryland and on to D.C. for the official arrival at the Embassy of Italy. Check the Town’s website, www.middleburgva.gov/1000miglia for a complete schedule including details on tickets to the event at Creighton Farms.
“We are delighted to use the Town of Middleburg as our base,” said Francesca Parolin, general manager of the 1000 Miglia. “The area provides such a beautiful setting for our drives and the charming town reflects the character of some of the towns our event goes through in Italy.”
“We are honored to be the host site of the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA,” said Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton. “The quality and excitement of this event makes it a perfect fit for Middleburg, and we are glad they have chosen to return for the 2022 edition.”
The Warm Up event is aimed at veteran and novice enthusiasts who are passionate about driving. Because it is so popular, it is difficult to participate in the 1000 Miglia in Italy. The 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA provides entry space in the 1000 Miglia for the top performers. The event includes training days and 1000 Miglia-style tests during which one can learn or study how to participate in the 1000 Miglia race—a competition that, since 1927, has taken place in spring throughout the entire country of Italy. The 1000 Miglia is a dream event for millions of automotive enthusiasts around the world and the intimate format of the U.S. event allows for enthusiasts to interact with 1000 Miglia management and staff in this “Spirit of 1000 Miglia” competitive experience, meant to match the technical race characteristics of the modern day race in Italy.
Entries for drivers wishing to participate in the event close on Sept. 9 at 5:59 p.m. EDT. Early bird fee until the 29 of July. For details, updates and entry information, go www.1000miglia.it/warmupusa2022 or www.middleburgva.gov/1000miglia. Entrants are expected to arrive on Tuesday, October 18 and stay through Sunday, October 23.
Partners for the event include the Town of Middleburg, the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C., Vredestein, Creighton Farms, Salamander Resort & Spa and Summit Point Motorsports Park.