MIDDLEBURG, Va. – The 1000 Miglia that has traversed Italy each year, has long been known as the world’s most iconic and historic auto race. It has also been hailed as “the most beautiful auto race in the world.” Since 2018, the 1000 Miglia team has held the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA in and around Middleburg, Virginia. The event returns this year from Wednesday, October 23 (arrival) to Sunday, October 27 (departure day). Driving days include Thursday, Oct. 24 through Saturday, Oct. 26.
Up to 40 cars and their drivers will compete 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 top eligible winning cars and drivers will receive an invitation to go to Italy and compete in the 1000 Miglia in June 2025. Race entries for the 1000 Miglia in Italy are usually sold out with long waiting lists of drivers wanting to participate. Being invited is a huge plus and multiple American drivers have taken their cars and teams to Italy for the experience of the 1000 Miglia.
The U.S. race covers more than 500 miles. Cars and drivers arrive in Middleburg on Oct. 22 with auto events taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 26. Drivers and cars depart the region on Oct. 27. Included in the days are organized time trials, cross country drives and racing 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. Middleburg’s elementary school children will be on hand with their families to help with the sendoffs.
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. There are also activities for children. (Mini Miglia is at 4 p.m. See website for registration details)
On Saturday, the cars will start from Middleburg and head to Congressional Country Club for time trials and lunch, followed by a visit and medals awarded at the Italian Embassy (ending on “Italian soil.”) The group will then return to Middleburg and pass through the official finish line on North Madison St. (in Middleburg.) An awards dinner will follow at the Middleburg Town Hall. Check the Town’s website, www.middleburgva.gov/1000miglia for a complete schedule.
“We are delighted to return to the charming Town of Middleburg,” said Francesca Parolin, general manager of the 1000 Miglia. “The area provides such a beautiful setting for our drives and the Town and its residents are so welcoming. There is a similarity between the Middleburg region and some of the towns our event goes through in Italy.”
“We are honored to, once again, host the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA,” said Bridge Littleton, Mayor of the Town of Middleburg. “This is such a unique event and such a perfect fit for Middleburg. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Italians who oversee the 1000 Miglia and are excited to bring this event back for the residents and many auto enthusiasts in the region.”
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 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.
For additional information, go to: https://1000miglia.it/en/events/1000-miglia-warm-up/1000-miglia-warm-up-usa-2024/. Entries are also being accepted until space is filled.
About the Town of Middleburg
Located approximately 50 minutes west of Washington, D.C. in Virginia horse country, the Town of Middleburg has approximately 670 residents. Established in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman, Levin Powell, the Town was previously called “Chinn’s Crossroads.” Powell chose the name Middleburg because of the town’s location midway between Alexandria and Winchester on the Ashby Gap trading route (now Route 50). Middleburg remains a charming town frequented by visitors who flock to its luxury resort and historic inns, walkable tree-lined streets, signature shops, wineries, cidery/distillery and chef-driven restaurants. Middleburg was recognized in 2008 for its historic preservation efforts by being designated a Preserve America Community. For more information, visit www.MiddleburgVa.gov.
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