The second edition of 1000 Miglia Experience Florida concludes with a triumphant finale at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, following three days of competition, heritage, and international celebration.
Miami, Florida –– The 1000 Miglia Experience Florida has officially crossed the finish line of its second edition, further strengthening its role as a cultural bridge between Italy and the United States through the enduring spirit of “the most beautiful race in the world.” From February 20 to 23, approximately seventy crews across three official categories, 1000 Miglia Originals (1927–1957), Classic Icons (1958–1994), and Hyper/Supercars (1995–present), embarked on a carefully curated journey across Florida, blending competitive precision driving with Italian lifestyle, design, and hospitality.
The program opened with a Training Day at the Hyper Club Evaluation Center & Johnny Böhmer Proving Grounds in Naples, followed by an Opening Dinner at the prestigious Revs Institute, home to the legendary Miles Collier Collections.
The competition then unfolded over three legs:
Thousands of spectators gathered at key checkpoints, including Centennial Park in Venice, Lake Mirror Promenade in Lakeland, and Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, confirming the growing enthusiasm of Florida’s automotive community.
After three days of competition, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida 2026 crowned its champions:
1000 Miglia Originals Winner: Ricci Bruno & Gallo Gustavo with a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster 1.600
Classic Icons Winner: Roch Bruce & Roch Harrison with a 1950 Jaguar Xk120
Hyper/Supercars Winner: Fabrizio Macario & Di Costanzo Giovanna with a 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
Among the prizes awarded were the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida trophy designed by Pininfarina and crafted by Barovier & Toso, Chopard 1000 Miglia timepieces, and Pacto vintage racing helmets. Notably, the winner of the 1000 Miglia Originals class secured guaranteed acceptance into the 2027 1000 Miglia in Italy, the centenary edition of the legendary race. Furthermore, Poltrona Frau assigned the Poltrona Frau Interior Award, which was won by Richard Pineda & Kathryn Pineda with a 1928 Bugatti T40 for the Original Car Class, to Papp Arpad & Sickler Terra with a 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud for the Classic Car Class and to Bibby Bret & Tan Jean with a 2025 Ferrari 296 Gts Atelier for the Hyper-Cars & Supercars.
The grand finale at The Biltmore Hotel brought together participants, partners, and institutional representatives in a setting that reflected the race’s blend of heritage and modern elegance. On the morning of February 23, the venue also hosted the Business Forum promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) through their business acceleration program OpportunItaly. The forum connected Italian companies and U.S. entrepreneurs through targeted B2B matchmaking across strategic sectors including automotive, design, fashion, and food & beverage.
The panel opened with institutional greetings from Michele Mistò, Italian Consul General in Miami, and Marco Rago, Advisor for Economic Diplomacy and Development to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. It featured reports and contributions from Marco Verna, Trade Commissioner ITA Miami; Claudio Da Soller, SVP and General Manager of Pininfarina of America; Mario Braghieri, Dean of Fashion Programs at Istituto Marangoni Miami; and Matteo Bolla, US & Canada Business Development Manager for Valdo. The discussion was moderated by multimedia journalist Francesca Forcella, reinforcing the event’s role as both a cultural and economic bridge between Italy and the United States.
In parallel, the rally’s conclusion intersected with Miami’s broader celebration of collectible automobiles and design. A model of the Automobili Pininfarina Battista was displayed during the Gala Dinner in West Palm Beach and again at The Biltmore during the Award Ceremony. Through collaboration with Sotheby’s/ModaMiami, a Special Car Showcase immediately followed the finish, presenting a curated selection of 2026 entrants as part of Miami Car Week.
“This second edition confirms that the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida is not simply an overseas format, but a living extension of the spirit of the Red Arrow,” commented Massimo Cicatiello, President of EGA USA, the organizer of 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. “We have seen communities, collectors, institutions, and entrepreneurs come together around a shared passion for automotive excellence. Florida has embraced the spirit of the 1000 Miglia, and we are committed to deepening that connection in the years ahead.”
“With each edition, we refine the format and elevate the experience,” added Gaetano Dieni, Director of Marketing & Communication at EGA Worldwide and 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. “From Lakeland and Sebring’s historic circuit to the iconic backdrop of Ocean Drive and the elegance of The Biltmore, this year we blended an even stronger competitive dimension with cultural storytelling and premium hospitality. Our ambition is not simply to replicate the 1000 Miglia abroad, but to export its spirit in a way that resonates with American audiences while remaining faithful to its Italian heritage. The 2026 edition demonstrates how this format can grow in depth, visibility, and international relevance.”
The 2026 edition was supported by a distinguished network of partners reflecting the event’s unique blend of culture, design, and performance. Turkish Airlines joined as Main Partner; The Barn Miami returned as Official Partner; and Chopard served as Official Timekeeper. Friends of the event included Poltrona Frau (presenting also this year their Interiors Awards), Pininfarina and Barovier & Toso (authors of the new trophy), Polar Beer, Collection Suites, Sammontana Italia Group, Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors, Lusso Transport, Squadra Lupo (enabling the Sebring track session), Sotheby’s/ModaMiami, and Pacto Helmets. Institutional support was led by MAECI and ITA through OpportunItaly, reinforcing the deep cultural and economic ties between Italy and the United States.
The successful conclusion of the second 1000 Miglia Experience Florida marks another milestone in the international journey of the Red Arrow, strengthening its presence in the United States and setting the stage for future editions that continue to unite heritage, innovation, and global automotive passion.
For further information, please visit: 1000migliaexperienceflorida.us
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. The event debuted in 2025 with 70 participating vehicles and drew thousands of spectators across the Sunshine State.
About OpportunItaly
OpportunItaly is the business acceleration program promoted by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, designed to foster the development of commercial connections between foreign buyers, distributors, entrepreneurs and Italian companies.
Through digital business matching services, an advanced business matching platform and curated content on Italy’s key strategic sectors, the program promotes international partnerships and the global growth of Made in Italy excellences. For further information, please visit: https://opportunitaly.gov.it/
Media contact:
Fabio Bartolo
fabio.bartolo@arnaldnyc.com
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