19th Annual California Mille

April 25-30, 19th annual California Mille, Four-day, 1000-mile event begins April 26, 2008 with free Nob Hill show at Hotel Fairmont, San Francisco. Info: 4l5-479-9950
www.californiamille.com

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MOTORING MEDIA AND CALIFORNIA MILLE FANS

IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE ROBB REPORT the president of the new organizing committee for the Mille Miglia is quoted as saying that, “We are hoping to bring Italian lifestyle to everyone, and the Mille Miglia could be a diamond in a series of high-end presentations of fashion, food and wine...”

The California Mille can warmly support their good intentions.

For 19 years, the California Mille – under written and binding authorization from the previous Mille Miglia committee – has celebrated the best of Italian culture, history and motoring.

The Robb Report goes on to mention the possibility of a mini-Mille Miglia through the streets of Manhattan! They’re even considering, says the Report, “…a California tour using ...that amazing Highway l that runs along the Pacific.”

At the risk of our being too forward, the organizing committee should be aware that the California Mille pioneered that “amazing run along the Pacific “ for classic race cars, bringing more that l500 historic vehicles to the most scenic parts of Highway 1 and countless back roads of Central and Northern California.

Since the narrow Highway 1 may not be large enough to accommodate
two Milles, the California Mille will be happy to direct these newcomers to other
roads where, the spirit of competition can prevail.

Branding and marketing products seems to be the hallmark of the new Mille Miglia committee.

The hallmark of the California Mille is simply – motoring. For almost two decades, our nonprofit event has focused on the pure pleasure of driving cars that could have qualified for the original 1927-1957 Mille Miglia.

Our plan is to continue to focus on motoring over marketing, and bring our event to drivers, fans and the people of California who love the history and culture of Italy – whether products are purchased or not.
Martin Swig