One of the great road racing events of all time, the Targa Florio celebrates its centenary this year. And you can be there.
The event, held on the challenging roads across Sicily is legendry. In its heyday it attracted the world's bravest drivers and fastest cars.
This year Australian motorsport travel specialist DriveTravel is hosting a tour to the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Targa Florio. More than 80 cars from 15 countries are expected to enter the May 31-June 4 event which will be held over 1076km of twisty Sicilian roads.
The seven-day and six-night DriveTravel tour allows participants to experience the social aspects of the Targa Floria without actually competing. Tour participants will be able to mix and mingle with competitors and get up close and personal with the cars.
DriveTravel promises spectacular mountainous roads, the best of Sicily’s regional villages, charming hotels, banquet feasts, wine, dancing, and entertainment. Well-known motorsport commentator, history racing administrator and bon vivant, Brian Reed, will host the tour.
Prices start from $6740. For more information contact Jenny Taylor, tel (03) 8781 1111 or go to DriveTravel's website.
A pocket history of the Targa FlorioIt all started more than 100 years ago when wealthy Sicilian automobile enthusiast Vincenzo Florio challenged a cyclist and horseman to a handicap race against his newly purchased de Dion motor tricycle. The cyclist cramped and dropped out and nearing the finish line the tricycle’s engine overheated and the horseman galloped past to claim victory. Such was the humble beginnings of what is now one of the world’s most prestigious car races, the Targa Florio.
The Targa (means plate) Florio started a few years later in 1906 with just 10 cars competing in a race that was considered to be a most gruelling experience for driver and car. Each of three 92-miles laps traversed rugged mountain roads, severe climate changes and unexpected encounters with wagons, wolves, goat herds and bandits. The first nine hour race was won by local Allessandro Cagno driving an Itala with an average speed of 29.06mph.
In more recent times the race, at 580 miles, attracted some of the great Grand Prix drivers including Argentina’s Juan Manuel Fangio, Britain’s Stirling Moss and Belgium’s Olivier Gendebien.
And now, in 2006 more than 80 cars from 15 countries are expected to arrive on the Genoa ferry to take part in the 100th Targa Florio anniversary race. Today the event is far more spectator-friendly as it was decided after the 1973 race that, due to safety concerns, the race be graded nonprofessional.