The Best Roads, The Best Events

Modena Cento Ore

No-Frills Iron Bottom Motoring Tour

Location: Begins and ends at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
Organizers: Ed Pasini and Jack Brown
Email: nfibmt@aol.com
Web: www.bench-racing.com
Dates: April 12–14, 2007
Application deadline: None
Year Founded: 1999
Theme: Drive your own car on public roads for free (a revolutionary concept)
Number of cars accepted: Everyone who shows up. It’s a free country
Eligibility: Pre-1976 vehicles: automobiles, trucks, motorcycles
Level of preparation of car: Should not have to be towed to the starting line
Dress code: Clothing-optional
Route: 1,000 miles of Southern California back roads, with two overnights in Paso Robles, CA
Scenery: Ask anyone who has participated, or send an email and ask to see online photos
Gendarme affiliation: Not unless we get caught
Road Rules: Refer to the California Motor Vehicle Code
Included: Not one Gawdamned thing. Make your own room reservations, buy your own food
Cost: Nothing, so long as you don’t count the thousands of dollars you will spend getting your crappy old car to run right, and then fixing all the stuff that breaks after the event. But no gearhead ever counts that as a real expense anyway
Major sponsors: None, but we will consider applications as long as they don’t offer money
How to get there: Buy a road map. If you can’t find it, we can’t help you
Intensity Level: We have fun, fun, fun. None of that TSD crap
Quote: “Non Cranius Invertus Rectumus”

Copperstate 1000

Location: Arizona
Organizers: John Leshinski, Patrick Feltes, chairmen
Phone: 602.307.2060
Web: www.mensartscouncil.com
Dates: April 14–18, 2007
Application deadline: December 31, 2006
Year founded: 1990
Number of cars accepted: 60
Eligibility: Pre-1973
Dress code: Business casual
Route: A northerly route this year from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, then back
Scenery: Lots of sand and cacti, but snow storms are possible in the mountains
Gendarme affiliation: They’re probably not going to bust you for 75 in a 65, but don’t try 90
Road rules: Obey all signs, especially in towns
Included: Entry fee, lodging, and all meals
Cost: $4,750
Major sponsors: Bell Lexus, Van Horssen Group, AAA Arizona, Meguiar’s, E.D. Marshall Jewelers, U-haul, Car Man’s Garage
How to get there: Fly into Phoenix, AZ
Intensity level: No competition, just good-time cruising and great food at the end of the day
Quote: “I’ve entered rallies all over the country, but I always come back to the Copperstate because of the other participants and how well it’s organized”

Tour Auto

Location: France, and possibly neighboring countries
Organizers: Patrick and Sylviane Peter
Phone: glemetayer@peter.fr
Email: info@tourauto.com
Web: www.tourauto.com
Dates: April 23-28, 2007
Application deadline: November 15, 2006
Year founded: 1889, as the Tour de France; current retrospective founded in 1992 by Patrick Peter
Theme: A historic rally race that recreates the spirit and parts of the route of the original
Number of cars accepted: 200
Eligibility: Cars that would have entered the event (and been built) between 1951 and 1973; some exceptions might be made for older cars. The event publishes a list of accepted cars. Any alteration of bodywork or engine makes the car ineligible
Level of preparation of car: For competition section, must be fully race-prepared, present a historic technical passport (HTP), and pass inspection. Driving suits/helmets/competition license required. Regularity section (TSD), car must be licensed and insured and present an FIA or FIVA form
Dress code: Very casual (on extra long days, you’ll see participants show up for dinner in their driving suits). Last day dinner and awards ceremony: sport coat and tie or suit
Route: A different route each year. This year the race starts in Paris and ends in Evian, with stops in Vichy, Sarlat, Le Mans, and Albi
Scenery: Historic French secondary roads, race tracks, and hillclimbs
Gendarme affiliation: The French aren’t as supportive as the Italians, but they won’t write you up unless you really deserve it
Road rules: Respect the rules in towns. Bend them judiciously in the open country
Included: Accommodations and catering, average to good quality
Cost: Approximately $7,000
Major sponsors: Longtime sponsors include Automobiles Classiques, and l’Automobile Club de France
How to get there: Fly into Paris. Organizers will advise on car transport
Intensity Level: There are two sections: Competition and Sport (TSD). The event includes race circuits and special stages (hillclimbs). Competition section has full-bore, flat-out racing. Not for the faint of heart
Quote: “More racing in five days than in a whole season of U.S. competition. This event is all about winning. Organizers are terrific, and the entire field knows that it is there to play hard and go home with a smile”

California Mille Miglia

Location: California
Organizers: Martin Swig, director; Dan Radowicz, administrator
Phone: 415.479.9940
Email: info@californiamille.com
Web: www.californiamille.com
Dates: April 29–May 4, 2007
Application deadline: January 15, 2007
Year founded: 1991
Theme: An American Mille Miglia
Number of cars accepted: 60
Eligibility: Vintage and American cars 1957 and older
Level of preparation of car: No inspection required; must provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance
Dress code: Casual dressy at the opening night dinner, road clothes after that
Route: The route is never the same, but organizers say it will head north this year from San Francisco to Eureka
Scenery: Martin Swig’s favorite spot is the undeveloped Lost Coast region, in Northern California near Ferndale
Gendarme affiliation: None. You’re on your own
Road Rules: Drive smart. Obey all posted limits, especially in towns. Stupid, unsafe driving will result in getting your number pulled
Included: Accommodations, meals, and the “finest wines”
Cost: $4,800
Major sponsors: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Chrysler Corporation
How to get there: Get to San Francisco by car, or fly into one of the Bay Area’s three major airports
Intensity level: Not competitive, but participants can drive vigorously, as these are some of the best traffic-free driver’s roads in the world. Long straights are perfect for Ferraris and American muscle; the Giuliettas and 356s will catch up on the hill-and-dale twisting coastal sections
Quote: “A tasteful orgy of historic motoring”

Mille Miglia

Location: Italy
Organizers: Giuseppe Lucchini, president; Bruce Male, U.S. rep
Phone: +39.03.028.0036
Email: bruce@myitg.net
Web: www.millemiglia.it
Dates: May 15-19, 2007
Application deadline: Dec. 31, 2006
Year founded: 1927 (original), 1982 (modern recreation)
Theme: A 1,000-mile tour around Italy in historic touring and sports cars
Number of cars accepted: 375
Eligibility: Only actual cars, or types of cars, run in the original Mille Miglia, 1927–1957, preserved or restored to period spec; a few exceptions made for significant cars from that period
Level of preparation of car: Cars must comply with all FIA regulations, and have a FIVA passport and all necessary international documentation, including carnet. Be sure car is properly prepared and sorted before the event
Dress code: Extremely casual except for final awards brunch on last day—sport coat and tie there. For open cars, bring monsoon and snow outfits, as going over the Alps in May can mean driving through snowstorms. Vintage helmets with face shields a must
Route: Roughly a loop starting and ending in Brescia, via Ferrara, Rome, Firenze, and Bologna, with overnight stops in Ferrara, Rome, and Brescia
Scenery: Excellent driving roads and beautiful Italian countryside
Gendarme affiliation: The Italian carabinieri love the Mille Miglia, and will escort you at high speed through traffic. But do something out of the spirit of the event, and they’ll pull your license right then
Road rules: Mille Miglia participants own the roads, to the pleasure of the Italians. Be clever, be daring, and always be smart
Included: Accommodation, meals, and entertainment. Note: accommodations are not very good, but you don’t go on this event for the rooms
Cost: Approx. $5,250 per vehicle
Major sponsors: Include Mercedes-Benz, Bipop-Carire Bank, Chopard Watches
How to get there: Fly into Brescia, where the race starts and ends
Intensity level: Run as a precision time-check rally, and quite competitive for those who care about that kind of thing. For most of the participants, it’s a pleasant but long cruise through the countryside. Cars run in one of three different classes—C, D, or E
Quote: “The world of classic cars come to life, and parading before you at speed”

New England 1000

Location: New England
Organizers: Rich and Jean Taylor
Phone: Vintage Rallies, 800.645.6069
Email: rich@vintagerallies.com
Web: www.vintagerallies.com/newEngland (be sure to capitalize the “E” when entering the URL)
Dates: May 20–25, 2007
Application deadline: May 1, 2007
Year founded: 1993
Theme: A “rally tour” through picturesque New England—a mix of relaxed touring and optional competitive elements—with absolutely everything taken care of along the way. All proceeds go to local charities
Number of cars accepted: 50
Eligibility: 1975 or earlier sports or GT cars; any exotic sports car of any year
Level of preparation of car: Needs to be road-legal and capable of going 1,000 miles
Dress code: Resort casual for the most part (after all, this is New England)
Route: Not finalized, but entirely within New England
Scenery: Awesome
Gendarme affiliation: None. You’re on your own
Road rules: Enjoy yourself within the bounds of reason
Included: All-inclusive at “Grand Luxe” hotels and resorts
Cost: $4,995
Major sponsors: Porsche Cars North America
How to get there: Fly into Burlington, VT.
Intensity level: A mix of competitive and noncompetitive people. The event can be run as a casual tour or as a time-speed-distance rally measured to the second. About two-thirds are relatively serious about the timing
Quote: “The Taylors really know how to take care of you. First-class resorts, excellent meals, wonderful route, fantastic camaraderie. Enjoy the ride”

Modena Cento Ore

Location: Italy
Organizer: Mauro Bompani
Phone: Eventiclassic, +39.0522.849968
Email: info@modenacentooreclassic.it
Web: www.modenacentooreclassic.it
Dates: May or June, 2007
Application deadline: February 2007
Year founded: 2000
Theme: 1,000-km road rally with track events and hillclimbs
Number of cars accepted: About 100
Eligibility: Vintage sports cars. Flexible, but most are 1960s-era
Level of preparation of car: Competition—The car must pass technical inspection at the event and have FIA and FIVA papers. Regularity (TSD)—Must be roadworthy and insured
Dress code: Social events are casual (slacks and open neck shirt) each evening. Sport coat and tie or suit for final awards dinner. Competition events require approved driving suits and helmets, racing harnesses, and current competition licenses
Route: 1,000 kilometers beginning and ending in Modena, with track events at venues such as Mugello, Fiorano, and Misano, and special stages (hillclimbs) through the countryside
Scenery: Italian countryside, and exotic cars on famous racetracks
Gendarme affiliation: The Italian cops like to have you rev your engine as you go by. Be careful and thoughtful through towns
Road Rules: Use the tracks and special stages to be a boy racer, control yourself on the open roads. Organizers will pull your number if you misbehave badly
Included: Accommodations in a double room, hospitality, and meals
Cost: Approx. $4,200 for Competition; approx. $3,800 for Regularity
Major sponsors: Include the Province of Modena.
How to get there: Guglielmo Marconi International Airport in Bologna is probably the best to fly into; event organizers will advise on car transport.
Intensity level: Competitive. Cars run in several different classes, with track events and special “time stages” all part of the scoring
Quote: “Castles to the left, race tracks to the right, GT40s, GTOs, and Lola T70s running on the street, and going at it hammers and tongs on the track. Top it all off with predictably terrific food and wine. What’s not to like?”

Monte Shelton Northwest Classic

Location: Portland, OR
Organizer: Jim Gunter
Phone: Jim Gunter, 503.698.8090 or 503.382.4503
Email: nwrally@comcast.net
Web: www.alfaclub.org/msnwc.htm
Dates: August, 2007
Application deadline: May 1, 2007
Year founded: 1988
Theme: “A true TSD rally for vintage cars”
Number of cars accepted: around 80
Eligibility: pre-1974 (“pre-catalyst”) sports-type vehicles
Level of preparation of car: Vintage sports cars in good running shape; no projects or conversions. Vehicles must pass an inspection for safety and reliability Dress code: Casual from start to finish (after all, this is the Pacific Northwest)
Route: Varies, but explores great driving roads throughout Oregon and Washington
Scenery: Challenging roads through both lush and rugged terrain
Gendarme affiliation: None. Bring a radar detector. Locals enjoy using cell phones to call police to report, “them sporty car types are at it again”
Road rules: Stealth is best. State troopers are few and far between outside cities
Included: Meals for two; apparel; dash plaque; participants pay for own accommodations at hotels reserved by organizers
Cost: $550
Major sponsors: Monte Shelton Motors, Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon
How to get there: Fly into Portland International Airport.
Intensity level: About ten teams each year really care about winning. Nine of them end up disappointed. The other 65 view the event as a pleasant tour and have a great time
Quote: “The event is a true TSD rally, with no modern electronics allowed. Slide rule and Halda Speedpilot fanatics rejoice! The route allows the opportunity to exercise your classic car, in the manner it was built for, on Oregon and Washington’s finest back roads”

Colorado Grand

Location: Vail, CO
Organizer: Steve Meyer, chairman
Contact: Leslie Mangan, 720.733.6776
Email: tcg@themeyerco.com
Web: www.coloradogrand.org
Dates: Late September, 2007
Application deadline: May 1, 2007
Year founded: 1989, by Robert Sutherland
Theme: A friendly, informal event geared toward vintage racers and sports cars, with proceeds going to charity
Number of cars accepted: 75
Eligibility: Sports and racing cars of distinction built prior to 1961
Level of preparation of car: No vehicle inspection or specific driver equipment required. All driving takes place during daylight
Dress code: Sport coats without ties opening night; absolutely casual otherwise
Route: Start and finish in Vail
Scenery: Rocky Mountain scenery, mostly first-class resort properties that are easy to enjoy in the off-season
Gendarme affiliation: Colorado Highway Patrol provides officers on motorcycles (the “Motors”) to escort the participants during select, carefully chosen, high-speed test opportunities
Road rules: Pass a Motor, Go Directly to Jail
Included: Accommodation at luxury resort properties and all meals
Cost: About $4,500 per car
Major sponsors: Girard-Perregaux, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center U.S.A., Premier Financial Services, Hagerty Collector Car Insurance
How to get there: Fly into Denver International Airport, then rent a car, or take a shuttle to Vail
Intensity level: A non-competitive event meant for drivers to enjoy their cars and the company of others. The majority of entrants have a fairly significant racing history
Quote: “The most select group of important cars at any U.S. event”

The Double 500

Location: Sausalito, CA, start and finish
Organizers: Martin Swig, Jay Lamm
Phone: 415.479.9950
Web: www.californiamille.com
Email: info@californiamille.com
Dates: September 29–30, 2007
Application Deadline: September 1, 2007
Year Founded: 1998
Theme: 500 km in a $500 car; wacky car decorations earn prizes at the end
Number of cars: Unlimited
Eligibility: $500 purchase price for car
Level of prep: Owner’s discretion
Dress code: Dress appropriately for your car, penalty points if your outfit costs more than your car did
Route: 250 km north, then 250 km back the next day
Scenery: Northern California’s best
Gendarme affiliation: None
Rules: Try to observe them. Get up to the speed limit if you can!
Cost: $50
Major sponsors: None yet
How to get there: Consult your map
Intensity level: Low, except for mechanical issues
Quote: From last year’s Double 500, “I’ll give you the car if you drive us to the nearest car rental”