Mille Miglia 2026

The 1000 Miglia was first held on 26 March 1927 as an open-road speed race from Brescia to Rome and back, founded by Franco Mazzotti, Aymo Maggi, Renzo Castagneto, and Giovanni Canestrini. Across 24 editions between 1927 and 1957, it earned the title "la corsa piu bella del mondo." The race ended after the 1957 Guidizzolo tragedy, when a tyre blowout killed driver Alfonso de Portago, co-driver Edmund Nelson, and nine spectators, prompting Italy to ban racing on public roads.

Revived in 1977 as a regularity rally, the modern Mille Miglia became an annual event from 1986 onward. Only cars built before 31 December 1957, whose model participated in or registered for at least one original edition, are eligible. Each car must be certified through the Registro 1000 Miglia. Approximately 400 to 440 cars compete in each edition, making it one of the largest gatherings of pre-war and early post-war automobiles anywhere in the world.

The 44th edition follows the traditional figure-eight path across central Italy, crossing at Ferrara. Day 1 runs from Brescia through the Cavallo Pass and Lake Garda to Padua. Day 2 continues via Ferrara, Modena, and the Abetone Pass to Montecatini Terme. Day 3 reaches the turning point in Rome after a lunch stop at Piazza del Campo in Siena. Day 4 heads north through Assisi, Gubbio, and the Furlo Gorge to Rimini. Day 5 returns via Comacchio, Ferrara, and Mantua to the traditional finish at Viale Venezia in Brescia.

Legs depart daily from June 9 to 13, with all times in Central European time (CET/CEST). A 07:00 CEST departure translates to 05:00 UTC in London, 01:00 EDT in New York, and 14:00 JST in Tokyo. The 2027 edition will mark the centenary of the original 1927 race, making 2026 the final pre-centenary event.