The second edition of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida — held from February 20 to 23, 2026, across Naples, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Miami — concluded with outstanding success, culminating in a memorable awards ceremony at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, the event brought together around seventy crews competing in three official categories: 1000 Miglia Originals (1927–1957), Classic Icons (1958–1994), and Hyper/Supercars (1995–present). Spectators turned out in impressive numbers along the scenic route, with thousands gathering at key locations throughout Florida — a clear sign of the growing enthusiasm of the American public for the international format of the race, well beyond the traditional circles of automotive enthusiasts and classic car collectors.
The route showcased some of Florida’s most iconic destinations, celebrating competitive spirit, passion for engineering and innovation, and the unmistakable flair of the Italian lifestyle.
Alongside the race, a highly successful Business Forum took place, sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE–ITA) within the OpportunItaly acceleration program. The forum facilitated targeted business‑matching sessions between Italian companies and U.S. operators in strategic, high‑value Made in Italy sectors — including automotive, design, fashion, and food & beverage — strengthening opportunities for economic collaboration between the two countries.
The panel opened with institutional remarks by Michele Mistò, Consul General of Italy in Miami, and Marco Rago, Advisor for Economic Diplomacy and Development at MAECI. Contributions followed from Marco Verna, Director of the ICE–ITA Office in Miami, and leading representatives of Italian companies active in the U.S. market (Pininfarina, Marangoni, Valdo, among others). Enhancing the experience, visitors enjoyed a photographic exhibition dedicated to the historic sites of the Mille Miglia in Italy — curated by the Italian Cultural Institute of Miami — as well as an exhibition of original artworks celebrating iconic vintage cars by a renowned local artist.
The 2026 edition of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida — supported institutionally by MAECI and ICE–ITA through OpportunItaly — reaffirmed the strength of an integrated cultural‑economic narrative that highlights the excellence of Made in Italy. This approach continues to serve as a catalyst for investment and commercial opportunities in a sophisticated and demanding market such as the United States, and Florida in particular.
With its rich program of promotional initiatives, the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida is steadily establishing itself as a strategic platform — a globally attractive showcase — for expanding Italy’s presence in the U.S. market. This momentum will be especially valuable in view of future editions and the celebration of the historic 1000 Miglia centenary in 2027.
