[OBJECTIVES]

La Festa Mille Miglia is the only international rally in Japan officially recognized by FIVA (Fédération internationale des véhicules anciens - International Classic Car Association). It commenced in 1997 just 70 years after the start of the Mille Miglia rally in 1927. The coming event will be the 8th La Festa Mille Miglia.
La Festa Mille Miglia has been held seven times so far. There is a strong link with the Mille Miglia event in Italy in terms of the spirit, the rules and the actual details of the event. However, we seek to make this a permanent event and a uniquely Japanese car rally.

There are three fundamental concepts underlying the spirit of this annual event:
Joining the participants and the many people who line the entire route through an expanding circle of friendship linking them with deep bonds of comradeship and a welcoming smile under the banner of the Red Arrow, the symbol of this event.
Maintaining the spirit of revering the ancient in the form of these old cars so full of atmosphere and character, and showing that, although they are old, if they are treated with due care, they are still very serviceable.
Demonstrating that the more mature generations still keep the flame of boyish enthusiasm in their hearts whatever age they become and they still retain the sparkle of youth.

The smiling faces of the participants, the spectators and the other people concerned support these three fundamental spirits.
These include the smiling faces seen when the participants are welcomed in towns they visit for the first time and their smiles of appreciation, the smiles on renewing acquaintances, the smile of feeling reassurance when a car that has broken down is repaired, the smiles exchanged between couples, families and friends participating, and the smiles exchanged with the event staff, the smiling joy of completing the course, the smile of winning a prize, the smile of the winner and the smiles of praise for the victors. The participants smile in spite of being faced by bad weather, being overwhelmed by tension and fatigue, and even if they have to retire prematurely.

Classic cars in motion are extremely graceful, but this is a grueling event that covers a 1,000-mile course.

For these old cars to reach the distant goal, they have to overcome a broad spectrum of problems such as warming up a cold engine in the early morning chill, swinging the resisting steering wheel, innumerable declutching operations and myriad complex gear changes, as well as the unexpected.
The participants are all dedicated to the concept that, by their very nature, cars must run however difficult this may be, and that they must accept the challenge of completing a 1,000-mile course in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Why is it that, every year so many ladies and gentlemen gather to challenge this grueling 1,000-mile course? One reason may be that there are few venues in Japan where adults can assemble and enjoy themselves to their hearts’ content. The annual Mille Miglia is an enjoyable five-day adventure allowing participants to return to the age of their youth with their families and tried and trusted friends.

We adults are constantly surrounded by busy schedules and the hustle and bustle of modern life.
So, why not enjoy life to the full once in a while?
We are now in an age when we can allow ourselves more leisure and enjoyment.

We believe that strength lies in continuity, and to develop a classic car culture in Japan, a land where many cars are made, we need to return to the heart and mindset of our youth with enthusiasm and courage.

Organizing Committee La Festa Mille Miglia 2004