La Festa Mille Mille Miglia 2019

Report

【Day3】27 Oct 2019

Whether or not entrants can complete whole distance is key in second half

We entered the second half of the event and day three also started with rain. How long will the cold harsh rain last? This severe weather was gradually sapping the energy of the entrants and the cars. To get to the finish line in Meiji Jingu Shrine safely is a priority, of course, the competitions are important too. The entrants must be worried about the condition of their car as they are going to drive a long distance.

Today's route was approximately 490km, starting from Fukushima Prefecture and going through Tochigi Prefecture to Narita City in Chiba Prefecture. Driving this long distance on the third day was really tough but cheers from local people waiting for the arrival at each point pushed the entrants to move forward.

The entrants visited seven points in Fukushima Prefecture and their journey in Tohoku ended. They headed to Tochigi Prefecture and when driving along a winding road called Momiji Line among mountains, they were greeted by a tunnel of vibrant autumn trees. There was some fog over the fall-colored mountains, which created a mystic atmosphere, and the moist trees were greener in the rain. We enjoyed the scenery that can be seen only in this season.

After passing through four points in Tochigi Prefecture, the entrants got on an expressway to Narita. To add insult to injury, the rain got heavier on the way. It's already getting dark and cold. The entrants in an open-top car were tired out as they were directly affected by the weather.

The Entrants looked exhausted as they arrived at the finish line in Ana Crowne Plaza Narita and said they were relieved to have arrived safely. The cars must have been worn out too as they had been driving a long distance in the bad weather.

The lights for maintenance came on here and there in the parking lot of the hotel and the maintenance continued late into the night. The mechanics spend hours maintaining cars every morning and night so that as many of the cars as possible can complete the whole distance. They are very dependable. They always give a hand to entrants who have trouble with their car, even though they are not in charge of. If needed, they share parts and tools with each other to help entrants. The mechanics are also fighting the four-day rally with the entrants.

Day four, the final day of the event, will take a route of 230 km, passing through some points in Chiba Prefecture to the finish line in Meiji Jingu Shrine. How many of the cars will be able to get to the finish line safely? I understand the entrants are worried about the results but to complete the whole distance is most important to end this event with a smile.

(text & photo:Mika Iwamoto)
Cars lined up in stamp point Ouchijuku
Cars lined up in stamp point Ouchijuku
FIAT 508S BALLILA SPORT receives stamp from Bandai Mayor Sato at Michi-No-Eki Bandai
FIAT 508S BALLILA SPORT receives stamp from Bandai Mayor Sato at Michi-No-Eki Bandai
FIAT S.I.A.T.A. 508 competes PC competition in results open format in Hunter Mountain Shiobara
FIAT S.I.A.T.A. 508 competes PC competition in results open format in Hunter Mountain Shiobara
FIAT BALLILA competes PC competition held in circuit course in Hero Sinoi Circuit
FIAT BALLILA competes PC competition held in circuit course in Hero Sinoi Circuit
Mechanic working on OSCA MT4 late at night
Mechanic working on OSCA MT4 late at night
  • Back