The race to become part of the legend is about to declare its participants. The door for the Mille Miglia 2009 registration closed at midnight, Italian time, and participants have been informed about their admittance on February 1, 2009.
There will be 375 exclusive cars of unparalleled value, coming from history making car manufacturers. These cars have distinguished themselves because of their technical and sporty characteristics, amongst the almost 1300 candidates who applied to enter the race.
This year, in the third decade of the historic revival for the Mille Miglia race, selections criteria have been made ever more strict, and respectful of its history and tradition. The cars permitted to enter, will surely help the public and the appassionati re-live the essence of the 24 historic Mille Miglia Races, speeding down the roads of the past.
In the meantime, modern technology permits present day entry candidates, to check their status via a reserved access in the official website. Aspiring participants will also receive a written confirmation of the acceptance of their car. The above also applies for cars on the waiting list, hoping to substitute any car that might give up their place between now, and the start of the Mille Miglia in May.
Those who have been accepted, will have until March 31, 2009 to acquire additional services, for example, for their support or accompanying crews.
Cars that were not accepted this year can still join the Mille Miglia Community which has been specifically created for those cars who have participated in at least one historic Mille Miglia speed race (1927 – 1957), or at least one revival, that has been taking place since 1977.

The 2008 Mille Miglia was an extraordinary success. The enthusiasm of the crowds, the tired yet triumphant faces of the drivers, the “ignited passion” that runs through unique experiences, all this and more is enclosed in that precious assemblage of testimonials: The, “Mille Miglia 2008” book.
Leafing through the pages, it’s easy to get immersed in the legend of the Freccia Rossa. Suggestive images tell the story of the race, as well as the official ranking lists in all its detailed glory, and of course, the personal experiences of those who took part. An ample portion of the book is dedicated to the participants, photographed in the midst of the competition, rounding a tight bend on a country road or entering a town to receive a well earned public acclaim.
With its elegant binding and unmatchable editorial style, the book can be purchased for the price of 60 Euros through the Mille Miglia website www.1000miglia.eu by clicking on the dedicated section.

Finally, the virtual store dedicated to Mille Miglia's passionate fans has opened. Sporty yet classy looks will come together under the sign of the Freccia Rossa, the Red Arrow. Apparel and accessories will bear the inimitable name of the world’s most famous classic car race, with its characteristics of exclusive design, tradition, and above all, timeless class. From easy to wear trendy jackets, to classic and original hats, as well as rain-proof vests and colored t-shirts. The merchandising section accessible through our website www.1000miglia.eu, offers the “Mille Miglia 2008” book, the catalogue Catalogo Mille Miglia 2008, and plenty of Mille Miglia customized accessories.

Following upon the success of the 2008 International Roadshow, the Mille Miglia 2009 will once again be the voice of Italian prestige in the world.
In the world’s eyes, the image of this historic race is the synthesis of Italian character: romantic, energetic and fascinating. Its voyage through the most prestigious international capitals confirms just how the emotion-packed Freccia Rossa, the Red Arrow, sets the world alight. It is seen across the globe as an unparalleled sport event and as a symbol of the Italian way of life.
The aim of the International Roadshow, is to portray and transmit to the world the fascinating universe of the World’s Greatest Road Race, while exploring new destinations along with the proven ones of the past.
Among the countries on this year’s itinerary, are some that have shown interest in staging future Mille Miglia Tributes. Classic car competitions that pay homage to the historic race from Brescia to Rome and back.

The stops on the International Roadshow 2009:

ABU DHABI
MUNICH
MOSCOW
NEW YORK
LONDON
SAO PAULO

The next rendezvous with the legend will be in Abu Dhabi , on March 29, 2009.

Franciacorta is the area between Brescia and the southern edge of Lake Iseo. It is known throughout the world for its wines. The origins of the name is a blend of history and legend. “Franciacorta” first appeared in an official document of 1277, where the towns of Gussago, Sale, Urago, Rodengo and Ronco were asked to contribute to the construction of a bridge over the Mella River. But while the more reputable historians feel the name derives from the “corti franche”, the courtyards of the Middle Ages monastery bastions in the region, popular belief claims that Charlemagne bestowed the name on the area in 774 A.D, when he celebrated the day of Saint Dionigi in this area known as “little France”, instead of returning to Paris.

The first map of the Franciacorta region dates to 1429, and accurately displays its present borders. The 21 towns on its 240 square kilometers area are: Adro, Brescia, Brione, Capriolo, Cazzago San Martino, Cellatica, Coccaglio, Cologne, Corte Franca, Erbusco, Gussago, Iseo, Monticelli Brusati, Ome, Paderno di Franciacorta, Paratico, Passirano, Polaveno, Provaglio d'Iseo, Rodengo-Saiano and Rovato.
A thousand years of experience in these ancient vineyards, have brought forth the famous Franciacorta wine, known throughout the world as a worthy example of Brescian territorial excellence. In 1570, a century before the Bishop of the Champagne, Pierre Perignon, the Brescia doctor Girolamo Conforto, was already praising the bubbly white amabile wine produced in the Franciacorta, using the method of refermentation in the bottle. Centuries later, that wine is still the king of Italian sparkles, an attested wine with a DOGG (denominazione di origine controllata e garantita - an appellation that confirms how its origins are checked and guaranteed).
Just like the Mille Miglia, Franciacorta wine has fizz and an unmistakable taste of tradition. For this reason, linking these brands epitomizes the intensity of Italian tradition, known to produce winners.

As a tribute to Mille Miglia , Berlucchi, the first wine producer of the region to use the classic method on Brescian soil, has created special sets of two or six bottles of Franciacorta Cuvée Storica. They come in a pinewood box, decorated with a Mille Miglia celebration band and an enameled metal number plate from the Freccia Rossa (the Red Arrow, Mille Miglia trademark). A limited number of these bottles will be available at the finest wine sellers. Suggested retail price: 40 euros.