Experiences at the Targa Florio Classic 2013, which took place despite being canceled
Four intrepid teams drove to Sicily in October, even though the Targa Florio Classic 2013 had been canceled five days (!) before the start due to the insolvency of the organizer MAC Group. Why not, as the hotel, ferry and entry fee had already been paid for and the vacations had been planned anyway.
On the ferry, we unexpectedly received an electronic message from theACI Club Palermo that, with the help of the Terra di Canossa organization, Ferrari SPA and the club, they would now hold the Targa themselves for the remaining participants who had arrived despite the cancellation. That was at least a glimmer of hope on the horizon. It should be mentioned that around 75 Ferraris were registered for the Targa at the same time (Tribute Ferrari Targa Florio) and obviously they didn't want to risk too much trouble with the Ferraristi ...
The road book was already available, at least the MAC Group had organized something, hotels, food, start numbers etc. were set up in 24-hour shifts within three days. Respect, we wouldn't have thought it possible.
By the time the paperwork was approved - after all, there were almost 100 vehicles together with the Ferrari sports cars - we knew that the Targa Florio Classic 2013 adventure would be a success after all.
We spent the first two days driving through the beautiful landscapes of Sicily, through cordoned-off villages with cheering southerners and always escorted by the Polizia Stradale. It was wonderful and anything but a coffee ride.
Then the highlight on the third day: we took on the original Targa Florio route in the long and short versions, i.e. 70 and 105 kilometers respectively. I have experienced many rallies, but there is probably no other rally with so many bends, climbs, beautiful landscapes and so much charisma.
The Targa Florio is like nothing else. We had a great time and if ACI Palermo keeps its word - the president Giancarlo Teresi has promised us that the oldest race in the world will continue - we will certainly be back next time.
And last but not least, we came second overall!
