Almost 1,200 kilometres of breathtaking scenery and 56 crews from 16 countries: 1000 Miglia Experience Greece 2026, the licensed event that takes the authentic spirit of the Red Arrow beyond national borders, came to a close on Saturday 3 October.
Following technical and administrative checks, the convoy passed through towns such as Tripoli, Ancient Olympia, Kyparissia, Kalamata, Sparta, Mystras, Kollines, Nafplio, Porto Heli, and finally Vouliagmeni. A marvellous journey through the beauty and mythology of a country rich in history and passion, whilst never losing sight of the sporting spirit inherent in a 1000 Miglia event.
A battle at the top ends in a draw
The winners in the 1000 Miglia Eligible category were the crew of John and Chelly Houtkamp in a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750. The Dutch pair and the Italians Gianluigi and Federico Smussi in a 2004 MG TF 115 battled it out right to the end for top spot in the penalty classification. In the end, the contest ended in a draw at 469 points.
The Houtkamps also came out on top in the Historic Cars, Mixed Crew, Leonardo 500 and Best Lap Cup by Chopard classes. Third in the penalty classification and first among the modern cars were Fabrizio Macario and Giovanna Di Costanzo in a Ferrari 296 GTB, who also won the Italian Icon Super Cars class.
In the other categories, Stephan Schrauwen and Anne Marie Clerckx in a Porsche 911 T triumphed in the Classic Icon Cars class. Gianluigi and Federico Smussi won the GT Cars and Supercars classes. The San Lorenzo Yacht Trophy saw a joint first place for Giustino De Sanctis with Claudia Morbiducci in a Porsche 356 Speedster and Graziano Mancinelli with Silvia Claudia Barberi in a Ferrari 812 GTS. The best Greek crew was that of Giorgos Bakos and Spyros Kalivas; Dimitris Bakos and Federico Smussi were also awarded the titles of best driver and co-driver in the Under-30 category respectively.
1000 Miglia for Sports Diplomacy
The event was attended by the Italian Embassy in Athens as part of the 1000 Miglia for Sports Diplomacy project. The race, which took place on 30 September at the foot of the Acropolis, was officially started by Ambassador Paolo Cuculi.
The closing ceremony, attended by over 150 guests, finally sealed the event’s success by celebrating Italian Sport Day Around the World, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Youth. On this occasion, Ambassador Cuculi highlighted the value of the collaboration with 1000 Miglia as a driving force for showcasing the significant economic impact of “Made in Italy” in the automotive sector, promoting the trades, supply chains and expertise of Italian “know-how” with a view to growth diplomacy.
