#TargaFlorio

The Targa Florio was one of the most legendary and demanding endurance races in motorsport history, held on public mountain roads in Sicily, near Palermo. It was founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Florio, a wealthy Sicilian entrepreneur, racing driver, and automobile enthusiast, who sought to establish Italy as a major force in international motorsport. Initially run on extensive circuits up to 148 km (92 mi) per lap, the race challenged drivers with narrow, winding roads, sharp elevation changes, and unpredictable weather conditions. Over time, the track length was reduced, and by the race’s final decades, it was confined to the 72-kilometer (45-mile) Piccolo Circuito delle Madonie, which required 11 laps, covering a total distance of nearly 800 km. Unlike traditional closed-circuit tracks, the Targa Florio took place on public roads, passing through villages, mountains, and rugged landscapes, making it one of the most technically challenging races ever devised. The Targa Florio became part of the World Sportscar Championship from 1955 to 1973, attracting leading manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, and Lancia. The competition between Porsche and Ferrari in the 1960s and early 1970s was particularly fierce, with Porsche dominating the event, securing 11 overall victories between 1956 and 1973. Iconic cars such as the Porsche 908/3, the Ferrari 312PB, and the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 were specifically developed for the unique demands of the circuit. Due to increasing safety concerns and the rising speeds of prototype cars, the race was deemed too dangerous for a world championship event. After 1973, it was downgraded to a national sports car race before being discontinued in 1977 following several fatal accidents. The Automobile Club of Palermo organized the event throughout its history. Despite its discontinuation as a competitive race, the Targa Florio name lives on through historic rally events and classic car tributes, ensuring its legacy remains a cornerstone of motorsport history. The event remains an enduring symbol of Italian racing passion, engineering innovation, and the sheer bravery required to master its treacherous roads.

https://targa-florio.it/

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