MAFRA heats up the engines for the 2018 Targa Florio Classic

Published on: 01/10/2018 Updated on: 20/02/2025

Everything is ready for one of the oldest car races in the world. What Sicilians still call "a Cursa"...

MAFRA renews its participation in one of the oldest car competitions in the world: in fact, this year it will once again be the protagonist of the 2018 Targa Florio Classic as Official Sponsor of the event to be held October 4-7 in Palermo. MAFRA will also present at the start one of its crews led by Marco Mattioli in the company of his historical navigator Mario Pensotti, both driving the 1973 Fiat 124 Sport Abarth Rally, a car that has already participated in several regularity races including the Summer Marathon and the WinteRace.

The 2018 Targa Florio Classic

"A Cursa," as the Sicilians call it, is one of the oldest car races in the world. First held back in 1906, it is contested along the island's winding roads: those that run through the Madonie mountain range. The Targa Florio has entered the legend, first of all, because of the difficulty of its course: being able to finish it was, in itself, already a great achievement. Its roll of honor includes true motor racing heroes: drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari, Achille Varzi and Luigi Villoresi. And also other great sportsmen of the caliber of Stirling Moss, Arturo Merzario and Sandro Munari. In 1977, now in its ^61st edition, due to a serious accident that caused the death of 2 spectators, the speed race was cancelled and transformed into the Targa Florio Rally. For the past few years, a regularity race dedicated to historic cars has been held, entered in the official calendar ACI Great Events.

The program

On Thursday, October 4, the Starting Ceremony will kick off at 6:30 p.m. from the central Piazza Verdi where the Targa Florio Village will be set up.

On Friday, October 5, the caravan will move from Palermo to the coastal area of the province of Trapani, retracing Garibaldi's historic route in reverse until it reaches Marsala, where a break is planned at the renowned Cantine Florio. On the way back, in the direction of Palermo, the historic salt pans will be crossed.

On Saturday, October 6, the 2018 Targa Florio Classic will ply the legendary roads of the Madonie Park. It will also pass through the town of Cerda and the ancient stronghold of Caltavuturo and Cefalù. This will be followed by a stop in Termini Imerese and a return to Palermo.

On Sunday, October 7, after the time trial hosted by the University of Palermo, there will be the Media trial in the Monreale area. Then the re-enactment of the Circuito della Favorita (valid for the Targa Florio from 1937 to 1940) until the return to the heart of Palermo, with the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at the "Teatro Al Massimo."

MAFRA Official Sponsor

All registered crews, before the start, will be given a special Welcome Kit, containing MAFRA products ideal for taking care of their cars. Also, at our booth, enthusiasts flocking to the event will be able to see detailers at work performing polishing and soft detailing demonstrations using #Labocosmetica products . Find out more!