The race, known as 'the most beautiful race in the world', has become an international showcase for VIPs, nobility, ex-racing drivers and actors, as well as an opportunity to see cars normally kept in museums or owned by collectors back on the road in all their glory. Participation in the Mille Miglia is itself a feat, as the organizers apply strict quality criteria: this year, 375 contestants were selected from 810 applications from 30 different countries worldwide - and applications are constantly increasing.
Outline's Kanguro PA system was used for one of the numerous side events staged during the race, positioned where the cars passed to receive the traditional floral tribute on behalf of the city, amplifying the voice of sports commentator Mimmo Zambara. He said: "Entertaining the spectators and the participants themselves with this great little system was particularly gratifying from a personal point of view: the deafening roar of the engines, the noise of the crowd and the general excitement definitely didn't stop me doing my job as an MC. As soon as I spoke, I got everybody's attention within a radius of over 100 yards, but I'd plenty of power to spare."
This year's list of illustrious names included the twice world Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen, accompanied by his wife, in a Mercedes 300 SL Prototype, and HRH Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, with the son of Italian designer Giugiaro, in an Alfa Romeo. There was also Italy's most famous photographer, Oliviero Toscani, along with singer/songwriter Lucio Dalla, in a 1956 Porsche 356 A, and a long list of participants driving period Ferraris and Maseratis.
(Lee Baldock)
