THE EXCITEMENT OF THE RACE AND THE ALLURE OF SHENANDOAH PARK AND BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS TO CAPTIVATE THE CREWS

The 1000 Miglia USA Warm Up gets into full swing. After internalizing the techniques of Italian regularity racing in the training day, competitors were back in their cars at 10 a.m. yesterday morning when the Coppa USA, a three-day race in full 1000 Miglia style, started at N. Madison St.

Initially drivers and navigators returned to their accommodation location, the Salamander Resort, one of three facilities in the United States to be honored by the Forbes Travel Guide. With yesterday's cold and gray day now behind, from the start the daylight hinted at the sight of the enchanting fall colours, which were revealed in all their glory as we entered Shenandoah National Park.

In the Resort's equestrian area, they faced the first Time Trials of the competition, while the Passage Control was near the Hall.

This was followed by the first Average Trial along Crest Hill Rd to the town of Flint Hill.

The 2023 edition of Warm Up USA then took the crews inside Shenandoah National Park, which gave them views of boundless vistas made even more fascinating by the autumn colors. Another Average Trial took also place inside the park.

Crossing the Spotswood Trail, the competing cars will arrive at Barboursville Vineyards, where the Zonin family has been growing Italian-imported vines since 1976. A session of Time Trials along the winery's dirt roads before lunch at Ristorante Palladio, known as one of America's most authentic Italian restaurants as well as the 1804 Inn and Cottage, a renowned place of refreshment and hospitality along Constitution Highway for more than two centuries.

With the engines started again, another block of Time Trials await the competitors at the winery exit, after which there will be 150 kilometers to cover before the leg conclusion at Lost Barrel Brewery, the brewery that will host the crews for dinner after the Time Control.