The Start of the Warm Up USA
\nMiddleburg, Oct. 24, 2024 — Under the clear Virginia sky at 9:00 a.m., the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Spider Zagato—helmed by reigning champions Shawn and Leanne Till—rolled off the grid on N. Madison Street in downtown Middleburg, marking the official start of the 2024 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA. This year, competitors face an array of challenges, including a new night race sector, adding fresh excitement to a classic course. The initial leg, the longest in the event, spans over 340 kilometers, taking drivers on a journey across Virginia’s autumnal landscapes with both Time and Average Trials throughout the day.
Time Trials and Valleys
\nThe competition’s first block of Time Trials took place near Middleburg’s school, with drivers carefully navigating the precise pressure switches. From there, the convoy made its way westward, covering nearly 50 kilometers to the Warren County Airport, where the first Passage Control tested the crews’ accuracy and timing. The route then took drivers through Fort Valley—an area known as “the valley in the valley,” nestled between the northern arms of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This scenic segment introduced the first Average Trials of the event, with the next segment ascending Kennedy Peak, offering sweeping views of the valley and the vibrant colors of Virginia’s fall foliage.
From Kennedy Peak, the crews made their way to the historic Barboursville estate, where they encountered a demanding sequence of 10 Time Trials on the dirt roads threading through the Zonin family’s Italian-inspired vineyards. Here, drivers tested their mettle amid the beauty of Virginia’s wine country, followed by a midday break at Ristorante Palladio, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, before the race resumed.
At 2:15 p.m., the second stage of the journey began with additional trials as the convoy departed Barboursville Vineyards. Heading northward, crews faced two more Average Trials—one at Haywood and the next near Carters Run—both known for their undulating terrain and sweeping curves, which demanded precision and skill from the drivers. As they returned to Middleburg, the competitors arrived at Salamander’s new residential area for a final set of 10 Time Trials.
The real novelty of the 2024 edition awaited participants after a brief pause. At 7 p.m., the night race sector made its debut, an unprecedented challenge in the Warm Up USA series. Set in the private, secluded grounds of Atoka Chase and illuminated solely by LED lighting on the pressure switches, this darkened course demanded utmost focus and agility from the drivers, as natural light was entirely absent. This thrilling new addition has instantly become the talk of the event, bringing a fresh layer of intrigue and strategy.
The night race segment concluded the day’s activities, with participants gathering at the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg. This new chapter in the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA, bridging tradition and innovation, has set an impressive standard for endurance, skill, and camaraderie across the scenic landscapes of Virginia.
