Florio

From Freepedia

Florio are a prominant Sicilian family who started many lucrative activities involving above all the exportation of Sicilian products (such as marsala wine) in the nineteenth century. In 1906, they created the so called Targa Florio, one of the oldest car races in the world. The first Targa Florio covered 277 miles through multiple hairpin curves on treacherous mountain roads where severe changes in climate frequently occurred and racers even faced bandits. Passing through many small villages, fans lined up along the roads with no protection from the race cars. The race was suspended in 1978 because of safety concerns. The race continues today with a different circuit as a minor racing event.