The Americas

Florida’s palm tree lined streets were host to a stylish catwalk during March 2007 as the Ferrari 60 Relay stalked its way to Homestead racetrack just outside Miami. In their natural environment again, the cars were really put through their paces as Ferrari owners participated in the prestigious opening ceremony of the Ferrari Challenge USA series.

Moving down into South America, the cars carried the celebratory 60th anniversary baton to Sao Paulo, where the drivers were the first to experience night time driving at the Interlagos circuit, home to the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The circuit was host to an exclusive 60th Anniversary cocktail party, where the Italian Ambassador received a Brazilian football shirt signed by Pele to symbolise the tight bonds between Brazil and Ferrari. The baton was then driven down through Mexico City, with celebrations alongside the opening of a new Ferrari dealership.

Back North the relay went, heading for San Francisco. Gathering at the San Francisco marina in the heart of the metropolis, the Ferrari 60 Relay cars advanced down Route 101 with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge providing a stunning backdrop.

From there it was on to Bodega Bay, across the country roads of San Francisco’s wine growing region. After stopping to refuel at the local Shell Service Station, which allowed many of the local residents to marvel at Ferraris from over six decades, the Ferrari 60 Relay hit the road to make its way to the Ferrari Headquarters in Mill Valley.

The following day the relay made its way to Malibu and on to Los Angeles, passing through the exclusive neighbourhoods of Santa Monica and Beverley Hills. The parade attracted a huge amount of attention from locals, who gathered outside the exclusive shops on Rodeo Drive to watch the celebratory baton make its way slowly toward the Pacific Coast Highway.

A quick dash up into Canada ensued, starting with a short tour of Toronto, much to the delight of a huge crowd of fans. The following day the relay made their way to a welcome party in Montreal, where the Italian Ambassador received a statue symbolising fraternity, hope and hospitality.

New York, New York, was the next stop in the extraordinary 20 day American leg. Joe Torre, the New York Yankees manager, was driven into the New York Yankees stadium in the latest Ferrari, the stylish 599 GTB Fiorano, amidst crowds of fans. Sixty Ferrari clients were given the prestigious honour of driving to the Italian Embassy in Washington DC for a memorable closing ceremony.

Over the course of the 20 day tour, the Ferrari 60 Relay baton travelled for more than 14,000 miles, crossing four different countries in the southern, central, and northern regions of America.

The Ferrari 60 Relay tour then proceeded to Europe with the first stop in Portugal.