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| La Festa Mille Miglia, which started on October 16 came to an end at Meiji Shrine where this race started. On October 19, which was the final day, the party departed from The Prince Hakone, enjoying the drive along a winding road on the Izu skyline, passing through the Nagahama Seaside Park Umieru Nagahama in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture along a coastal road, stopping at the Oiso Prince Hotel to try a PC competition ( a competition for distance provided by measuring driving time, for example, drive 33 meters in 31 seconds ). After trying the final PC competition at the Shonan T-SITE, they had lunch in Hayama, then drove the whole route of 240 kilometers back to Tokyo via Yokohama. Under the strong sun, the final rally took place. Participants from overseas told us that the scenery which they saw while driving through Mt. Fuji, Sai Lake, and the autumn leaves on day three was just like a dream. Also they complained of the traffic jams on day one, and were hoping not to be caught in traffic jams again when returning to Tokyo on the final day. However, the nightmare became a reality. They got stuck in heavy traffic around Hayama where they had lunch and the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, so several cars had to stop due to overheating and percolation. In spite of the situation, the participants were calm enough to pull over their cars and cool the engine not to block the traffic. They waited for the engine to cool for a while with the bonnet opened, then started driving toward the goal. At Meiji Shrine, which is the finish line, a large number of spectators came to greet the participants who finished the 1,200-kilometer race with generous applause and cheering, and the participants responded them by waving their arms. An annual gala was held in the final evening. Everyone elegantly dressed and welcomed Princess Akiko of Mikasa at the venue. They enjoyed a gourmet dinner and the stage of Junko Yagami while sharing their four-day experience of the rally with their partners and friends. At the end of the gala, a big surprise was arranged. People from 15 foreign countries participated in La Festa Mille Miglia this year. To express their gratitude for this event, the interested participants got on stage and sang the national anthem with a piano accompaniment. Other participants were greatly surprised, and all stood up to return the compliment. The party ended with a big applause. On October 20, the results of this race will be announced. Who will the winner be? (text & photo：Shunichi Uchida） |
 Shrine maiden giving them the final stamp at the finish line  It is important for driver and navigator to synchronize the timing to reach the line accurately  PORSCHE 550 RS crossing the finish line under checkered flag  Junko Yagami Live  Bugatti International All Stars singing the national anthem as the final surprise |
