Automobilismo, Via Gradisca, 11, 20151 Milano

July 2000

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Classic - La Mille Miglia

THE RACE FOR LIFE

by Alberto Franzoni, fotos –Mino Boiocchi

On her racing suit there are over a thousand names written of people who have been affected by the disease called ‘cancer’. "A thousand miles for solidarity": this is the significant message that Sylvia Oberti wants everyone to understand as she participates ‘solo’ on board a tiny SIATA 750 in the world-renowned Brescian race.

Traversing the Mille Miglia route with other drivers is Sylvia Maria Antonietta Oberti, better known as the ‘Californiana of the Mille Miglia’. She is seen driving in her ninth participation. As her presence is now customary, everyone anticipates her arrival while looking for the ‘solo’ driver throughout the long race. When people see her, she is greeted warmly and with enthusiastic hails, much hand waving and a genuine warm hearted welcome, perhaps more intense than those greetings dedicated to other better known personalities in the sport racing world and that participate annually in the Brescian race. The reason for this is easy to understand. Sylvia races Alone-Solo and this fact feeds the desire of the public to urge her on but above all its her smile and her eager response to all of the greetings that make her the preferred favorite from among all of the participants. This is not a self-indulgent tour, but rather a race against time, the time that people who suffer from cancer don’t have and want so much to have to be able to wait for a scientific breakthrough that will allow them to survive and vanquish this ailment. This is the message that Sylvia Oberti has been trying to give to everyone for many years now. As Automobilismo has gathered by some of the questions posed to her before the start of the Mille Miglia, is that she would like to have as many people involved in supporting and funding the research for finding a cure to cancer so that "we can all win the race!"

Q: With what end in mind do you participate in the Mille Miglia?

A: "In the beginning and for the first three years, my attention was focused on the disabled children of Special Olympics. However, following the diagnosis of breast cancer in five of my female friends within a relatively short time, it made me think about how I could possibly have helped them and how I could help other people affected with this disease."

"When my friends were ill and dying, no amount of money could have helped them or cure them. The best form of defense is prevention and continued scientific research for a cure. We will eventually find the answer. Because of this I have convinced and involved many participants of the Mille Miglia to return to their communities, in over 23 countries, and donate money and their time to the local hospitals and cancer research foundations. "

"In 1996, before the Mille Miglia race, I wrote a letter to the Pope in which I explained why I was participating in this race and how I was dedicating my participation to those courageous people who are fighting and dealing with the effects of cancer. My idea was that with the help of the Vatican, this message could be sent to not only the Italian community but also the world community. Much to my amazement, I received a fax from the private secretary of the Pope informing me of an invitation for an audience with His Holiness May 1, 1996. On May 2nd of that year, I was invited to speak on Vatican Radio and send a message to the world. My interview as ’the woman who races in the Mille Miglia and uses this vehicle to educate people of the importance of early detection of cancer can save lives’ was translated in 43 languages and broadcast to over 80 countries. A simple idea, a short letter and a powerful message and millions of people around the world were able to hear this."

Q: Only in last years’ race did you participate with another driver, however, you are usually in the spotlight because you typically do this race by yourself. Can you explain why you take on such a courageous feat solo?

A: "I don’t think that my driving alone in this race is so courageous, even though I was a bit nervous my first time. I drive alone because that way I don’t have to be worried about the other person or of the dangerous driving conditions. But I also want to add that if I had thought about doing this for the simple enjoyment of a race, I would not have chosen the Mille Miglia. I don’t choose this race for me alone and I am not really able to classify, but rather I race because I want to bring attention and involvement to saving people from cancer. My race is always against time – and trying to help in the support of international research to find a cure."

Q: What are the reasons that you have chosen a 750 Sport SIATA for the race?

A: "Well, other bigger cars are more expensive. This one is similar to the Ferrari 166 in many ways but is definitely less expensive and easier to drive. I found this car in a California shop called "Fantasy Junction." The first time I drove the car, it was "love at first sight." From the historical research I have done on the SIATA 750, I have found that it has a very impressive past from its’ races from 1952 in the States in the SCCA circuit on the East Coast and then on the West Coast race tracks."

Q: According to you, what is the type of woman who participates in this race and what are the reasons that drive them to be a participant?

A: "I don’t know the other women participants very well, but what I think and understand is that these women participate because of the challenge that this race offers in being both difficult and enjoyable at the same time. The Mille Miglia has such beautiful scenery and it traverses so many cities and towns with diverse communities who are always glad to see you and greet you cheerfully that it is very pleasing."

Q: What would you change in the Mille Miglia?

A: "Well, my immediate idea would be to have free gasoline given to each car!

No really, all kidding aside, last week before the race I went to Ospedale Civile of Brescia (County Hospital) and spoke with various department heads of the cancer division. One idea I had would be to re-route the course of the race to pass through or near the hospitals in many of the cities and towns so that people in the hospital would have their spirits lifted and be able to see the beautiful cars."

Q: Are there any anecdotes or things in any of the races that stand out for you?

A "Yes, many, but one in particular. My first year, I was shy but determined to finish all 1000 miles, even when the water pump broke. During the course of the race I began to understand that the public was very cognizant of my participation. From the children to the adults, they all gave me strength and support to continue driving. In my mind I remember this so clearly, day and night lit up by a myriad of smiles and I remember it always and see it in my mind’s eye as "the road of smiles."

Q: Were there any cities or places that you liked more than others?

A: "No, none in particular. Every place was beautiful, like Firenze, Siena, Assisi and the countryside of wild flowers and the hills covered in vineyards."

Q: Who prepares your car for the race?

A: "The car has been prepared by different mechanics over the years. This year a mechanic in Modena prepared the car. Every year there are difficulties with the preparation of the car for the Mille Miglia and this year I do not wish to say whom the mechanic is. However, the perfect boyfriend would be the man who is the perfect mechanic." (She says this with much humor and is really only kidding)