Disastrous Start: $46K Entry Fee Rally Sees 3 Ferraris Crashed and Burned on Day One
The 2024 Ferrari Cavalcade Venice Tour kicked off with a bang—and unfortunately, quite a bit of smoke too. Enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Venice, Italy on June 30th with the shared excitement of driving 125 of some of the world's most prestigious modern supercars. However, the thrill of the event quickly turned sour as three Ferraris bowed out of the rally on the first day, one engulfed in a fiery blaze.
The tightly-curated event, which spans 758 miles (1,220 km) across the picturesque Italian landscape, began with all the pomp you'd expect from such an opulent gathering. Participants, who paid a hefty €42,700 (around $46,000), prepared to showcase their prancing horses like the Ferrari 296 GTB, LaFerrari, and 812 Superfast. However, unforeseen calamities had other plans.
A Multimillion-Dollar Fire
Amid the exotic fanfare, disaster struck. Numerous photos and videos captured the exact moments when luck ran out for some participants. Most notably, a bystander filmed a Ferrari 296 GTB ablaze by the roadside. Though the specific cause remains unknown, the fire consumed a significant portion of the car despite the rapid response of fire crews. The ruined masterpiece is now but a shadow of its former, elegant self.
Crashes and Mishaps
If that wasn’t enough, two other Ferraris also faced unfortunate ends. One 296 was spotted under a tarp, missing parts and looking worse for wear after a collision with a wall. Wet conditions perhaps played a role, making the slick roads treacherous even for seasoned drivers. Emergency crews were present, preparing to transport the wounded stallion away from the scene.
Another yellow Ferrari faced a similarly undignified fate. Captured in both photos and videos, the vehicle was also under a tarp after reportedly being in another crash. Fortunately, all participants walked away without serious injuries, a silver lining in an otherwise bleak start to the rally.
A Hope for Better Days Ahead
This rally, known for attracting affluent automotive connoisseurs, still holds the promise of a scenic and exhilarating escape for its lucky participants. However, the early mishaps serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of high-speed driving and the perils that can accompany even the most carefully planned events.
Will the event see any more dropouts as it progresses, or will the remaining Ferraris make it to the finish line in Verona without incident? As the Cavalcade continues, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the final tally of prancing horses that successfully complete the journey.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ferrari Cavalcade Venice Tour's first day highlighted the risks and rewards of automotive excellence. While it's thrilling to witness 125 exquisite Ferraris gracing the Italian streets, the cost of such luxury is high. Both in the entry fee and the potential for mishaps that can mar even the grandest of events. Here's hoping the rest of the Cavalcade proceeds without further casualties.