the early Targa Florio Race story that is being told by the upcoming movie Pistons, Passions and Sicilian Pleasures and the publication The Belle Epoque of the Targa Florio Races, a new book written by David Biggins and Antonio Lombardi
The first Targa Florio was organized by Italian enthusiast Vincenzo Florio in 1906. The race at that time was a three lap event over a 92.7-mile circuit on the island of Sicily. Alessandro Cagno in an Itala won the event, taking 9.5 hours to finish, while averaging 29 mph for the run: Carlo Graziani was second in another Itala, and Paul Bablot in a Berliet was third. Florio a prominent Sicilian had previously initiated the Coppa Brescia held in Italy and first run there in 1900. It was renamed the Coppa Florio in 1905 after he offered the initial prize money and a trophy for the race.
Found on http://theoldmotor.com/?p=112112
