The death of Tazio Nuvolari, on 11 August 1953, moved all the World. Renzo Castagneto, Aymo Maggi and Giovanni Canestrini were particularly impressed by Tazio’s death. The three men, alongside with Franco Mazzotti who died during the 2nd World War, were the creators of the Mille Miglia, “the most beautiful race in the world. Castagneto, “deus ex machina” of the Mille Miglia and his friends, were very attached to the Mantuan pilot.

They were linked by a close bond of affection and they felt deep consideration and admiration toward this great “man-champion”. They also were grateful to him because he contributed a lot to the unrestrainable growing of their “creature”. To honor his memory, the traditional itinerary of the Mille Miglia was changed in order to get it pass through Mantova.

Since then the GRAN PREMIO NUVOLARI was established in order to give a price to the fastest pilot, on the route along the impressive straight roads which cross “The Po Valley”, starting from Cremona, through Mantova until the finish in Brescia.