The North American Ferrari Challenge
Ferrari Owners' and Drivers' Amateur Race
It was 1994 when the first Ferrari Challenge was held in North America, initially for the company's F348 model. The series was, and still is, intended to offer a race series for owners of Ferraris who are not professional race drivers. It is a chance for owners to race in a series that is strictly controlled with all the cars built to the same specification. With these strict controls and very similar cars, the series is known for its close racing.
The cars used today are F430 race cars built at the factory specifically for the series. The cars are prepared by appointed Ferrari dealers and customers can simply arrive and drive. The engines are sealed at the factory to ensure every competitor has the same specification, placing the emphasis on driving ability.
Grand Prix Support
With races held on famous race tracks such as Road Atlanta in Georgia and Infineon Raceway in California, owners get to travel to some of the best locations in North America. The high point of the seasons comes when the series goes to Canada as a support race to the Canadian F1 Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The car itself, the F430, uses many F1 developed technologies. From changing gear with a paddle shift in 150 milliseconds, to under body aerodynamics giving high speed down-force, the F430 is a very sophisticated car. And, with a top speed of over 190 mph, the car will challenge the drivers at every track.
To make the racing more enjoyable, and safer, for the participants, driver coaches are available for the entire race series. The coaches are all qualified professional race drivers with knowledge of both the cars and all of the tracks the series visits.
Grand-Am
The series is sanctioned by Grand American Road Racing Association who have been organizing races in the US since 1999. Based in Daytona Beach Florida, the company shares its corporate headquarters with the International Speedway Corporation (ISC), and NASCAR. Grand-Am specialize in sports car racing with the famous Daytona Rolex 24 hour race kicking off their series in January each year.
To register for the Ferrari Challenge series, drivers must submit an application to the challenge manager at Ferrari North America—Maria McNeil. Decisions on the acceptance of a driver for the series are based on the spirit of the series and safety grounds.
For further details, contact: Maria McNeil
Ferrari North America
250 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: 201-816-2681
Fax: 201-541-8488 mmcneil@ferrariusa.com
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