The Ferrari Challenge is a championship that was created in 1993 for owners of the 348 Berlinetta whom wanted to become involved in racing. It now encompasses three official championships in the United States, Italy, and Europe. Competitors from each series are brought together at the annual World Finals event. Since 2007, the Ferrari Challenge exclusively used the Ferrari F430 model. However, a Challenge version of the brand new 458 Italia was introduced into the series this year.
The Ferrari 458 Challenge Series is specifically designed for Ferrari owners and gentlemen drivers who are looking to hone their skills in production-based, purpose-built Ferrari racers in a competitive yet friendly environment. Cars used in the Ferrari Challenge retain the same overall appearance and engine as road-going Ferraris, while incorporating a number of significant track-oriented modifications. Ferrari dealer teams exclusively handle all preparation and support for the Challenge cars. Modifications are prohibited, and all engines are strictly stock and sealed to keep the emphasis on driver capability.
Cars used in the F430 Challenge retain the same overall appearance and 490 horsepower engine as road-going Ferraris. The F430 introduced carbon-ceramic brake discs for the first time and gained 80bhp over the previous Challenge car the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, which has reduced lap times to approximately three seconds shy of Ferraris Lemans going race car the F430 GT2 around the Fiorano Test Circuit.
All in all this lent itself to some great racing. You can catch the series at Laguna Seca on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of this month, before they head to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. After that it is a trip to Toronto and Lime Rock Park in July before ending the season in Miami. The finalists in the Championship then get to compete in the Finals against competitors from the other series in Italy and Europe. The results for last weekends race can be found here for Saturdayand Sunday.
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