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Get ready for another exciting Ferrari Challenge season, as the longest-running single-marque race series in North America enters its 19th year. The starting flag drops for the 2012 season in March 24-25 in St. Petersburg in support of the Honda Grand Prix. The Ferrari Challenge will also run as a support race for the Canadian Grand Prix and the Honda Indy in Toronto. Enhancements for the 2012 season are sure to rev up exhilaration for drivers and spectators alike.
The Ferrari Challenge 2011 season saw some of the fastest and closest racing in Challenge history, along with the first-ever Challenge street race (Indy Toronto) and the largest spectator attendance.
Ferrari anticipates a large grid to compete at six scheduled races this season, with a seventh race also under discussion.
Ferrari Challenge drivers cite exciting racing at the best tracks and camaraderie with other Ferrari drivers as the most enjoyable aspects of the series.
2012 Ferrari Challenge Schedule
| March 23-25: |
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Honda Grand Prix support race) |
| April 27-29: |
Infineon Raceway, Calif.
Corse Clienti Program (F1 customers, FXX / 599XX) |
| May 18-20 |
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Raceway, Calif.
Corse Clienti Program (F1 customers, FXX / 599XX) |
| June 8-10 |
Montreal, Canada (Canadian F1 Grand Prix support race) |
| July 6-8 |
Toronto, Canada (Honda Indy support race) |
| July 20-21 |
Lime Rock Park, Conn. |
A seventh race is scheduled to be added; details to be released later.
Challenge audiences have been building around these world-class venues, and so it was no surprise that spectator interest accelerated in the 2011 season. The Lime Rock race drew a record crowd of 12,000. Growing attendance not only adds to race day excitement, but also presents a good opportunity for sponsor exposure.
In 2012, the two California races, Infineon and Laguna Seca, will include supporting Corse Clienti activities. Fans can enjoy the sights and sounds of the FXX and 599XX -- elite track development cars -- and retired Ferrari F1 cars.
Intensifying the competitive spirit for drivers of all skill levels, the Ferrari Challenge introduces two competitions, with Trofeo Pirelli for the most experienced drivers. At the same time, within the same race, less experienced drivers now have a better shot at a podium finish by competing in the Coppa Shell category.
The 458 Challenge
In the Ferrari tradition of road/race Berlinettas, the track-only 458 Challenge is based on the 458 Italia, the most acclaimed sports car on the market today. Compared to its road-going sibling, the 458 Challenge uses the stock 562 horsepower V8 but employs a track-optimized suspension and lightweight body panels. Engines are sealed to keep the emphasis on driver capability.
An interior reduced to the essentials integrates an onboard telemetry system and a fire suppression system. The dual-clutch, seven-speed gearbox uses different ratios than the road car and a specific calibration for optimized track performance. The brakes are derived from the 599XX experimental track car, and the ABS and F1-Trac systems provide settings for dry and wet tracks. Describing the 458 Challenge, Didier Theys, official Ferrari Challenge Coach and a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona said, “The new 458 is a proper race car. It is close to a GT racer.”
Challenge VIP Hospitality Package
As in previous years, VIP Hospitality passes will be available for those looking to experience the most from Challenge weekends. This unique Ferrari experience includes:
• Entry to the event
• Exclusive access to the Ferrari VIP hospitality area offering premium meal service for breakfast and lunch as well as snacks and beverages throughout the day.
• Ferrari Corral Parking for Ferrari owners.
The VIP Hospitality passes can be purchased starting in February. Please contact the Ferrari Concierge at
866-551-2828 or email support@ferrarisupport.com to purchase passes.
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