Ferrari Challenge on the West Coast

The Ferrari Challenge single make series is now in its twenty-second year and features the 458 Challenge EVO, which sports an all new aero package from last year.  The cars look more aggressive than ever before and the drivers agree that the new additions make the cars that much more fun to drive.

The Challenge is organized into three series, covering four different regions across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.  The North American region is split among two categories for amateur drivers (Coppa Shell), and those with competition experience (Trofeo Pirelli).  Drivers in each class race for the title in their respective classes.

We were lucky enough to cover both of the West Coast rounds of the Challenge this year being held at two of the most iconic tracks in North America – Race Sonoma and Laguna Seca.  The weekend at Sonoma was soggy at first, most of the way through Friday’s practice sessions, but gave way to much sunnier conditions on the weekend.  Laguna Seca was having typical late spring weather – early fog which gave way to perfectly sunny afternoons. The drivers kept the racing close and loaded with action on both weekends, while still managing to remain “gentleman”.  Even if just so.

The Laguna Seca weekend even featured a few laps in the passenger seat of a properly equipped Challenge EVO.  And it was my ridiculous luck to have one of my favorite drivers, Anthony Lazzaro behind the wheel for my very quick pair of laps around the circuit.  I managed to get a couple cameras mounted on the car before we left pit lane.  And I even remembered to turn one of them on.

There was a second “ride-along” car working, as well, which had Formula Drift star Conrad Grunwald behind the wheel of a similarly prepared 458, taking a small group of very excited passengers for their trip around the historic circuit.

We had a chance to speak with Ricardo Perez and Jon Becker, two drivers in the series and here’s what they had to say about some of their experiences:

ML@S: Tell us how you each got involved with the series.

Jon Becker: Over the years I owned a wide variety of sports cars ranging from Acura NSXs and Corvettes to Porsches and Lamborghinis.  But the day I bought my first Ferrari things changed for me.  I felt at home with the brand and realized for the first time why Ferrari is truly different from everyone else on the market.  Racing is literally part of the Ferrari DNA.  From my first Ferrari, I found myself with a strong desire to use my cars for the purpose Mr. Ferrari intended: being driven hard on a race track!  After my first experience driving a Ferrari on a proper circuit, I know I had to race!  As a result, I set out to properly prepare myself to race not just cars, but Ferraris. Between racing schools, track events, test days, and attending the Ferrari Driving Experience it was not long before I knew I wanted to race the challenge.

Ricardo Perez: Ferrari Challenge came to me at the right time on my career. Last year after having won the “Super Copa Telcel” championship three years in a row, Ferrari of Houston offered me the opportunity to do a test with Ferrari Challenge.  I did that test and finished with great results.  That was when I decided to race this series in North America and Canada.

ML@S: Do you find the 458 Challenge EVO easier or more difficult to drive than other race cars you have driven? 

Jon Becker: The 458 Italia is a magnificent street car! The 458 Challenge actually manages to make it even better. From the beginning the 458 Challenge car was the best thing I had ever driven on a race track. What the EVO kit does is take an already well-tempered race car and make it just that much better! This car does EVERYTHING well! It has tons of power and acceleration, it corners like it’s on rails, and the braking is truly unbelievable. It is actually difficult to imagine how they could make this car better. But, then again, I thought that about the F430 Challenge car as well! Simply put, the 458 Challenge Car is the best thing I have ever driven by a long shot.

Ricardo Perez:  They are completely different!  All cars that I’ve run have their own challenges.  At first I had trouble adapting to the technology of a Ferrari race car, but after the first race in Daytona I felt very comfortable handling it… Performance is impressive. What I enjoy from this series, is running the long tracks where I can reach extreme speeds. And what I like the most of driving the 458 Ferrari Challenge is the speedy gearbox, the traction control it has, the stability management and the ABS brakes.

ML@S:  Talk about your preparation before a race.

Jon Becker: Just before a race I try to keep myself as distracted as possible. One of the interesting things about racing is that your body tends to throw the “adrenaline switch” about 30 minutes before the race actually starts. I find that this makes me jittery and little sick to my stomach if I just sit around and think about the race. As a result, up until the time I get into the car, I try to spend time with my family, walk around a bit, and just keep myself busy. I often say that the worst part of racing is the 10 minutes before the green flag. Once the green flag comes out it’s a whole different story – Pure Ecstasy!  

Ricardo Perez: As a driver I´ll do whatever it takes to win the Ferrari Challenge Championship and for that, I must sacrifice many things.  I have to be disciplined and follow a strict exercise and eating schedule. I work out every day because the physical condition is very important for racing.  And at last and very important I do my daily practice with the simulator, because it helps me to get to know the tracks and to improve my own times.

Here are my favorite photos from the Ferrari Challenge.

Race Sonoma:

Laguna Seca: