This post is for those who own a Challenge car, but didn't attend the FCRA race at Sebring. I took a lot of skepticism with me to Sebring. I could imagine that the egos found everywhere in racing would turn the series into an Italian bumper car sideshow. The talk about trophies, cash payouts, decals, etc, made me a little uneasy; I wondered whether administration of the series would suffer from too much attention being paid to incidentals. I also wondered whether completely unqualified drivers would be allowed to race. I was prepared to pack up after a session or two if I didn't like the vibe. Five of us went to Sebring as Team Competizione & Sports Cars - C&SC owners Richard and Fernando, C&SC employee Dominic, rig driver Lee and fellow racer Bruce. Everything went smoothly - registration, track access and set-up, driver meetings, etc. Everyone was friendly - front runners Jerome Bocuse and Mark McKenzie took the time to stop by our garage and say hello. I'm not a fan of driver meetings, it's rare that anything important is said - but for this new series, and a bunch of drivers who probably haven't spent much time together on track, Chief Steward Peter Argetsinger gave exactly the right pre-race talk. The racing was close and clean. Everyone on track seemed heads up. We had a blast. If you have a Challenge car, my advice is to give the series a try, it may be the best US venue for running one of these cars. We'll be back for the VIR and Glen rounds, at the least. We think we can bring more drivers next time. We want to support the series. FCRA is a work in progress, in search of better dates, for example - but I suspect that will come in year two, if car counts remain high. Hard to imagine a promoter who doesn't want to add 40 Ferraris to his show. High marks for race 1 from this driver. Well done, John, and congratulations.
WCH I am glad you enjoyed it. I have raced with these guys for the last 2 years and it's been an blast. It's club racing, but not full out competition, crash my car to win at all cost. The event is first class all the way. I also enjoy seeing racing Ferrari's together in one venue. How many times do you get to see 42 Challenge cars at once? It's wonderful. I appreciate the time, and effort it takes everyone involved to get these cars to the track. The best part about this group is not just the cars, it's the people driving the cars. On top of that you have some serious funny characters in the mix. Franco with his Louis Vuitton case with $42,000 in cash for the drivers. How fun was that? So, sum it up. It's a excellent recipe of beautiful cars, passionate people with same interest of having fun. We just need to keep it that way! Thank you, John Houghtaling, Jeff Ippoliti, Franco Valobra, and all the Sponsors for putting together a wonderful event. Keep up the good work! Greg
William and Greg, Thanks for your kind words about your experience at Sebring. The FCRA series was made for the drivers. I think it will be interesting to hear from the drivers some constructive criticism. Although the first race was a success, I am sure there could be some improvements in certain area. Looking forward to see all of you @VIR! Jerome
doh, just now making connection between #84 and WCH! Great driving Will up there at the front. At least you had the FerrariChat sticker on, that should be worth some points! we'll have to actually meet next time.
I couldn't agree more. I too was a little apprehensive about the initial race, but I must say it was a terrific event. The drivers, the cars and the organization were all first class. As WCH said, if you have a Challenge car, you should really give FCRA a try. I just wish I could make more dates during the rest of the year. I know I'll miss VIR, but I'll try to make some others. The series is off to a very good start!! Mark
I agree with the comments here! It's really fun to be part of an all-Ferrari field. I bought a CD of photos from the track-side photographer and I can't wait to post some of them. Looking straight on to the race start from T1 was breathtaking with all the cars spread out 6-wide. Everyone did exactly as Peter and John mentioned in the driver's meeting and neatly got single file before T3. Paul (F430)
This is encouraging to read. Do you guys have any in-car videos to share with us? I've seen enough Ferrari Challenge Series in-car videos to know that it's not my cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, I love to attend those races and spectate but something like FCRA would definitely be interesting for a weekend racer like myself with an older Challenge car.
Thanks for the commentary. I too am a skeptic. I appreciate your comments and may drag out my 360 and/or my 430 Challenge cars to participate this summer. The guys at Universal have been asking me join in as they have provided service and products for my cars. Your endorsement is encouraging.
As the title sponsor, we had our own anxieties about how well this series would takeoff. All I can say is that John Houghtaling and the FCRA members delivered on every promise that was made. The event exceeded our expectations, and it is obvious that this series is going to be extremely successful. We are extremely proud to have our name on this series, and we will continue this support for years to come!
This is the best Ferrari news I have had in years. I would much rather participate in my Challenge than watch Alonso win ! Each to their own I guess but to have a dedicated series run seriously is an amazing privilege.
