458 Ring out the old….bring in the new

I mentioned on this site I planned 100 track days in my 458 spider. Slight change of plans, I’ve decided to retire it from track duty in favor of a 458 Challenge Evo. I have 35 track days last year on nine tracks in the spider and it’s a rock star (that is no joke).

But, for safety reasons and the desire of additional performance on track, decided to up my track game.. Found what appears to be a nice 2015 Challenge Evo and flew out to check it out, and today I swung the mallet.

Looking forward to the experience! The 458 spider will become a ‘normal’ DD, so now it’s three F cars and a Lambo in the stable. I’m good on mid-engine platforms for the time being.

The Challenge Evo will see Road Atlanta later this month if all goes as planned! Forza Ferrari!

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thank you, I may occasionally run the spider, but the Challenger will be the new go to. As far as the 100 days, we’re soon taking occupancy of The Motor Enclave, so I should have a ton of access to its accompanying track, making it easier to fulfill my goal.

 

I spoke to a lot of folks before deciding and came to the conclusion the 488 is too much car for my needs, at least presently. I’ve run with a bunch of Challenge 458 and 488s at all different tracks and am a bit familiar with their capabilities.

Ya, a dream come true. I was kinda looking forward to 100 days in the spider, but I also started to yearn for something a bit more safe and track focused. I did a bunch of stuff to the spider, none of which really make it a track car. But full assurance, it is a blast on track!

 

Yes. I was there a bunch last year.

I plan to do some of the Chin events at Sebring in 2023 and will have most likely have the Challenge.

Come by and introduce yourself!

 

I’ll go with the local track support on track, and I have two independents who can dial in the car and perform all maintenance. The car was in surprisingly good shape and it needs some minor fluid changes and an air filter.

I will use my existing AIM Solo 2 and the car came with a Vic diagnostic tool. There’ll be a learning curve but I’m kinda looking forward to it

I don’t plan to race it, just HPDE fun for now….

 

Wow, that is an absolute shock, especially from that organization. I’ve done just over a year and know the regulars, but of course they rotate a lot of folks in and out.

Even though we sign wavers, it still shouldn’t have happened. I presume you’re running red as I don’t pass in T7. But yeah, I guess it could’ve been worse.

 

War stories I know, but running in blue coming up the Esses at VIR last year I posted by a guy in a Clubport GT4. I was over 100 mph just after the bridge and lifted slightly. He passed, and was so eager to get back on line, nearly chopped me to death (literally). Missed me by inches. He was on his checkpoint ride and I only hope he failed, as he deserved to.

 

.You betcha. Our building should be ready in a month or so, but the unit inside is just a big open box for now. I’ll be doing fit out thereafter but’ll bring a car or two down in the meantime and will PM you. Track should be opening soon also.

My experience as well with Blue - most accidents and riskiest. We lost a half day at The Glen when someone in blue binned the retaining wall near the bus stop.

I’m kinda new at this but love Chin’s happy hour when all groups run together. Red drivers are far more predictable in signaling their intent and it’s always easier to point them by. And I learn from them…..