Challenge series question | FerrariChat

Challenge series question

Discussion in 'Challenge/GT Cars/Track' started by Tom(Atl), Apr 16, 2008.

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  1. Tom(Atl)

    Tom(Atl) Formula Junior

    Oct 29, 2006
    509
    USA
    Full Name:
    Tom
    I was thinking about trying to compete in the Ferrari Challenge. Has anyone here done that? How was it?

    According to the FNA Ferrari Challenge website (https://www.ferrarichallenge.com/news/index.cfm?cid=2470):

    "New 2008 F430 Challenge Car Purchasers All customers purchasing a 2008 Model Year F430 Challenge car will automatically purchase the Season Championship entry package ($30,000). This is additional to – not included in – the vehicle’s MSRP."

    So does everyone buying a challenge have to pay $30k upon purchase of the car, and can choose to pay 30k each additional year to compete? How do logistics like transportation work? It doesn't indicate that transport is included in the 30k.

    What happens to challenge cars after they are no longer raced? I'm assuming they experience a sharp decline in value. Do many owners offer them for sale used, to others who wish to compete in the series? Where might I find one that I could race next year?
     
  2. ProCoach

    ProCoach F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Sep 15, 2004
    5,465
    VIR Raceway
    Full Name:
    Peter Krause
    Tom, go to the dealer and ask these questions. Challenge racing is very expensive. Fun and many feel worthwhile, but very, very expensive.

    Your relationship with the dealer will be pivotal and if your local dealer doesn't follow the circuit, call one that does. Ferrari of Houston or Ferrari of Washington. You want a dealer that does this often and for several folks.
     
  3. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

    Jul 13, 2004
    5,559
    TX
    Full Name:
    Sameer
  4. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2004
    6,365
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    Ron
    1 - "trying to compete"...instead..go into this with the idea of just having fun. There are some very good drivers in the top 3 spots that have years and years of experience. So fun it is..

    2- I did it. 2 years in a 360 Challenge. I won the 2000 enduro series and got 4th in the sprint series. I ultimately got 1 first place throphy and a few 3rd places. Some drivers say they went off and race to relax..But it was alot of work to get everything going the way I wanted. But yes...It was fun

    3 - $30k..lol...guess FNA finally got sick of people buying challenge cars and then not racing them. The $30k is charged by FNA and passed on to the dealer that will add that $30k on top of whatever you end up paying for a 430C. $30k is just the begining btw. It will cost LOTS and LOTS more.

    the Challenge series cost boat loads of money. I found the return on what I paid out to be far more than what I got back. I'm glad I raced 2 years, but can't see doing it again considering there are so many other venues to race a Ferrari for alot less money.

    Ferrari of Scottsdale is running a few cars this season and when I was down there chatting with them about how the costs have gone up, they said that a weekend (FNA's fee, dealer's fee, transport, maintainence at the track ect..) is roughly $25k. When I ran the series in 2000 and 2001, I was paying $15k. This price didnt include hotel, flight, crash damage, insurance or maintainence between races

    Hope it helps
     
  5. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

    Jul 13, 2004
    5,559
    TX
    Full Name:
    Sameer
    I remember you saying that you could have got a F40 for what it cost to race in the Challenge series. :eek:

    Glad though you enjoyed it. Maybe you will start little Bella on go karts and hopefully get a future Schumacher :)
     
  6. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
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    Jul 28, 2004
    6,365
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    Ron
    yup..well..an F40 back at 2000 prices!
     
  7. PDX Tifosi

    PDX Tifosi Karting

    Jun 19, 2007
    109
    Vancouver, WA
    Full Name:
    Dan
    i know a couple people who've looked into it. They ended up running the Porsche cup series instead. The said it was MUCH cheaper, and the competition was better. ie. FC had too many people with lots of money but were short on talent.
     
  8. Challenge64

    Challenge64 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2004
    6,365
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    Ron
    There are trade offs in everything. What I saw in the Ferrari Challenge was a somewhat casual, but more importantly, friendly environment. I've raced in professional series and looked into the Porsche Cup..but thats real racing. People are there trying to make careers and move up the ladder to other things. The Ferrari Challenge is what it is...kinda take it or leave it. Money no object thinking...I would chose the Ferrari Challenge over the Porsche Cup anyday. But thats a personal choice. As for being short on talent..every series seems to have a little of that. But trust me..there is plenty of competition in the Challenge Series
     
  9. b-mak

    b-mak F1 Veteran

    Wow, Ron, that is spendy, given all the other first-rate race options out there.
     

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