Ferrari Challenge or ALMS?

ALMS - more serious equipment and more serious racers

 

ALMS rocks man, they were just here!

 

ALMS definitely. I think you'll see a better race with the ALMS cars than what you would have seen at the USGP with F1 so don't be too disappointed. ALMS is all about racing and is very "fan-friendly" and will cost you a whole lot less $$$. The Challenge race is a good thing but obviously doesn't offer the diversity of ALMS. Cheer for the Intersport Lola in LMP2 - it's Liz and Clint - she's has two class wins thus far and a second overall and will be driving at LeMans - hope she wins her class there it would be a fantastic achievement for her.

Have fun...

Carol

 

Both.

Sure the ALMS has the serious equipment, but the FC is competitive and fun to watch. Also you need to check the FC weekend to see if the FXX's will make their appearance along with the F1 client cars.

So find a way to afford both.

 

I would normally agree about the ALMS, but it depends on how much of an F-Car junky you are. At Houston there was only 1 f430 and although it had some trouble it was great to watch. Had it gone out early I would have turned off the TV. As far as the Challenge race, the 360's and 430 are fun to watch , but get a bit repetitive. NOW, It the Historic Challenge is included this is the ticket. For any hardcore Ferrari junkie like myself there is nothing like seeing the old boys being tossed around for real. When was the last time you saw a 250 SWB or 250 GTO in a wicked fast 4 wheel drift. Modern cars don't drive that way. How about a perfect 512M (Not the testarossa) or BBLM at about 180. The sound and strength on marginal tires is unlike anything today. I think it's a lot more fun to watch. I don't know whether your closest race has the historics or not but give it some thought.

 

I'll be at Indy F1 but first trip of the year is ALMS at Mid-Ohio this weekend. WooHoo. All new blacktop with nothing but club events on track since new. No more concrete aprons in the corners. Rain possible Sunday, probable Saturday.

 

I would race ALMS.

 

I just get to watch. I've asked many times, at many events, and they would never let me drive. i don't know why.

 

In motor racing, it could only be one of two things.

 

ALMS for sure ... I was at one this weekend and seeing the plethora of cars in different classes makes it something special.

The drivers and paddock are really accessible - you can see the cars being worked on. Easy to get autographs.

 

Not to be contrary, which, of course, I am, but for the novice the Challenge races are a hoot to watch. You don't have to keep track of who's who and what's what. Because the races are just straight up sprints, there are no pit strategies. It is a snap to tell who is in the lead. And, while this is supposed to racing for gentlemen and ladies, there can be real paint swapping going on.

I gotta say watching Steve Earle win his last race at Montreal in 2004 was almost as much fun as the F1 race.

Dale

 

You gotta check out the ALMS racing. Always great events to attend, and it's fun walking through the paddock.
The FC looks fun, but it's not such a big race.

 

OK, I'll bite. No car, or no skill? Just kidding. It's been a joke for years of mine and my friends who have attended racing events to ask if we could drive. I met Paul Newman and ask if I could drive. No! Michael Andretti also said no. Bobby Rahal put my son in the car and said that's close enough.

 

In actuality, it would likely be two things - no license, no money in the game.
You can drive just about anything you want in motorsports, as long as you are willing to buy the seat (and the license.)

Of course, without the experience, one's race might not last very long once the seat is purchased. :O


Oh, and just to throw in my $.02 on Caplax40's which race to go to:
I'll answer with a question - Which type of racing do you want to see?
Hard driving, serious performance and talented drivers with multiple classes?
OR
Hard driving, cool cars, some talent and few classes but a high potential for yellow flags?
Remember that "buy a seat" thing? There are many who are known as "checkbook racers" whose experience is low but funds are high. FC is one of those venues that's open season for that type of racing, so you can wind up seeing the talented/experienced drivers weaving their way through a field of... not so experienced drivers. Makes for exciting stuff sometimes.
That's why I offer my Racing Coach services to FC drivers - I want to keep them and their cars safe through educating them and raising their experience level to be one of the weavers and not the weavees .

So - headlong serious racing, or cool cars with a high potential to run into stuff? You make the call.


Cheers,
Chuck

 

1. Take a list containing all the cars and drivers so that you can follow what's going on. There are so many classes that it can be confusing if you aren't regularly watching ALMS

2. Buy a paddock pass if it is sold separately - the cars are pretty visible to the naked eye and to see a close-up stay near the IMSA scrutineering bay where the cars will roll up after a practice session or so. You can see all the dash and other close quarter details that you would otherwise miss

3. Make sure you dont miss the driver's autograph sessions. It is extremely easy to get autographs here unlike in F1 where there is a mile long queue and still you might miss getting one. Remember the drivers in the ALMS are world class with many of them posting LeMans and other long distance victories as well as a few ex-F1 drivers among them- Saasha Massen, Dindo Capello, Allan McNish, Mika Salo, ....

4. Take a lot of pictures.

You will have a blast for sure...