FERRARI CHALLENGE THIS WEEKEND!

David,

Most likely,as in the past, the touring group/sessions will be paced by a Road Atlanta vehicle, and consequently it will be most difficult to get into trouble with speeds limited to 70 or 80mph. However, I would be glad to give you many pointers/proper line, braking points, apex markers, etc.

Over the years, I have around 200 laps on Road Atlanta in various cars(Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari) driving both the old configuration(dip/gravity cavity) and on the new configuration in which the dip was replaced with turns 10a and 10b. I also have many laps under my belt at various tracks including Mid Ohio, Sebring, Roebling Road, Brainard and Elkart Lake, and have provided instruction to a few people along the way. Just remember that car preparation is paramont. At one point(some years ago), I also held a SCCA license, was the Mid West region champion and gathered many trophies, but the expense and other "life events" basically forced a retirement from racing, but still participate in some club events at Road Atlanta, etc.

I am not sure what a certified instructor has for credentials, but I would be glad to ride with you and show you the smooth and fast way around the circuit. My driver saftey gear is up to current SCCA and FIA regualtions except for the HANS device. I can also provide you with a personal reference if desired.

Let's hope the weather cooperates, and keep the rubber side down.

 

For Sports group, you'd also need full Nomex suit, and you'd want to have a helmet-to-helmet communication system so you actually hear your instructor (or your instructor may have one).

In any case, I don't recommend going to the Sports group if it's your first time on this track and you haven't had professional instruction elsewhere before. Believe me, you'll be able to go plenty fast through the turns and enjoy the "touring" session... the only limitation you'll have is high-speed on the straights and not passing except on the straights.

 

Don't worry about that. The "mic" version is more for people who talk to their crew during a race. For driver-to-passenger chatting, the most common is something like the NADY intercom, an example of which you can see at
http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/itemdetail.asp?ses=434ee9yaitqrs28u4n&itemid=372&showbrake=1

 

Is the touring open for everyone?
I have a Maserati, will that be allowed or is it only Ferrari.
One more thing, if I am allowed is there a place to sign up, are there fees?
I noticed one of you saying you had signed up.

 

any link to info on the club and the Touring laps? I wpould like to take my 355 up ther. Limited to 75-80?? you mean I can't get outta 3rd on the track?? Bah Humbumg

Professore hope to see you there sir!

R

 

1. I got a card in the mail from Ferrari North America showing admission as $25. Now I was told on Saturday that anyone showing up in a Ferrari would be admitted for free. Is that only for club members? People who signed up for track time? People who bought their cars from authorized dealers? What's the real scoop?

2. Is there going to be a paddock (or paddocks) for F-car owners, and where? Is there going to be a specific meeting place for FChat members? And at what time on each day?

3. Does anyone know what vendors might show up? And will there be any food concessions open aside from the cafe in the old garage building?

 

1. I happened to call the track yesterday afternoon. The girl who answered the phone said I would get in free if I brought my car. She made no mention though it was for Saturday only though.

2. The last Ferrari Challenge at Road Atlanta, all the F-cars parked over in the support paddock area infront of all the race cars. But of course you wanted to see the esses you had to move your car as it is a long walk.

3. Don't know the answer to this one.

 

This is what we should organize......a dedicated F-Chat area. There are a few of us from the NC/SC board coming down as well and I'm sure we'd all like to meet up.

 

You have to sign up through Ferrari of Atlanta, and Maseratis are also welcome for the track time. Call Helen at FoA at 1.800.522.2345 though it may be too late for signups now, and only customers of FoA or Ferrari Club members got invites. And YES, there are certainly track fees, but you have the option to sign up for either Saturday, Sunday, or both days. You'll have to have a Snell SA2000 rated helmet and your car have already had a tech inspection. FCA is trying to arrange a "parade lap" for all Ferraris and Masers, even if they're not signed up for "real" track time. I don't know if we'll be able to fit it into the schedule or not. If you're not a member of FCA, you can join through the link at the regional website at
www.fca-se.com

Arriving in a Ferrari or Maserati gets you in for the Challenge event for free, waiving the $25 spectator fee. However, it won't get you in the FMNA hospitality area, which will be including breakfast, snacks and lunch.