The Unofficial Ferrari Challenge FAQ

The Ferrari Challenge, Ferrari's own racing series, was created to allow Ferrari customers to enjoy their cars in a structured competitive environment, racing against other Ferrari owners on some of the great race tracks of North America.

This list of "Frequently Asked Questions" is designed to help you, the enthusiast, learn more about the event and have the best possible experience at the track as a spectator.

 

 

Where can I get information about the events? Locations? Schedules, Drivers, etc.?
General information about the Ferrari Challenge series can be found on the Official Ferrari Challenge Web Site located at http://www.ferrarichallenge.com You can find driver information, points standings, and general weekend locations on the site as well as information about other Rallys, the Historic Challenge and the Rules and Regulations of the series.

Is there a more detailed event schedule available that lists what happens on each day? When the practice sessions are?
As the race weekend gets closer, more detailed schedule information is posted online. Check the web site as the weekend approaches. Sometimes, the complete schedule is online several weeks before the race weekend. Other times, only a few days before the race weekend.

Is there always a "Ride n Drive" at the event and can spectators sign-up at the event for the "Ride and Drive"?
The availability of these invitation only events vary from market to market. Spectators cannot sign-up "on site" to participate in the "Ride and Drive". For more infortmation on these events, please contact your local Ferrari-Maserati dealer.

How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary from track to track but typically cost between $15.00 and $25.00 Events do not fill up, so feel free to purchase tickets at the gate. Additionally, some tracks sell tickets through their own online box office. Feel free to check the corresponding track's web site for more information.

How can I get in to the VIP Hospitality Tent?
The VIP Hospitality Tent is open to Ferrari Challenge drivers and their guests, Ferrari customers participating in the event and VIP guests. It is not open to the public. Tickets MUST be ordered in advance. Ticket price per day is $120.00 To order, contact your dealer or the Ferrari Challenge Manager at Ferrari North America: Maria Homann-McNeil at mmcneil@ferrariusa.com

What are Club Touring and Sport sessions and how can I sign up for that?
The Ferrari Challenge organizes special track sessions for Ferrari customers who come to the event in their street Ferrari. These sessions usually last 20 to 30 minutes and require advanced notice and preparation. There are two different sessions:

Club Touring: A slow, paced event (behind a pace-car) for drivers who do not have much experience on the track but would like to enjoy driving their Ferrari around a track. This is a great way to experience your Ferrari on a track and become familiar with some of the basics of track driving. A helmet is required for both the driver, and passenger

Club Sport: A more high-speed track session for drivers with more experience driving on a track (from Club Racing, Racing Schools, etc.) There is no speed limit or pace-car for this event. Requirements include full nomex (suit, gloves, shoes). No passengers. No open-top cars (Spiders, GTSs, etc.) All drivers in the Club Sport Sessions must pass a prior approval process.

For both types of sessions, the local supporting dealer for the event in conjunction with the Ferrari Club of America organizes and registers customers for the event. There is a fee to participate in this event that covers track time, inspection and administration. Only full-weekend packages. Sport and Touring sessions are Saturday and Sunday only at all exclusive Ferrari Maserati Racing days (not at any support races like Grand Am or F1 in Montreal). Note: Lime Rock is Friday and Saturday.

My dealer does not have a Challenge team, nor are they particularly knowledgeable about the series. Who else can I talk to for information?
If you need more information about an event, the Series, or to purchase VIP Hospitality tickets, please contact the Ferrari Challenge Manager at Ferrari North America: Maria Homann-McNeil at mmcneil@ferrariusa.com

Why is the CS not eligible for the Challenge Series?
The Challenge Stradale is a street car. Our Ferrari Challenge Racing series is an official Racing series sanctioned by Grand American Racing. Only specifically built Ferrari 360 Challenge cars that have been designed and built strictly for the race track (this car is not street legal) are eligible. These modifications are designed to enhance safety in racing -- for instance, full roll cages, special racing seats and safety harnesses, fire systems, and similar safety devices. There are slight modifications to some body panels, and suspension and brake parts are appropriate for racing, but the V-8 engine remains exactly as Ferrari built it, with no changes permitted.

I want to exhibit a product/service at the event. Who can I contact?
Event sponsorship might be available for different race tracks. Please contact the Ferrari Challenge Manager at Ferrari North America: Maria Homann-McNeil at mmcneil@ferrariusa.com

Can I volunteer to help at the event?
The Ferrari Challenge is organized and followed by a full team. However volunteer help might be desirable on an event to event basis. Please contact the Ferrari Challenge Manager at Ferrari North America: Maria Homann-McNeil at mmcneil@ferrariusa.com

If I come down in a Ferrari, can I park on the in-field? in the paddock?
Usually there is a special Ferrari Corral organized at the event. Pre-registration with a local supporting dealer or the Ferrari Club of America is appreciated -- just so we have an idea of how much space to reserve. We'll do our best to take care of you!

How can I purchase a Challenge car and race in the series? What are the driver requirements? Financial commitment?
The commitment from the driver is not an easy one. There is a lot of time and money that go into each of the cars you see on the track in a weekend. Challenge cars are slightly less expensive than streetable Ferraris, but are still not inexpensive. The support equipment and team support is not exactly free either. Your best bet to learn about entering the Ferrari Challenge Series is to contact your local dealer. They should be able to give you some basic information about their teams, how they work and give you an ide of the costs involved in the commitment. If your dealer does not actively participate in the series, or you want more information please contact the Ferrari Challenge Manager at Ferrari North America: Maria Homann-McNeil at mmcneil@ferrariusa.com

Where can I get Ener1, Bose, Shell, etc. decals for my car?
Official sponsor stickers are provided to the teams who are registered in the series. If you want to buy them for your car, contact Phil Danza

Where can I get a Puma 360 Challenge Series polo?
Good question. They're not available at the Ferrari Store so try your local Puma retailer!

What's the average attendance for a weekend and is there a program I can buy an ad in?
Attendance varies from race track to race track and there is usually not a full event booklet. If you want to get involved and learn about sponsoring the event please contact the Ferrari Challenge Manager at Ferrari North America: Maria Homann-McNeil at mmcneil@ferrariusa.com