Ferrari Challenge
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From: Illinois
Ferrari Challenge
I had the opportunity to attend the Ferrari Challenge event at Road America. I've been to Road America before for a Lexus Performance Driving School event and it is one defintely one of the nicest road courses in North America.
The event was nicely run with many beautiful Ferraris present and several making appearances in the disc (newer) and drum (older) races. But the thing that topped the day off was not the swordfish, veal or cheesecake being served in the hospiltality tent. It also wasn't the chance to watch the world cup final with so many tifosi present.
No... The capper was getting to ride for two hot laps in an F430. They had three cars, an F430 CS, F430 pace car, and a 612. I drew the pace car as my vehicle. Let me tell you the ride was simply awesome. The F430 launch was just violent as were the upshifts. I'm not one for purse straightline speed but on this track it leads to braking, lots of it. Turns 3, 5 and 13 are amazing and though the carousel is fun (how long *will* that car stick?) it doesn't match the other "blind" braking and turn-in zones on the track. Kink anyone? Just have faith it'll stick and stay on the gas!
What a great ride! The brakes were awesome, the engine was awesome, the exhaust note was so, so sweet and the car itself is just plain sex. Oh yeah, the guy driving was pretty damn good too.
I seriously have got to start saving!
BTW: JIMMY540i.com I was thinking about you and I'm jealous!
The event was nicely run with many beautiful Ferraris present and several making appearances in the disc (newer) and drum (older) races. But the thing that topped the day off was not the swordfish, veal or cheesecake being served in the hospiltality tent. It also wasn't the chance to watch the world cup final with so many tifosi present.
No... The capper was getting to ride for two hot laps in an F430. They had three cars, an F430 CS, F430 pace car, and a 612. I drew the pace car as my vehicle. Let me tell you the ride was simply awesome. The F430 launch was just violent as were the upshifts. I'm not one for purse straightline speed but on this track it leads to braking, lots of it. Turns 3, 5 and 13 are amazing and though the carousel is fun (how long *will* that car stick?) it doesn't match the other "blind" braking and turn-in zones on the track. Kink anyone? Just have faith it'll stick and stay on the gas!
What a great ride! The brakes were awesome, the engine was awesome, the exhaust note was so, so sweet and the car itself is just plain sex. Oh yeah, the guy driving was pretty damn good too.
I seriously have got to start saving!
BTW: JIMMY540i.com I was thinking about you and I'm jealous!
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Originally Posted by Mr Johnson
I had the opportunity to attend the Ferrari Challenge event at Road America. I've been to Road America before for a Lexus Performance Driving School event and it is one defintely one of the nicest road courses in North America.
The event was nicely run with many beautiful Ferraris present and several making appearances in the disc (newer) and drum (older) races. But the thing that topped the day off was not the swordfish, veal or cheesecake being served in the hospiltality tent. It also wasn't the chance to watch the world cup final with so many tifosi present.
No... The capper was getting to ride for two hot laps in an F430. They had three cars, an F430 CS, F430 pace car, and a 612. I drew the pace car as my vehicle. Let me tell you the ride was simply awesome. The F430 launch was just violent as were the upshifts. I'm not one for purse straightline speed but on this track it leads to braking, lots of it. Turns 3, 5 and 13 are amazing and though the carousel is fun (how long *will* that car stick?) it doesn't match the other "blind" braking and turn-in zones on the track. Kink anyone? Just have faith it'll stick and stay on the gas!
What a great ride! The brakes were awesome, the engine was awesome, the exhaust note was so, so sweet and the car itself is just plain sex. Oh yeah, the guy driving was pretty damn good too.
I seriously have got to start saving!
BTW: JIMMY540i.com I was thinking about you and I'm jealous!
The event was nicely run with many beautiful Ferraris present and several making appearances in the disc (newer) and drum (older) races. But the thing that topped the day off was not the swordfish, veal or cheesecake being served in the hospiltality tent. It also wasn't the chance to watch the world cup final with so many tifosi present.
No... The capper was getting to ride for two hot laps in an F430. They had three cars, an F430 CS, F430 pace car, and a 612. I drew the pace car as my vehicle. Let me tell you the ride was simply awesome. The F430 launch was just violent as were the upshifts. I'm not one for purse straightline speed but on this track it leads to braking, lots of it. Turns 3, 5 and 13 are amazing and though the carousel is fun (how long *will* that car stick?) it doesn't match the other "blind" braking and turn-in zones on the track. Kink anyone? Just have faith it'll stick and stay on the gas!
What a great ride! The brakes were awesome, the engine was awesome, the exhaust note was so, so sweet and the car itself is just plain sex. Oh yeah, the guy driving was pretty damn good too.
I seriously have got to start saving!
BTW: JIMMY540i.com I was thinking about you and I'm jealous!
How was the engine sound?
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
j/k, but it would help.
That sounds freakin' awesome! How did you find out about this?
For those of us who want to drive a Ferrari, along with 5 other exotics, I hope you saw my World Class Driving thread. Most dates are sold out, but they have added a few new locations that haven't sold out yet.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 14
From: Cali
I was just going to say... dude! Where are the photos? You're killing us!
Sounds like a great day. I've seen your posts before; you seem to be involved with the automotive business in some way, perhaps you're a writer or journalist? Seems like you've had some great car-related experiences!
I haven't driven the F430, but I've driven numerous F360s. I drove this F360 Challenge car down the Las Vegas strip... on full slicks... totally illegal! This was taken in the convention center during SEMA show set-up. SEMA is awesome because you can drive almost any car around town and the cops mostly won't mess with you.... this was a full Challenge car, solo seat, full cage, Lexan windows. The sound alone of these cars is intoxicating.
The F360/F430s are on the short list I MUST own at some point in my life! Looking foward to seeing the 599 in person!
Sounds like a great day. I've seen your posts before; you seem to be involved with the automotive business in some way, perhaps you're a writer or journalist? Seems like you've had some great car-related experiences!
I haven't driven the F430, but I've driven numerous F360s. I drove this F360 Challenge car down the Las Vegas strip... on full slicks... totally illegal! This was taken in the convention center during SEMA show set-up. SEMA is awesome because you can drive almost any car around town and the cops mostly won't mess with you.... this was a full Challenge car, solo seat, full cage, Lexan windows. The sound alone of these cars is intoxicating.
The F360/F430s are on the short list I MUST own at some point in my life! Looking foward to seeing the 599 in person!
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Illinois
To answer some of the questions:
A sponsor of the event provided a couple of VIP passes. I could have chosen this or seat in a suite for the NASCAR race in Joliet. No contest IMO. I'm not in the auto industry though I wouldn't mind if I were. I have just been lucky enough to dabble in the hobby I love.
The engine sounded tremendous. Revving to over 8K RPM you can imagine the wonderful banshee shriek the engine makes. Every gear change pops your head back and starts the noise ramp again from a deeper register. Awesome!
The car was fast as I expected from a standstill. It was at speed that it amazed with it's ability to keep pulling as the revs rose. Honestly the surprise came from the amount of traction the car had. The tires ability to stick was simply awe inspiring. The brakes were simply incredible, I'm sure aided by the large rubber. The car stayed nice and flat in the turns. There was some lean but it was negligible and the car was really nicely balanced.
The 4 mile road course was, IMO, the perfect place to really see what a car like this can do. I was very, very impressed.
Now... how much you think the local Ferrari dealer will give me on a trade for my GS?!? The kids don't really need to go to college do they?
A sponsor of the event provided a couple of VIP passes. I could have chosen this or seat in a suite for the NASCAR race in Joliet. No contest IMO. I'm not in the auto industry though I wouldn't mind if I were. I have just been lucky enough to dabble in the hobby I love.
The engine sounded tremendous. Revving to over 8K RPM you can imagine the wonderful banshee shriek the engine makes. Every gear change pops your head back and starts the noise ramp again from a deeper register. Awesome!
The car was fast as I expected from a standstill. It was at speed that it amazed with it's ability to keep pulling as the revs rose. Honestly the surprise came from the amount of traction the car had. The tires ability to stick was simply awe inspiring. The brakes were simply incredible, I'm sure aided by the large rubber. The car stayed nice and flat in the turns. There was some lean but it was negligible and the car was really nicely balanced.
The 4 mile road course was, IMO, the perfect place to really see what a car like this can do. I was very, very impressed.
Now... how much you think the local Ferrari dealer will give me on a trade for my GS?!? The kids don't really need to go to college do they?
Last edited by Mr Johnson; Jul 12, 2006 at 11:33 AM.
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