Ferrari Racing Days – Big bands and big smiles in New Orleans
Posted: 04.10.2015
Source: Ferrari
Avondale, 4 October – Ferrari Racing Days brought a new bound of Italian flavor to America’s South, as the North American Ferrari Challenge, XX Programmes, and F1 Clienti, hit the track at NOLA Motorsports Park. Located just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, the track played host to a stable of Prancing Horses, ranging from 561 horsepower to over 1,000.
Fab four. Not one, but four FXX Ks made their debut on U.S. soil this weekend. The car, derived from LaFerrari, withstands 1,050 hp, 860 from the V12 combustion engine and 190 from the hybrid (Kers) system. With nearly four hours of track time at NOLA, the Tifosi were enthralled by the roar it made. In addition, the FXX Ks were joined by two 599XXs on the 2.74-mile circuit.
Jewel from the past. A little piece of Ferrari history was showcased as the Formula 1 car F2003-GA of Rubens Barrichello hit the track. In fact, Marc Gené, Scuderia Ferrari test driver, marked the unofficial track record with a time of 1’15”9 on the Louisiana track. He beat the official record, owned by IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan by nearly three seconds.
Challenge. The weekend also marked the penultimate round for the North American Ferrari Challenge, before the drivers and 458 Challenge EVOs travel across the seas for the Finali Mondiali next month (November 5-8) in Mugello, Italy. Although a heavy wind and grey skies covered the track for a majority of the weekend, the racing proved to be excellent, with fierce competition. The three winners of the day were Ziad Ghandour, Anthony Imperato and Chris Cagnazzi.
The paddock. As for those strolling through the paddock, fans had a chance to engage with each of the teams and see for themselves what it takes to race in the longest running one-make series. The team trailers lined the paddock toward the Fan Zone, which hosted the podium celebrations as well as the full Ferrari range. The newest hard-top twin-turbo V8, the 488 Spider, was the highlight, and the star of everyone’s photo.
Ferrari Challenge North America – Ghandour, Imperato and Cagnazzi victorious at their NOLA debut
Posted: 04.10.2015
Source: Ferrari
Avondale, 4 October – The North American Ferrari Challenge weekend came to a close today as 18 drivers stood on the starting grid for Race-2 at NOLA Motorsports Park. The 2.74-mile track located just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, played host to the stable of Ferrari for the first time since its inception five years ago. And the action on track was sure to enthrall the Tifosi in attendance.
Trofeo Pirelli. This weekend’s guest driver, hailing from Lebanon, Ziad Ghandour (Ferrari of Houston), was the ultimate victor in the second race of the Ferrari Challenge. Ghandour had a successful run after the full course caution caused by a collision between Wei Lu (Ferrari of Vancouver) and Mike Zoi (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) early in the race. Unfortunately both drivers could not finish, but the Lebanese was able to gain his momentum once the race went green again by passing his TP contender, Gregory Romanelli (The Collection). Romanelli finished in second place, battling through the field after spinning out midway through the race at Turn 3.
Trofeo Pirelli Am. Anthony Imperato (Ferrari of Long Island) maintained a double winning streak this weekend at NOLA. Finishing first in his class again, Imperato fought to maintain his grounds throughout the 35-minute race. First, came the competition between Imperato and Romanelli, however, to Imperato’s was able gain his lead in the race with 15 minutes. But then came his TPAM contender, Steve Johnson (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) tailing behind him. Both had a strong finish, with Johnson finding himself in second place. James Weiland (Ferrari of San Francisco) finished the race in third place.
Coppa Shell. Chris Cagnazzi (Ferrari of Long Island) had the biggest improvement in today’s race, finishing the weekend strong on top of the podium steps. Starting in 12th position on the grid, Cagnazzi was held back due to the race traffic until the restart then the caution turned his fortunes around. At one point, he overtook four vehicles in the straitaway. Standing next to him on the podium in second position was Rodney Randall (Miller Motor Cars) and Dan O’Neal (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) in third. Next round will be on November 5 to 8 at Mugello Circuit, Italy, home of the 2015 Finali Mondiali.
F1 Clienti – Gené and F2003-GA beat laptime record at NOLA
Posted: 04.10.2015
Source: Ferrari
New Orleans, 4 October – Marc Gené and the Ferrari F2003-GA have written a historic page at the NOLA Motorsport Park today during the Ferrari Racing Days that are underway in the United States. The Spanish driver and the car owned by Robert “Bud” Moeller have set the new laptime record on one of North America’s newest circuit.
The record. As a tutor to the F1 Clienti drivers, Marc Gené, Scuderia Ferrari test driver, jumped on the F2003-GA to run the car for a few laps in order to find the best car set-up for the customer. The Spanish driver recorded a time of 1’15”9 on the Louisiana track beating the previous record that was owned by Tony Kanaan by almost three seconds. The Indianapolis 500 Brazilian champion stopped the clock to 1’18”8753 (a time that remains the official lap record because it was recorded during an official racing event) last April during the first free practice of the IndyCar Series race in the Chip Ganassi Chevrolet powered Dallara.
Ferrari Challenge North America – Romanelli, Imperato, and O’Neal victorious at NOLA debut
Posted: 03.10.2015
Source: Ferrari
Avondale, 3 October – Although the day was promised to have deep blue skies and warm temperature, clouds covered the circuit alongside a brisk wind at NOLA Motorsports Park as the Ferrari Challenge North American ran its first race of the weekend. The 2.74-mile racetrack, located just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, saw a field of 18 Ferrari 458 Challenge EVOs racing among the other Ferrari Racing Days activities, including XX Programmes and F1 Clienti.
Trofeo Pirelli. Today saw an impressive display of competition amongst the Trofeo Pirelli and Trofeo Pirelli Am drivers. Anthony Imperato (Ferrari of Long Island) in the TPAM class was today’s polesitter, qualifying his 458 Challenge EVO with a laptime of 1:39:049. Imperato ran a majority of the race in the lead, however Gregory Romanelli (The Collection) found his weak spot at Turn 4, and overtook him midway in the race. Imperato fought to get back his lead, however Romanelli proved to be unstoppable, claiming the overall victory. Wei Lu (Ferrari of Vancouver) stood right behind the action of the two leaders, finishing second in his class. Guest driver from the Ferrari Challenge Asia-Pacific, Ziad Ghandour (Ferrari of Houston), came in third place.
Trofeo Pirelli Am. A victorious Imperato stood once more at the top of the podium steps. Standing beside him in second place was Steve Johnson (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) who’s driving technique and finesse brought him ahead three positions in his class. Ross Garber (Ferrari of San Francisco) would finish the trio of TPAM winners in third place.
Coppa Shell. Joe Courtney (Miller Motor Cars), Dan O’Neal (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale), and Jean-Claude Saada (Boardwalk Ferrari), the Coppa Shell championhip contenders, continue their battling streak on the track. Among some true racing endeavors, O’Neal and Courtney were head-to-head throughout the race, pulling ahead for a respective first and second place finish. Saada, who didn’t have a successful qualifying session, managed to maneuver his way to finish third on the podium. The on-track action continues tomorrow with Race-2 at 2:55 EST.
Ferrari Racing Days – Racing in the heart of the South
Posted: 02.10.2015
Source: Ferrari
New Orleans, 2 October – The highly anticipated Ferrari Racing Days – which incorporates racing from the Ferrari Challenge North America, XX Programmes and F1 Clienti – will run for the very first time at one of America’s newest racetracks, NOLA Motorsports Park. Regarded as the “Heart of the South”, New Orleans marks the location for the ultimate Ferrari weekend.
The queen. The eagerly awaited FXX K will make its American debut on the 2.74-mile circuit at NOLA. Tifosi are sure to be delighted by the splendor, as not just one, but four FXX Ks will be making their first appearance on American soil. Joining the special 1050 horsepower Prancing Horses are two 599XX and Barrichello’s 2003 Formula 1, the F2003-GA.
Racing. There is also the penultimate round for the North American Ferrari Challenge before the drivers and their 458 Challenge EVOs travel across the seas for the Finali Mondiali next month in Mugello. But this weekend, nineteen drivers will race for one more chance to become the champion of the 2015 season. Practice sessions are reserved for the schedule today before their races of the weekend. Race 1 will begin at 3:25 PM EST on Saturday and Race 2 at 1:55 PM EST on Sunday.
Paddock. Spectators will also be enjoy a lively paddock and Fan Zone in between the racing action. The full lineup of Ferrari road cars will be on display, including the latest V8 turbo, the 488 GTB. Children can race pedal cars alongside the podium and play with the latest Prancing Horses toys. And for those who’d like to purchase their own official Ferrari merchandise, there will be a Ferrari Store adjacent to the Fan Zone. You can catch all the race action of the weekend by following @FerrariUSA on Periscope and Twitter.
Ferrari Challenge North America – The series debuts in New Orleans
Posted: 02.10.2015
Source: Ferrari
Avondale, 2 October – For the sixth and penultimate round of the North American Ferrari Challenge, the 458 Challenge EVO will make its debut at one of North America’s newest racetracks, NOLA Motorsports Park, just a 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans in Louisiana. The course is just over 2.74 miles in duration, although there are future plans to add a linked South Course that would have a combined length of more than five miles which would make it the longest track in the Western Hemisphere. This is the ultimate Ferrari weekend in America before the Finali Mondiali (World Finals) to be held at Mugello, Italy, from November 5 to 8. This weekend 19 drivers will be competing amongst the exhilaration of Ferrari Racing Days, which includes the F1 Clenti and XX Programmes.
Trofeo Pirelli. Entering the sixth round of the 2015 season, Emmanuel Anassis (Ferrari of Quebec) continues to significantly lead his opponents by nearly 100 points. A previous 360 Challenge champion, Anassis is the fastest on the track, having lead nearly every race this season. Behind him, with 136 points, is John Farano (Ferrari Ft. Lauderdale) who’s had quite a successful season, standing on the podium steps for a majority of the races. And currently in third position is Gregory Romanelli (The Collection) with 113 points.
Pirelli Am. Mike Zoi (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) has had an equally successful season this year, competing in all of the Challenge races and standing victorious on the podium steps. He currently holds the championship lead in his class with 180 points. Newcomer Anthony Imperato (Ferrari of Long Island) holds second place with 138 points while Marc Muzzo is behind him with 126 points.
Coppa Shell. The Coppa Shell class holds the tights battle for the championship lead between Jean-Claude Saada (Boardwalk Ferrari) and Joe Courtney (Miller Motor Cars). Both drivers have held a constant competition throughout the season, showcasing their talent when it comes to passing and their corner attacks. Saada currently holds the lead with 155 points, Courtney is second with 152. Rookie Chris Cagnazzi (Ferrari of Long Island) remains third in the category with 137 points.
Schedule. Practice sessions are reserved all day today with Race 1 going green at 3:25 PM EST on Saturday and Race 2 at 1:55 PM EST on Sunday. You can catch all the action by following @FerrariUSA on Periscope and Twitter.