Ferrari Challenge Sonoma Raceway 2014 Pictures Gallery Final

Images© and story by Michael Rockich, Contact Photographer For Information on Photos of this Event

Ferrari Challenge Wrap-Up, Sonoma Raceway 2014
Michael Rockich

Closely contested auto racing was enjoyed at Sonoma Raceway in northern California April 26-27. The team with motorsports in their DNA provided spectators and contestants with excitement. The occasion was the second round of the North American Ferrari Challenge. For three full days contestants exercised the opportunity to practice, qualify, and race in two exciting races.

Each race included the Trofeo Pirelli classification for more experienced drivers, and the Coppa Shell classification for those more novice. Let's get to the results.

Challenge Race 1, April 26

Trofeo Pirelli results
Mark McKenzie, Ferrari of Houston, pole position for Race 1

1st, Mark McKenzie, Ferrari of Houston
2nd, Harry Cheung, Ferrari of Beverly Hills
3rd, Ricardo Perez Ferrari of Houston

Coppa Shell results
1st, 7th overall, Chris Ruud, Ferrari of Beverly Hills
2nd, 8th overall, Jon Becker, Ferrari of Beverly Hills
3rd, 11th overall, James Weiland, Ferrari of San Francisco

Challenge Race 2, April 27

Trofeo Pirelli results
Harry Cheung, Ferrari of Beverly Hills, pole position for Race 2

1st, Ricardo Perez, Ferrari of Houston
2nd, Damon Ockey, Ferrari of Ontario
3rd, Ryan Ockey, Ferrari of Ontario

Coppa Shell results 1st, Jon Becker, Ferrari of Beverly Hills
2nd, Chris Ruud, Ferrari of Beverly Hills
3rd, James Weiland, Ferrari of San Francisco

Parc Ferme inspection after each race

Parc Ferme

The winners of Race 1 celebrate with Champagne
On the race track there was news as Ferrari's EVO flexed its muscles. The Ferrari Challenge car for 2014, the 458 Challenge Evoluzione, is still the 458 Italia but with performance ratcheted up a few notches, particularly by aerodynamic enhancements.

EVO, the Ferrari Challenge car for 2014
Ferrari's new 458 Speciale was also on display off track. The Speciale is a model that started with 458 Italia specifications, but moved beyond. Improved features and functionality include more power, better handling, drive train changes, better computer control, and less weight.

Ferrari's new 458 Speciale
As usual the Ferrari Faithful corral members were out in force despite on and off inclement weather. Vintage as well as new Ferraris wrapped the large parking area in queue awaiting their opportunity to enter the race track. These cars took to track more than once in a parade of slow touring laps. Numerous Ferrari models were noticed including several Dinos, several Testarossas, and an Enzo. This three day fest could not have been much more complete.

Ferrari corral

Enzo power

Old warrior looking new - vintage Ferrari 333 SP, 3.8 L V12 sports prototype 1990s period

Ferrari Faithful - watch for the next round of the North American Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, May 16-18.