Ferrari Challenge - First Round of Victories for Perez, Weiland and SaadaDaytona Beach, 23 January - The dark and tumultuous clouds did not overbear the 29 drivers of the North American Ferrari Challenge as they raced along the high banks and 12 turns of the Daytona International Speedway.
Beginning today's race in pole position was Ricardo Perez. Following his world champion title from the Finali Mondiali last fall in Abu Dhabi, the Mexican continues to showcase his strength and talent, battling his ground as front runner. After a constant battle with Canadian Emmanuel Anassis, Perez ultimately claimed his victory and finished first overall and in his Trofeo Pirelli class. Anassis finished a mere 1.349 seconds behind Perez in second place. Gregory Romanelli, who had today's fastest lap at 1:49.955, finished third. New to the series this year is the Trofeo Pirelli AM class, with 12 drivers racing in this category. Finishing on top of the podium steps for this division was James Weiland of Ferrari of San Francisco. Standing in second place was Robert Herjavec and closing the winners circle was Arthur Romanelli. And just like his brother, Arthur held today's fastest lap record for his division at 1:50:403.
As for the Coppa Shell class, some new faces stood on top of the podium steps. Jean-Claude Saada from Ferrari of San Francisco claimed his first victory in his category. Saada was in the chase with Dan O'Neal throughout the race. O'Neal finished second and Chris Cagnazzi closed in third.
North American
Ferrari Challenge - A formidable race beneath the rainDaytona Beach, 24 January - The opening weekend for the 2015 North American Ferrari Challenge season came to a close today as the chequered flag waved brilliantly above the Daytona grandstands. The doubleheader weekend with the 24 Hours at Daytona enthralled Ferraristi as the second leg of the weekend was raced completely under heavy downpours. The high banks and hairpin turns were mirrored with translucent reflections along the speedway's pavement.
Amidst the clouds and wet terrain, 29 drivers in the 458 Challenge EVOs raced in one of the most exhilarating races to open the 2015 season. Gregory Romanelli, who started today's race in sixth position, overtook five cars including that of pole sitter, Emmanuel Anassis, within the first turn of the race. From there, Romanelli, Anassis, and Ricardo Perez, tailed each other for a majority of the race. Ultimately, Perez would overtake Romanelli at the end of the dogleg before climbing the banks at Turn 6. Perez finished first overall and for the Trofeo Pirelli class, with Anassis and Romanelli stepping on the second and third steps of the podium respectively.
The endurance was just as competitive for the Trofeo Pirelli AM drivers. With Robert Herjavec leading his group from start to finish, there was a tight battle for second and third positions. After several spins at Turn 1, Arthur Romanelli finished behind the Canadian. rookie Anthony Imperato, who finished third, making this his first podium finish.
Finally, the Coppa Shell category saw some new faces, with Chris Cagnazzi finishing first, and two drivers, Rodney Randall and veteran Al Delattre finishing second and third.
The second round of the 2015 Ferrari Challenge season will be held March 6-8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Miami, Florida