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Popular with fans around the world, the Ferrari Challenge is one of the most anticipated dates on any racing enthusiast’s calendar. Taking place at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this year on May 16th to 18th, the challenge offers three full days’ worth of racing. The exotic Ferrari 458s will take to the track on this demanding and technically difficult roadway of 11 turns. Ferrari owners and lovers of the brand all come together to see the vehicles race side by side at the top of their game. Advance purchase tickets are available for single day visits or for the whole weekend, with free admission to the paddock for children under the age of 12 alongside a paying adult. Gates open at 7:00 a.m. with free parking available, and preferred parking is also available for a fee. Racing enthusiasts and Ferrari fans planning to stay at hotels close to the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, would certainly not want to miss this amazing event!
The Ferrari Challenge was created in 1993 as an event for owners of the Ferrari 348 Berlinetta who wanted a race of their own. Over the last 20 years, the event has grown into three separate official championships across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United States. Today, both the Ferrari F430C and the 458C models have joined in the challenge. Since the 458C was admitted into the racing in 2011, it has taken the upper hand by being up to two seconds faster at Fiorano, and as such the other model is gradually being phased out of the event.
Laguna Seca is a road race track over a paved distance of 2.24 miles with a total of 11 turns. The most famous of these tracks is the ‘Corkscrew’ turn 8 and 8A, providing a distinct challenge to even the most experienced drivers. The track also has a 55m elevation change over its whole duration, again making it incredibly tricky to navigate. The technical difficulty combined with a wide variety of trackside entertainment and vendors is a huge part of what makes the circuit so popular with racing fans of all ages.
