VIR to host Ferrari Challenge Series

[davewilson]

Ferrari Challenge Returns to VIR in 2007

Alton, Va. (Jan. 12) -- VIRginia International Raceway is pleased to announce that the very popular Ferrari Challenge Series, along with the Shell Historic Challenge, has been added to VIR's calendar of events for the 2007 season.

The weekend of May 18-20, 2007 will see the return of the Ferrari Challenge and Shell Historic Challenge for the first time since 2002.

The Ferrari Challenge Series matches drivers in identically prepared Ferrari F430 Challenge racers. The F430 Challenge is a race-prepared version of Ferrari's state-of-the-art F430 sports car. The two-seat, rear-engined machine is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 producing 483hp. The cars, which weigh 2770 lb., feature electronic paddle shifting derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 program, plus cutting-edge carbon-ceramic brakes and 19-inch slick Pirelli tires. The racing is customarily very close, with numerous lead changes and thrilling finishes, and is popular with drivers and fans alike throughout North America.

For fans of vintage machinery, The Shell Historic Challenge is limited to authentic Ferrari and Maserati race cars produced before 1981, and pre-war Alfa Romeos of the types raced by the Scuderia Ferrari. The series is organized by Ferrari North America, and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association.

"We are very pleased to be bringing the Ferrari Challenge and Shell Historic Challenge back to VIR," said Paul Montopoli, director of motorsports for Ferrari North America. "VIR is one of America's great road racing circuits, and the combination of the challenging track and the first-class amenities makes it a favorite of our competitors."

"We couldn't be happier to welcome back the Ferrari Challenge and Shell Historic Challenge to VIR," said VIR general manager Josh Lief. "Ferraris and Maseratis were responsible for a lot of VIR's early history, and it's entirely appropriate to have them as part of our 2007 schedule. We're eagerly looking forward to the event."

The VIR event will be the third stop for the Ferrari Challenge among six events announced to date. Other venues include Homestead-Miami Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Circuit Mont-Tremblant and California Speedway.

Tickets will be available at the gate, with three-day Super Tickets priced at $30 with single-day tickets priced at $10 (Friday) and $15 (Saturday and Sunday). VIR is a family-friendly facility, where children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Spectator camping is available.

Dare: this should be happy days for you.

The Stig

[Dare]

   If I can make Indy this year I'll
   be happy.Actually Sparta where they
   hold a IRL race is in my state and not
   all that far from where I live,but it's
   oval racing

[davewilson]

I bet they get up to some speeds on the oval track?...I have followed the Indianapolis races,as my godfather lives close to the track,and walks there to watch them testing.I have never been over to the States to have a look round, so i am not sure of all the various races you have.
The Stig