Ferrari Challenge: Best Kept Secret in Racing

NIKA ROLCZEWSKI SPECIAL TO THE STAR

 ''If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.''
Mario Andretti

For those of you that merely yawn at the outcome of a Grand Prix race or break out in hives and the ever popular scarlet red podium then I send you my condolences. But as each race goes by with the same outcome I too am having a hard time keeping the faith. The competition just seems to have fizzled faster than podium champagne. Can Ferrari be exciting any more?

Maybe not in Formula One but if you braved an early morning ride down to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to catch the Ferrari Challenge race you would have been thoroughly impressed. The win was the first time in history I was told that the timing system could not pick up the difference. A photo finish was what decided Quebecer Emmanuel Anassis and his number eleven, DAC Aviation sponsored Ferrari 360 was a mere two inches ahead of polesitter Doug Peterson.

The combined exhalation from the spectators mouths was sure cause a Tsunami as the sound of the rev limiter echoed inside the two front runners cars. It was that split second shift to 6th gear Peterson made, that gave Anassis the edge.

Unfortunately with the race scheduled to start at 8:45am, the majority of racing fans at that time still recovering from the downtown parties the night before. Alas it was not as well received as it could have been. How I pity those who weren't there. To the drivers it is just an honour to be a part of the Montreal Grand Prix. To have their cars lined up on the same grid as Michael Schumacher, race the same course and if a perfect day was to unfold, to be presented a trophy by Ferrari Team Principal Jean Todt.

Ferrari Challenge has been battling being Ferrari Challenged in the last year. With costs escalating and value diminishing the grid at one USA race was under 10 cars. Rule changes and cost cutting brought back the grid but issues are still there.

The North American contingency at the Ferrari finals in Mugello Italy last year was a handful compared to European teams - then again races are televised live in Italy and drivers are all professional with major sponsorship flowering over their cars.

Without television rights the ability to get sponsors is a constant struggle. The majority of the drivers of course are Ferrari owners implying wealth but with other competing racing series allowing for the Ferrari 360 to race it may just be a matter of time before they flock there.

Speaking with a director of a US based sports channel he agreed the Ferrari Challenge deserves to be televised - it has entertainment value and can certainly be packaged to be a viable television product.

The Ferrari Challenge since it started with the Ferrari 348 has been based on the zeal of driving this marquee. Former president of Ferrari and now chairman of Fiat SPA Luca di Montezemolo has always wanted his cars to be driven to the maximum. Ferrari has been well known for being passionate about racing and instrumental in promoting the series on this side of the pond.

It's been hard work on Ferrari North Americas part to have the series respected. The image of this racing series being a "crash fest" and "rich boys with toys" racing was how it was portrayed in the past. Within the first lap at the Montreal Grand Prix race and the talent of the drivers, capabilities of the cars and spirit of competition were imminent.

A Ferrari Spokesperson's comment on the series is that it is still evolving and being repackaged as Ferrari/Maserati Festivals - a gathering of enthusiasts celebrating the Italian cars of today and yesterday. Every event is now continues to grow.

For now I believe this is the best kept secret in racing - and with Ferrari's support and commitment there is no question it is being reborn as a great racing experience for all to enjoy.

As for second place winner Doug Peterson - his only thoughts are of the up coming race this June 25 - 27 as the fourth Ferrari Festival hits the track at Circuit Mont-Tremblant. With the cars all prepped the same it will again be tight competition with I'm sure, a little luck thrown in. I am setting my alarm clock for this event - it's something not to miss.