Events

Miami Proves Challenging to Novice and Experts Alike

A determined Scott Tucker contemplates his strategy prior to the start of Race Two of the 2008 Ferrari Challenge.
Tropical rains cleared just before the start of the 2008 Ferrari Challenge season, forcing Race One to start under a yellow (caution) flag. Champion, Mike Zoi finished first, followed by John Horesji in second and Roberto Fata in third. Sunday's Race Two, however, pulled no punches as Mike Zoi felt the heat of experienced rivals and novices alike. Still, the defending series champion held tight to his lead and finished again in first ahead of John Horesji in second and Zak Brown in third.

Two drivers shared their perspectives on the weekend. Scott Tucker, last year's fourth- place finisher, enthusiastically proclaimed:

Challenge driver Carlos Conde (right), shares a moment with Emerson Fittipaldi, CART champion, twice Indy 500 champion and twice Formula One World Champion.
"This is a fantastic experience. At my point in the learning curve, I can see opportunities that newer driver's can. I expect to move up quickly." When asked if besting Zoi was his ultimate goal, he took a long draught of soda water and affirmed, "Of course!"

Elegance, courtesy and fine cuisine are the privilege of every guest at Ferrari VIP Hospitality.
Second-year racer Carlos Conde, starting Race One of 2008 in position 20, noted, "My first year was really rough, an eye-opener. I had a practice session crash and an incident in the last race–a contact in a corner. It’s difficult.”

Conde noted that by the second year a racer is really learning how to communicate with his team, “Finding out when to go fast,what’s right and wrong with the car and being able to tell the crew what needs to be adjusted. ”But Carlos practices regularly during the winter and in Race Two he adroitly avoided any contacts, even when challenged in heavy race traffic.

Follow the Challenge careers of these two fine gentlemen and their racing compatriots at the next Challenge Series race in Atlanta,(April 18-20). Tickets and Ferrari VIP Hospitality passes can still be obtained by contacting the Ferrari Concierge Call Center at 1-866-551-2828.