DuJour was generously given a stunning silver 2014 Ferrari FF—as in four-wheel drive and four exquisitely quilted seats—to enjoy for the North American Ferrari Challenge weekend in Sonoma. The sleek V12, considered the most versatile Ferrari ever built, wasn’t the only way we were able to get in on the action. We were taken on a hot lap, reaching speeds of 188mph, slowing to only about 124mph on turns. Both the weekend loaner and the track access made for an incredible experience.
Collectors of the iconic Italian automobile, along with connoisseurs, aficionados and gear-heads came from all over the county, not only to revel in the fast-paced competition, but to tour the vast car stable which held nearly 150 of some of most renowned classic Ferraris like the Dino Spider, 250 GTO, 250 GTE and a rare grouping of Enzo and LaFerrari sportscars.
A Ferrari on the racetrack
Excitement built during the weekend’s second round of racing when, among the 31 drivers, Ferrari of Houston’s Ricardo Perez qualified with the fastest time, and ultimately finished in first place in Race 2 of the Ferrari 458 Challenge. In the Coppa Shell race, Miller Motorcars’ Joe Courtney and Boardwalk Ferrari’s Jean-Claude Saada competed for first place finishes.
After a weekend cruising in the FF enjoying the finely crafted automobiles and watching them scream through the course, we asked Ferrari’s North American president and CEO Edwin Fenech what his favorite model was. He didn’t skip a beat: “This question was repeatedly asked of [founder] Enzo Ferrari, and I agree with his regular answer, ‘the next one.’” And, for a brand known for their longevity, innovation in design and technology, we would tend to agree!
