Ferrari Challenge - Sonoma

its certainly dwindled over the past 6 years, but even at its worst its still pretty cool and something worth going to, even if just to see the ferrari's in the paddock and watch some challenge racing, or just sit in the stands and admire the views....

 

Was up there this morning for a test day and there were 20 EVO Challenge cars running -- the kit knocks off about 2 seconds and the fast guys were pulling 1:40 and 1:39!


It sure has dwindled over the years. No vintage and no Corse Clienti program. And the VIP pass went from $125 to $225 with so much less.

Basic ticket is $20 at the gate. Full VIP pass "Ferrari VIP Hospitality" is $225 per person per day or 3-Day Weekend Pass for $385. The pass really boils down to parking in the Ferrari corral and access to the tent where they serve breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks all day. And if you want to get your car on the track you will need to have purchased a VIP pass. But for that you will also need to get the car inspected in advance. Here is the schedule:

FRIDAY, APRIL 25
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
1. HOSPITALITY OPENS 8:00AM
2. HOSPITALITY CLOSES 5:00PM

two sport sessions for Ferrari road car owners

SATURDAY, APRIL 26
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
1. HOSPITALITY OPENS 8:00AM
2. FERRARI CHALLENGE RACE 1 TBA
3. HOSPITALITY CLOSES 5:00PM

3 sport sessions for Ferrari road car owners

SUNDAY, APRIL 27
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
1. HOSPITALITY OPENS 8:00AM
2. FERRARI CHALLENGE RACE 2 TBA
3. HOSPITALITY CLOSES 5:00PM

3 sport sessions for Ferrari road car owners

SUNDAY ONLY: 1975 and earlier Ferraris get a FREE VIP pass if they display in the corral.

Here is the VIP pass purchase link:

https://events.ferrariusa.com/challenge-hospitality/11/#login-modal

 

In order to park in Ferrari Corral, the two following conditions must be satisfied?
1. purchase VIP pass
AND
2. roll up in a Ferrari

 

Yes. As to #2, I don't mean to be snarky but would it still be a "Ferrari Corral" if not populated by Ferraris?

 

well... I figure someone rolling up in a Maserati MC12 would get a pass... Or perhaps a McLaren P1/F1.

 

or someone in a 1964 cadillac limo....

 

I've gone the last three years. I think last year was the first time I've needed to pay. I've always parked my 355 in the Ferrari corral. This year, my wife's due date is too close to the event to go.

It's definitely a nice way to spend a Sunday.

 

saw that one

(or heck, an '87 Bentley loaner with 85,000 miles on it)

 

I'll be there as always, Ferrari are slowly killing their own event, but it's still good fun. Hopefully Marco took my comments to Luca, but I doubt it. Hope springs eternal!

 

There is a LaFerrari on tour with Challenge 'racing days' crew, but I'm not sure if our event is big enough for the car to be brought to. However, it has been at several Challenge events thus far, Monza, Australia etc. There are no US spec LaFerraris yet so this will be just like when they debuted the 599GTO in the VIP area. Ferrari of NA will bring it if it comes Ferrari of San Francisco won't have it. So the only way to see it sadly (if it comes) will be with a VIP pass, I will try to nail down my buddy at FNA for a solid answer.

 

Can you get us some hot laps while you are at it?

 

I wish. I don't think so though, sadly the car they've brought to events thus far has been disabled by Ferrari so that it is unable to even start while on display. Which is odd because you would think they would just take the key.

 

They always seem to allow a Lambo or two as well...$$$ talks.

 

As noted below, it's now $225 a day for "VIP", up 80% from last year. And no F1, FXX, or 599XX. Just 20 or so Challenge drivers and their entourages. Perhaps FNA has decided to allow the locals to subsidize catering and track rental costs for the Challenge.

You can still get in for $20 (though they will probably up it to $25 if turnout is good) and there should be a snack bar open. Might not be able to park your Ferrari in the "Ferrari Corral" though, creating an oxymoron of sorts.

 

Anyone know where they WILL park you if you pay the $20? Paved ? Dirt? Miles away?

 

Paved lot one terrace up. Not far.

 

Thanks Dave.

 

Has anyone found a link for the full schedule for the weekend?

 

Please teach me your kungfu.

 

Hi everyone, first time poster here. I've been attending this event for years and am looking forward to this year's event. I noticed that on the Corse Clienti website that F1 Clienti and XX Programmes are both now listed as featured for this weekend. To be sure, I also looked at both the F1 and XX schedules and Sonoma is listed under both. I hate to get everyone's hopes up if I turn out to be wrong but it looks like they have both been added to the schedule.

Anyone have a way to confirm? I'm not an owner, just an enthusiast, so I don't have any contacts at either SF or SV dealerships.

 

most recent schedule attached.

Corse Clienti (F1, FXX, XX, et al) not on the schedule for Sonoma. They are planned for Mont Tremblant in mid-June. However I know there are a few XX cars "local" to NorCal so maybe someone will appear.

California T will be unveiled Friday so I would imagine it will be at the track on display, but I do not know for sure. LaFerrari is apparently supposed to start making appearances but unsure (have not heard) re Sonoma.

Should be a fun weekend. The VIP passes are just for access to hospitality - breakfast/lunch, beer/wine, usually massages, bocce and white tablecloths. I believe that any Ferrari will be allowed to park in the "corral". If you want to drive on track in the DE sessions, believe you need to register with Hooked on Driving separately.
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Interesting. That schedule looks pretty well sorted, but I'll attach the pages I'm referring to.
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And the XX page
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And the Sonoma main page with all three listed as featured
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