Author: Tim Newey

Ferraris to race at Infineon Raceway April 29 – May 1

This is the 6th straight year the North American Ferrari Challenge Series begins its season at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. The Ferrari Challenge was designed to permit Ferrari owners the opportunity to race against each other and on some of the greatest tracks in North America. It all started in 1994 with the first full season driving the Ferrari 348 and they have competed every year since. According to www.ferrarichallenge.com: “As newer mid/rear V8 models were announced — the 355, 360 and F430 — special Challenge versions of these cars were included in the series. As of 2011, the 458 Challenge, the newest special racer created just for the series, has filled the grids. The 458 Challenge will share the track alongside the F430 Challenge for the 2011 season. The cars will qualify for separate classes.”

A Ferrari F430 Challenge on the track at Infineon Raceway.
A Ferrari F430 Challenge on the track at Infineon Raceway.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS

“The weekend will be highlighted by the North American debut of the new Ferrari 458 Challenge, the fifth and latest generation of Challenge cars. Adding to the excitement, the Corse Clienti Department’s 599XX, FXX and F1 Clienti programs will also participate on track, and the Ferrari F430 Challenge will compete alongside its successor, the new Ferrari 458 Challenge.” reports www.infineonraceway.com.

Spectators are welcome to attend the race, and enjoy an open paddock area and the Ferrari-festival atmosphere. The weekend will feature practice on Friday with qualifying and racing in all classes set for Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-870-RACE (7223).

The Ferrari Challenge Series is organized by Ferrari North America, Inc. and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association. Complete Ferrari Challenge information can be found on www.ferrarichallenge.com.

Rancho Deluxe: A Cool Little Hot Rod Business from Australia

Rancho Deluxe from Collingwood Australia. Photo courtesy of Bandit Films.
Rancho Deluxe from Collingwood Australia. Photo courtesy of Bandit Films.

I was reading the Jalopy Journal this morning and they featured this video about a man named Ben Thomas, who has a hot rod shop called Rancho Deluxe. It’s located in Collingwood, outside of Melbourne, in Australia. Ben is great, very easy going and calm. He seems to have found what he enjoys doing and is actually doing it. Often, we don’t realize or appreciate it until we are no longer involved but he obviously does. If you like early Ford V-8’s or just fairly stock early hot rods you will enjoy this video.

Rancho Deluxe from Bandit Films on Vimeo.

For more information on Rancho Deluxe, please visit: www.ranchodeluxe.com.au.

The photo and video courtesy of Bandit Films.

The California Mille begins Sunday in San Francisco


The 21st Annual California Mille, which celebrates Italy’s most famous race, the “Mille Miglia”, starts Sunday, April 24th at the famous Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill in San Francisco. Over 70 historic race cars will be on display. There will be cars from Great Britain, Columbia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada and from all over the United States. Only cars that could have qualified for the Italian event which ran from 1927 to 1957, can participate in the California Mille. The public is invited to come see the cars and meet the drivers from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

The following morning, they begin their 1,000 mile tour which is more of a demanding drive than a race. They will cross the Golden Gate bridge for a four day trip through the back roads of Northern California. Along the way they will take some laps on two racetracks, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma and Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows. They will end their journey on Thursday evening with a Banquet and Awards Dinner at the Lodge in Sonoma.

From www.californiamille.com, here is short summary of each day’s travels.

“On Day One we’re planning to do a few laps of Sears Point (Infineon) Raceway, before we lunch at Arturo Keller’s fabulous Petaluma hilltop museum. We’ll finish the day at Solage in Calistoga, where they treated us so well last year.

Day Two will consist of a beautiful drive up to the Little River Inn, and back to Calistoga.

On Day Three, we’ll go Northeast from Calistoga, on more of California’s magic country roads, lunching at Thunderhill Raceway, and putting in a few touring laps, then back on a different route to Solage.

The Fourth Day will prove that no matter which direction you travel from Calistoga, it’s a great driver’s road and scenic to boot.”

According to Martin Swig the Director and Dan Radowicz the event planner, “This is the first time we’ve tried a hub-and-spoke style route. We think you’ll enjoy it.”

For more information and a complete roster of the cars and drivers please visit: www.californiamille.com.

In 2010, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the California Mille, they produced a video with highlights from last year’s events.

To order your 30 minute DVD ,simply mail a check in the amount of $49 (includes tax & shipping) to:

Amici americani della Mille Miglia
154 Mitchell Boulevard
San Rafael, CA 94903.

(Be sure to include your shipping address)