499P Modificatas lined up in the Laguna Seca Pit Lane. These cars are all maintained by Factory personnel. Photo: Martin Raffauf
499P Modificatas lined up in the Laguna Seca Pit Lane. These cars are all maintained by Factory personnel. Photo: Martin Raffauf
Ferrari Challenge

The Cars of Ferrari Racing Days 2024 at Laguna Seca

On-The-Ground Coverage at 2024 Ferrari Challenge America

Avatar photoMartin Raffauf

Ferrari runs several worldwide series and programs for customers to exercise and race their cars. The main one is the Ferrari Challenge which features a series of races in the USA, Europe, and Asia featuring the latest challenge cars which in 2024 are based on the current road cars, the 296. In this transition year, the older 488 EVO is also allowed to race, but in its own series of races. These worldwide series meet in Italy for a World Finals event at the end of the season in October/ November time frame.

2024 Ferrari 296 Challenge
The new 2024 Ferrari 296 Challenge car. It differs from the road-going 296 in that it is a non-hybrid but uses the same twin-turbo V6 engine. Depending on the circuit the car is 2-3 seconds a lap quicker than the 488. This car lapped Laguna Seca within 2 seconds of the pole lap by the Corvette GTD car at the Laguna WeatherTech race. Photo: Martin Raffauf

Running in conjunction with the Challenge is usually two additional “series” per weekend. The Club Challenge, which is owner lapping for any Challenge car, be it, current or vintage. This frequently includes 430s, 458s, 488s, 488 evos and this year the 296. This is not racing but just owner lapping.

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Martin Raffauf
Martin has worked in auto racing now for over 50 years and has been to every Daytona 24-hour race since 1971 working in some capacity or other. Now semi-retired, he enjoys authoring articles about racing, both the old days and current race reports. He has published in PorscheRoadandRace, Sports Car Digest, Vintage Motorsports Magazine, Double De-Clutch.com and the International Motor Racing Research Center Blog. When not writing or attending races, Martin enjoys hiking, cycling, and staying in shape.
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