Ferrari Challenge Round 1 - 2025 Season Kicks Off with Thrilling Sonoma Showdown!
- Michael Lujan
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Dear Drivers, Teammates and fellow Tifosi,
The 2025 Ferrari Challenge season is officially underway, and what better place to ignite our passion for racing than the historic Sonoma Raceway in California! Nestled in the heart of wine country, this iconic circuit has been a motorsport haven since 1968, challenging drivers with its undulating terrain and technical corners. For decades, Sonoma has borne witness to legendary battles, and now it’s our turn to etch our names into its storied legacy. The Ferrari Challenge series, born from the Prancing Horse’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence, embodies the spirit of competition and camaraderie that has defined Ferrari since 1947. This season, we’re ready to push the limits of performance and showcase the heart-pounding thrill of Ferrari racing.
Representing Team FCNJ at Sonoma this year:
SATURDAY – RACE 1
Our season opener at Sonoma delivered drama, triumphs, and lessons in equal measure. In Copa Shell Race 1, Jeff put on a masterclass, charging from P6 on the grid to seize a commanding victory. His relentless pace not only secured P1 but also earned him the fastest lap of the race. Jeff’s final overtake for P1 was chosen as the “Move of the Day.” You could not ask for a better start to the season!
SUNDAY – RACE 2
Sunday, however, brought a rollercoaster of emotions. Jeff, hungry for another win, launched an aggressive overtake for first place of Copa Shell Race 2. His aggression paid off momentarily as he crossed the finish line in P1, but a post-race penalty for the move dropped him off the podium. It was a bittersweet result—proof of his fearless drive but a reminder of the fine line we tread in this sport.
Adding to Sunday’s emotional roller coaster, teammate Michael Mathes shone brightly, delivering a flawless performance in Trofeo Pirelli Race 2. Starting strong and maintaining his composure, Michael climbed from P6 to an impressive P2 finish, clinching a well-deserved podium spot and the fastest lap of the race. His precision and consistency were a highlight of the weekend, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on the team!
Sonoma has set the stage, and our drivers have shown what this team is capable of. Together, our drivers achieved a combined 192 points, placing Team FCNJ in P2 in the team championship standings. The 2025 season is just beginning, and with more iconic tracks ahead, we’re ready to chase glory together.
Watch replays of our races here:
Trofeo Pirelli
Copa Shell
Watch our weekend recap video here: Recap Video
CBS Sports Network will air the Ferrari Challenge extended highlights show on Saturday, March 22nd at 12:00pm ET with an encore presentation at 3:00pm ET.
Next Race: April 9-13 at the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway!
We look forward to seeing you all at Daytona for an electrifying Round 2 of the Ferrari Challenge!
Forza Ferrari!
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