Ferrari Challenge Round 5 - Team FCNJ Conquers Watkins Glen!

Dear Drivers, Teammates and fellow Tifosi,

Watkins Glen International, a 3.45-mile gem in New York’s Finger Lakes, has thrilled drivers with fast, sweeping corners and endless elevation changes. “The Glen” is a motorsport icon, hosting countless iconic races since 1956 including the U.S. Grand Prix from 1961 to 1980, where Ferrari secured three victories, cementing its legacy in the track’s history. Round 5 of the Ferrari Challenge North America returned to The Glen, facing tricky weather conditions with scorching heat on Friday and Saturday, then rain for Sunday’s qualifying, testing each driver’s adaptability. Just four hours from Ferrari of Central New Jersey, the team enjoyed a surge of hometown support, with many friends and family in attendance to cheer their drivers on.

Representing Team FCNJ in Miami this year:

• Michael Mathes in Car #5 – Trofeo Pirelli-AM

• Ram Chada in Car #125 – Coppa Shell-AM

• Jeffrey Nunberg in Car #141 – Coppa Shell-AM

• Jonathan Weizman in Car #286 – Club Challenge

SATURDAY – RACE 1

Saturday’s Race 1 saw drama from the start, as Mike’s car was sidelined after a Friday practice incident. Borrowing Jeff’s T-car, Mike qualified P2 and seized the lead into Turn 1, dominating the Trofeo Pirelli-AM race to claim P1, setting a commanding tone for the weekend. Jeff, starting P5, carved through the field to secure a hard-fought P3, earning his spot on the podium. Ram Chada, from P13, drove a steady race to finish P12, showing consistent pace on this challenging circuit.

SUNDAY – RACE 2

Sunday’s Race 2, following wet qualifying, delivered even higher drama than Saturday. Mike again qualified P2 and held firm against fierce competition to secure another podium with a P2 finish. Jeff, starting P4 in class (P18 overall), unleashed a masterclass, passing 13 cars total. The race was red flagged for nearly an hour for barrier repairs, but the pause was not enough to cool down Jeff’s charge. After the restart, Jeff made the “Move of the Day” with a breathtaking double pass into Turn 1 to take P1 in class and P5 overall. Jeff’s bold maneuver was shortly followed by yet another incredible move in the exit of the bus stop, dodging a spinning car by mere inches to clinch the win. Ram, starting P12, made steady gains to finish P11, his incremental progress reflecting growing confidence and skill at this unforgiving track.

In the Club Challenge, Ferrari of Central New Jersey welcomed newcomer Jonathan Weizman, a seasoned driver from other series. Jonathan hit the ground running, topping the time charts in every Club Challenge session and securing an impressive P2 in the Club Challenge Track Attack, signaling his potential as a rising star in the Ferrari Challenge.

During the Saturday evening event, hosted at the Hillick & Hobbs Winery overlooking Seneca Lake, Ferrari North America revealed the 2026 Ferrari Challenge Official Schedule, which will take us to some of the most legendary tracks America has to offer:

• Sebring – January 14 – 15 (Pre-Season test)

• Thermal – February 26 – 27 (Pre-Season test)

• Thermal – March 11-15

• Sebring – April 8-12

• COTA – May 13-17

• Laguna Seca – June 17-21

• Sonoma – July 22-26

• Road America – September 9-13

• Finali Mondiali – TBA

FNA is launching a 2026 parts bonus program, offering a limited number of full-season Ferrari Challenge drivers who register by August 1, 2025, a package of consumables worth up to $25,000. If you are interested in racing with us next season, participating in Ferrari Club Challenge or Corso Pilota (Ferrari driving school), please feel free to reach out to our team!

Watch our recap video here: https://youtu.be/m7RlQa_KGVQ

Watch replays of our races here:

• Saturday – Race 1 (all classes)

• Sunday – Race 2 (all classes)

CBS Sports Network will air the Ferrari Challenge extended highlights show on Sunday, August 3rd at 4:00am ET with an encore presentation on Monday, August 18th at 6:00pm ET.

Next Up: The Ferrari Challenge now heads to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from September 10-14^th. This legendary 2.24-mile California circuit, famed for its iconic Corkscrew corner and rich racing history, is another driver favorite that promises a thrilling close to the North American season before we head to Italy for Finali Mondiali.

We’ll see you soon in California! As always, Forza Ferrari!