Ferrari Racing Days Ignite Miami: Thrills, Heat, and Elegance at the Autodrome
- Michael Lujan
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Dear Drivers, Teammates and fellow Tifosi,
Miami, a city pulsating with vibrant energy, has embraced motorsport with fervor, particularly at the Miami International Autodrome, a 2.8-mile, 19-turn circuit wrapped around Hard Rock Stadium. Since first hosting Formula 1 in 2022, the track has become a cornerstone of South Florida’s racing scene, blending high-octane action with Miami’s glamorous flair. Ferrari, with its storied legacy of speed and innovation, found the perfect stage for this weekend’s Ferrari Racing Days, a marquee event showcasing not only the Ferrari Challenge North America racing series, but also the exclusive XX Programme, F1 Clienti, and Sport Prototipi Clienti programs. Over 130 Ferraris, from historic F1 cars like Michael Schumacher’s F2004 to the modern 499P Modificatas, roared under Miami’s scorching sun, where temperatures soared, amplifying the heat of competition and Ferrari passion. Miami, The Magic City, truly brought the heat in every way.
Representing Team FCNJ in Miami this year:
SATURDAY – RACE 1
Coppa Shell Race 1 saw intense drama after qualifying was canceled due to a track incident requiring lengthy repairs. Jeff Nunberg, starting P3 in Coppa Shell AM, seized the lead following a crash-induced full course yellow. However, he was overtaken after a massive shunt triggered another full course yellow causing the field to slow. The FCY turned into a red flag, halting the race and leaving no time to reclaim the lead, resulting in a strong P2 finish for Jeff. Osvaldo Gaio, starting P13 in Coppa Shell, fought through the field to secure a respectable P9, showcasing his resilience on the demanding “Extended Marina Loop” of the Miami International Autodrome.
SUNDAY – RACE 2
Coppa Shell Race 2 brought fresh challenges. Nunberg, qualifying P9 in Coppa Shell AM, methodically advanced to P6 in what commentators called the weekend’s best 20 minutes of racing before a full course yellow stalled the race, locking him into that position. Gaio, starting P6 in Coppa Shell, held his ground in a competitive field, climbing a few positions, but ultimately finishing in P6. The race highlighted the fierce competition and unpredictable nature of the Miami circuit, with drivers battling both rivals and the unwavering heat.
In the Club Challenge, Roger Xu showed grit in his second-ever event. An incident on Friday sidelined him briefly, but he returned on Sunday with determination, making steady strides toward his goal of joining the racing grid. His progress underscored the all-encompassing spirit of Ferrari Racing Days, where enthusiasts of all levels share the track with seasoned competitors.
Saturday night elevated the weekend’s allure with a special evening at Miami’s iconic New World Center, where Ferrari unveiled its latest masterpiece, the 296 Speciale, in an exclusive North American reveal. Set against the venue’s stunning architectural backdrop, the event blended refined elegance with the raw thrill of Ferrari’s heritage, captivating attendees with a celebration of innovation and style that resonated with Miami’s “Magic City” vibe.
In the championship standings, Nunberg holds a solid P3 in Coppa Shell AM, just seven points shy of P2, keeping him in striking distance as the season progresses. Gaio remains a strong contender in the Coppa Shell Gentlemen’s championship, sitting in P2, only 10 points behind the leader. Their performances in Miami bolster their campaigns in this tightly contested series.
Follow the link below for vibrant photos capturing the scorching heat and vibrant energy of our Ferrari Racing Days weekend in Miami and stay tuned for our recap video coming soon!
Watch our weekend recap video here: Recap Video
Watch replays of our races here:
CBS Sports Network will air the Ferrari Challenge extended highlights show on Saturday, May 24th at 12:00pm ET with an Encore 1 presentation on Sunday, May 25th at 1:00am ET and Encore 2 on Sunday, May 31st at 1:00pm ET.
Next Up: The Ferrari Challenge North America heads to the hallowed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world-famous home of the Indy 500, for Round 4 from June 25th-29th. Known as the Racing Capital of the World, the Brickyard’s 2.439-mile infield circuit promises a thrilling backdrop for the next chapter of Ferrari’s 2025 season, where drivers will vie for glory on one of motorsport’s most iconic stages.
We look forward to seeing you in Indy!
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