Akmal Azhar
The final Sunday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca proved to be a dramatic climax to the Ferrari Challenge North America season, as drivers dueled fiercely across the circuit, each determined to claim victory and make championship moves.
Trofeo Pirelli: Medler Holds Off Perrina
From the very start, the Trofeo Pirelli class delivered fireworks. Dylan Medler, driving for The Collection, executed a gutsy pass on the opening lap — overtaking polesitter and championship leader Massimo Perrina of Ferrari of Seattle. Although Perrina stayed close, Medler kept up relentless pressure. A mid-race misstep by Perrina allowed his teammate Roberto Perrina to move up, but Medler held on, crossing the finish line just 0.384 seconds ahead of Roberto. Ethan McWilliams of Boardwalk Ferrari came in third, rounding out the podium.
Trofeo Pirelli Am: Porter Strikes Late
In Trofeo Pirelli Am, the fight went down almost to the final lap. Leaders became embroiled in traffic and contact, which reshuffled the order. Michael Porter of Ferrari of Seattle managed to seize the lead when a yellow flag came out late in the race, securing his second win of the season. Brad Fauvre of Ferrari of San Francisco, the championship leader heading into the day, finished second, while Rey Acosta took third, marking his second podium in as many races.
Coppa Shell: Penalty Hands Green Victory
The Coppa Shell race carried its share of tumult as well. Mitchell Green of Ferrari Westlake found himself battling in more ways than one. Although he crossed the line behind Gary Ott of Ferrari Philadelphia, a time-penalty for Ott moved Green into the top spot. The win was especially significant for Green, boosting his championship chances now that only two races remain. Chuck Whittall of Ferrari of Central Florida claimed second, and Mike Chen of Ferrari of Newport Beach came in third.
Coppa Shell Am: Check Claims First Win
In the Coppa Shell Am division, what initially looked like victory for Gabe Hrib of Ferrari of Atlanta was overturned due to a disqualification stemming from incidents during his aggressive run. As a result, Steve Check of Ferrari of Rancho Mirage was awarded the win, his first of the year. Lance Cawley of Ferrari of Atlanta followed in second, and Fabian Sperman of The Collection took third.
Looking Ahead to Mugello
With the dust settling on Laguna Seca, the Ferrari Challenge North America field now looks ahead to the Finali Mondiali in Mugello at the end of October, where the remaining class championships will be decided. In the meantime, every victory, penalty, and daring pass from this weekend will echo into those final rounds.
Yusri Ng
