ALEX POPOW of Venezuela led from start to finish in the first of two Ferrari 458 Challenge Races Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The stunning chrome No.2 F458 turned the fastest race lap overall and in the Trofeo Pirelli class – 1:28.572/90.963 mph, a new track record.
This was part of the three-day Ferrari Racing Days weekend.
Popow admitted afterwards that he went off course trying to pass another car, and upon re-entering he nicked his front, leaving behind some chromed body work. As is the policy in the San Francisco Region of Sports Car Club of America, the part was retrieved and returned to the owner. Popow made one fan a very happy camper, by not only autographing and dating the piece for the fan, but telling the story and engaging him and his pals for a long conversation.
The top three finishers ended as they qualified, 1-2-3 … Popow, ONIFRIO TRIARSI/No.23 and HARRY CHEUNG/No.77.
Fourth overall and in the Trofeo Pirelli class was ENZO POTOLICCHIO/No.22 who started last after replacing a wheel which was lost in practice.
Finishing first in the Coppo Shell class was pole sitter RYAN OCKEY/No.89, followed by brother DAMON OCKEY in No.31.Both are from Canada and race for Ferrari of Ontario, as does ROBERT HERJAVEC/No.007, who finished third in class.
Twenty-seven cars raced, with two DNF’s. KEVIN MARSHALL of Incline Village NV/No.458 Ferrari of Beverly Hills had a mechanical problem, finishing twenty-sixth. JON BECKER of LA CA was last, due to an accident, finishing ten of the 24-laps. Nineteen finished on the lead lap.
RICH BAEK of Beaverton OR was ecstatic just being in his first race ever. He bought his No.87 in February and has had six days in the car. He attended the previous Challenge Race at Infineon Raceway but admitted he’s not a good spectator and didn’t watch the entire race. This will be Baek’s first complete race, to watch as well as run. His driver coach is RICH McCORMICK. Baek finished twenty-fourth, three laps down, but he finished all in one piece. He races for Ferrari of San Diego.
The official driver coach for the series is retired Ferrari sports car driver, DIDIER THEYS.
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Guess which car took two days to wrap.
