FCS: Homestead race summary

Washington Ferraris sweep Homestead challenge.

Homestead, FL, April 8. The Ferrari of Washington Challenge team only brought two racers to the second round of the 2003 North American Ferrari Challenge, but that was enough. Drivers Jim Kenton and Jeff Segal took the top two places in both races, dominating the event.

2002 Championship runner-up Doug Peterson (Shelton Sports Cars) came to Florida with the point lead, having won both races at the Infineon Raceway event. Peterson qualified on pole for Saturday's 30 minute race at the 2.21 mile Florida track, but an early spin dropped him to the back of the field, and he would not again be a factor. Kenton, a former Challenge champion, led every lap ahead of Segal. Segal is just turning 18, and by finishing second became the youngest driver ever to take a podium spot in the North America series. Michael Louli, racing for Ferrari of Quebec, completed Saturday's podium.

The grid for Sunday's 45 minute race was set by Saturday's results, so Kenton and Segal shared the front row. Kenton led for the first 13 laps but was then passed by his young teammate, who led the balance of the 45 minutes. Doug Peterson had worked his way up from his tenth starting position to third, but another spin ended his day in a gravel trap. Emmanuel Anassis had been close to the leaders for the entire race, and was rewarded with the final podium spot.

At the podium ceremonies special awards, for the "Spirit of the Challenge," were presented to drivers Dennis Crowley, John Krieg, and Mandy Reimert.

The presentation of the newly announced Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, a street version of the 360 Challenge raced in the series, made the weekend even more special for Ferrari enthusiasts

The Challenge next races at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, in Montreal, Canada, with the Canadian Grand Prix.

-fcs/ds-