FCS: Montreal race notes

As soon as Ferrari of Beverly Hills driver Lucio Niccolodi crossed the start line during yesterday's Ferrari Challenge race on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, he had the race won. Niccolodi led flag to flag to claim his 3rd win of the season, cruising to the checkered flag a comfortable 9.373 seconds ahead of last year's Montreal race winner, Dr. Steve Earle of Ferrari of Houston. Allie Ash of Ferrari of Washington was third. All drivers were in Challenge versions of the Ferrari 360 Modena.

The win pushed Niccolodi, who also contests the Italian Ferrari Challenge series, to the top of the North American driver's standings after four rounds.

Niccolodi, who set a new track record for his qualifying performance also earned the day's fastest race lap, posting a 1:48.276 (91.433 mph). By lap eight he held an 11 second lead over second place Earle, and was never challenged for the lead. 34 of the 37 starters were classified as finishers.h

Trophies for the top three finishers, Nicolodi, Earle, and Ash were presented by Michael Schumacher.

Next event on the Ferrari Challenge schedule will be at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, on June 20-23.

-FCS