There’s something inherently special about Ferrari. It’s not just the name, the history, or even the engineering excellence—it’s the way these cars make you feel. The Ferrari Challenge North America series embodies this emotion, bringing the soul of Ferrari to racetracks across the continent. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience this automotive spectacle at Sonoma Raceway. While each stop on the Ferrari Challenge circuit has its own flavor, the Sonoma race offered a unique blend of speed, style, and community that left me eager for more. Not to mention the $40 a day price tag, its got to be one of the cheapest ways to see live racing let alone Ferrari’s doing it. 10-year old me was very excited.

Having attended the Ferrari Challenge at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin last year, I was eager to see how the Sonoma event compared. The iconic Sonoma Raceway, with its rolling hills and technical corners, proved to be a perfect stage for the latest chapter in Ferrari’s racing legacy. Unlike the expansive, modern COTA, Sonoma’s vintage charm offered a different yet equally exhilarating experience. What stood out the most was the freedom at the venue. There really wasn’t a place we couldn’t go. Taking in all of the action within the paddock, with engineers fixing body panels to strategist on the radios, even cars getting moved around was exciting. Even the circuit itself was pretty unexplored by most. I found myself trekking all the way out to turn 4 as the stands were mostly empty. With killer views only ~20 feet from the track surface itself, I kept wondering, “Why the hell haven’t i done this sooner?” For the money, this event is unbeatable and offered up a few different racing disciplines that COTA hadn’t showcased a few years earlier. I assume that is a change to the event format for this year and not a COTA specific thing. With these types of events, the formula can really be that simple, more racing=more better.

One of the standout changes to this year’s event was the debut of the Ferrari 296 Challenge. As the newest weapon in Ferrari’s customer racing arsenal, the 296 Challenge brings the latest in hybrid performance technology to the track. The 296’s twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain and advanced aerodynamics not only impressed on paper but also delivered on track, making it a force to be reckoned with. Seeing this car in action was a reminder of Ferrari’s heritage, blending cutting-edge technology with the raw passion that defines the brand. The new 296 is also not bad to look at. I’d argue its the prettiest Ferrari on the market at the moment. Add a GT wing, a set of Rotiform wheels, and unleashing it on a circuit made me reconsider my future financial plans, perhaps I should buy a GT3 Ferrari instead of a house? But I digress…

Beyond the racing, the event also featured a paddock area that could easily rival any high-end cars and coffee gathering. Here, client cars were displayed in a mini Ferrari museum of sorts, with everything from classic models to modern hypercars on show. The paddock was a sea of red, yellow, and the occasional black, each car meticulously maintained and gleaming in the California sun. Among the rarest gems were multiple LaFerrari’s and a Daytona Spider, all of which were attracting crowds eager to get up close to these automotive icons. This paddock was more than just a display—it was a celebration of Ferrari’s rich heritage and the passionate community that keeps it alive. It was worth the price of admission on its own.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Ferrari Challenge is the accessibility it offers to fans. Unlike many other motorsport events, where ticket prices can be prohibitive, the Ferrari Challenge offers a surprisingly affordable way to see these incredible machines in action. The racing itself was close and competitive, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit on Sonoma’s demanding circuit. Even causing some gnarly crashes that ended up halting the racing for some barrier repair. I happened to be right in front of one of the crashes which was crazy to see first hand, thankfully the drivers were okay and the racing eventually continued. For anyone who appreciates the art of gritty racing or simply wants to see Ferraris pushed to their extremes, the Ferrari Challenge is an experience that’s hard to beat for the money. Take a look at the below video and see what I mean.

The Ferrari Challenge North America at Sonoma Raceway was more than just a race; it was an experience that captured the essence of what makes Ferrari so special. From the debut of the Ferrari 296 Challenge to the incredible display of client cars in the paddock, every element of the event reflected the passion and heritage of the brand. Whether you’re a die-hard Ferrari fan or just someone who appreciates automotive excellence, this event is one that deserves a spot on your calendar. As for me, I’m already counting down the days until the next chapter of the Ferrari Challenge unfolds, among the many others on my list. I need a new hobby.