Homestead, October 21, 2001
Despite threatening weather in the form of a Tropical low forming in the Caribbean,
the second Ferrari Owners Club Florida Region track event "A Celebration of a
Championship" took place at the Homestead-Miami International Raceway
October 18-21 sponsored by The Collection of Coral Gables.
Rain from the low slowed down track events somewhat but hearty club members
fell in love with the challenging Homestead combined oval and infield road course
which has hosted such events as SCCA TransAm, GrandAm and FIA GT races.
The track was a complete contrast from the first FOC Florida Region event
"Ferraris at the Swamp" in Gainesville as members were able to fully realize the
potential of their cars under the guidance of noted racing instructor Terry Earwood.
The event which was a celebration of the 2001 World Championship season by
the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team and driver Michael Schumacher was
attended by upwards of 45 cars. Notable entries in attendance featured a stock car
formerly driven to victory at Watkins Glen by Jeff Gordon now owned by FOC Florida
Region Track Director Bob Zinzell.
Assistant Regional director Ray Maranges showed up with his beautiful silver
Ferrari 360 Challenge (attached) but pulled a surprise by debuting an awesome
Lamborghini Challenge car which drew a lot of interest in the garage.
Among other interesting attendees was the Toyota 2000 GT of FOC Social Director
Craig Zinn. Craig naturally had his 355 Challenge at the track but took the special
Toyota 2000 GT on the course before rain set in. Craig is the proud owner of the
largest collection of Toyota 2000 GT's in the world (13) and defended Toyota's
honor against much more powerful machines taking part in lapping sessions in
the newly formed GT category.
A diverse entry of Ferraris such as 355's, 360's, F-40', Mondial's, Dino's, 308's and
512's took part in the lapping sessions on the famous course. Members were able
to keep their cars dry in the modern and spacious F-1 style garages at Homestead
where they could watch the weather radar on closed circuit TV when not out on hot
laps.
The awesome Doral Golf and Spa Resort hosted the Ferrari Owners Club Florida
Region event featuring spectacular meals and rooms in the heart of Miami.
A film crew taped the track sessions which was presented to members as a movie
after the Saturday night dinner at the Doral hosted by Craig Zinn.
Images and other news from the "Celebration of a Championship" event may be
found on the Ferrari Owners Club Florida Region website...
www.focfloridaregion.com
The Ferrari Owners Club Florida Region is looking forward to an active season
beginning 2002 with a Concourso at the beautiful Saint Armands Key in Sarasota
Janurary 12 always with a mindful eye on events in our country.
Concorso 2001 at The Doral
The rain filled weekend failed to dampen the spirits of the FOC at Homestead and
with the Concours crowd at The Doral Hotel. Although the threat of rain reduced the
number of cars to be judged, we still had a "hearty" group of 10 entries
representing 4 classes. Because of the inclement weather, the entries that were
originally scheduled to position themselves on the putting green, where placed in
the front courtyard of the hotel. Mounted silver bowls, sponsored by The Collection,
were presented to the winners and runner-ups. A larger group of Ferrari's will
participate next time and better weather will also be guaranteed. After all, we do
live in Florida!
Congratulations to all!
Paul Bianco, Concours Director
CLASS 1 308/Mondial
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