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2008 Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge
With only 22 points between first and second, the 2008 season was a classic amongst the most classic of cars. Find out how the drivers got on.
Introduction
Ferrari 250GT in the forground with a Ferrari 275GTB behind.
Oozing old world glamour, the series is far more than a historical racing event. Held at race tracks in Europe and North America since 1996, it gives owners of these historic treasures the opportunity to compete in a controlled racing series and allows spectators to marvel at the grace and speed of some of the most beautiful, rare and valuable cars of the past century, such as the 250 GTO, 250 Testa Rossa, Competition Daytona, and 250 LM.
Created for the enjoyment of all its participants, the drivers are expected to participate in a gentlemanly spirit of fair play, showing respect for the regulations, their fellow competitors and the historic racing cars themselves. The paddock exudes a special atmosphere unlike any other series, with many participants choosing to wear period dress to finish painting the historical picture. From 1996 to the present day, over 200 collector-drivers have taken part.
The participating cars, built by the Italian company up to 1982, must be in possession of a "Technical Accreditation Document" from Ferrari, proving their original provenance. The cars are then divided into racing grids, dependant upon type and date of manufacture. The event has five rounds each in both the European and North America series’. The World Finals takes place in Italy during October, with up to 80,000 spectators in attendance.
It takes a special blend of fuels and lubricants to ensure these historic vehicles run at their optimum performance levels. Shell, which first partnered with Enzo Ferrari in the 1930s, was the logical choice when it came to choosing a fuel and lubricants partner for the series. With unrivalled knowledge, expertise and historical records, Shell scientists continue to create and supply blends specially formulated to suit these unique cars.
The Cars
Ferrari 275GTBC
The Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge provides an exciting and rare opportunity to see, hear and experience legendary historic cars as they take to the race track to compete in their natural environment. Authentic Ferraris, Maseratis and Scuderia Ferrari Alfa Romeos built by the Maranello factory up to 1982 are eligible to take part in this atmospheric historical event.
The cars are divided up into 11 classes and are allocated a grid dependent on type and date of manufacture:
GRID A
- Class 1: Scuderia Ferrari Alfa Romeo or similar. Auto Avio Costruzioni 815.
All Maserati model produced up until 1940 - 4CLT - A6GCM.
- Class 2: Ferrari single-seaters from the 159 C up to the 156 F2. Maserati 250 F.GRID B
- Class 3: (1947 - 1955): 12 cylinders front engine cars fitted with drum brakes. Maserati A6GCS
- Class 4: (1953 - 1957): 4 cylinders and 6 cylinders front engine cars fitted with rum brakes. Masrati 150 S - 200 S - 250 S.
- Class 5: (1956 - 1959): 12 cylinders front engine cars fitted with drum brakes. Maserati 300 S - 350 S - 450 S.GRID C
- Class 6: (1956 - 1966): GT front engine cars fitted with disc brakes.
- Class 7: Ferrari sport cars fitted with front engine and disc brakes. Maserati Tipo 60 (Birdcage) and tipo 61 (Birdcage).
- Class 8: Ferrari GT road cars.
- Class 9: Road cars converted to competition/race trim.
- Class 10: Sport cars and mid-engine prototypes. Maserati Tipo 63 (Birdcage), Tip 64 (Birdcage), Tipo 151, Tipo 65
- Class 11: Ferrari sport cars and mid-engine prototypes. Maserati Bora Gr.IVCalendar
Standings