Tucker Tests the New Generation Ferrari Challenge Race Car

VALENCIA, Spain -- Following the conclusion of the 2010 Ferrari Challenge Series season, Level 5 Motorsports owner / driver Scott Tucker participated in an exclusive test session for the new generation of Challenge cars: the Ferrari 458. The new model, slated to debut in 2011, is the fifth to be used in the series since its inception in 1993.

As the most successful driver in series' history, Tucker was a logical choice to shakedown the new machine. The F458 will replace the F430 Challenge that has been the model of choice since 2006. Tucker competed in the first F430 event at Homestead-Miami Speedway that year and won the final event with the F430 as the premier class during the Ferrari World Finals last month.

"I will always be particularly fond of the F430 given the tremendous success we've had in that car," said Tucker who has 32 Wins and a total of 45 podium finishes with two national championships and three vice championships. "But, it's always exciting to get into a new race car -- especially one that comes from Maranello."

Following his World Finals triumph at Spain's Communitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Tucker put the new supercar through its paces, testing all systems on the lighter, faster racer. The car is based on the popular 458 Italia, but includes several modifications for competition use.

Among the specifications for the car are a 570 horsepower, 9000 RPM direct injection V8 engine and modified gearbox for higher torque at lower revs. The car is also equipped with Brembo CCM2 brakes, which debuted on the 599XX, another car with which Tucker is very familiar.

"I was asked to test the 599XX and had a hand in helping to develop that car," Tucker said. "I got to experience the new braking system in the very early going, and I have to say that it is fantastic. It's going to be a great addition to the Challenge car."

Another first for a Challenge model is the addition of the F-1 Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. Developed in-house by Ferrari, this system monitors grip for maximum high-performance and employs logic and strategies derived from Ferrari's extensive racing experience in the Formula One series.

"It's going to be a great car for the Challenge Series," Tucker said. "I'm looking forward to seeing it in competition."