Khera a double Ferrari winner
Ferrari Challenge UK opened its 2022 account at Oulton Park last weekend with another masterclass in supercardom as Lucky Khera grabbed a double win.
On the 30th anniversary of the Ferrari Challenge’s inception, track time was split between racing and the Passione Ferrari, an opportunity for customers to take their own car around the circuit, guided by the stunning Roma pace car.
In the paddock, despite the display of rare Ferraris, it’s the impressive hospitality unit, crewed by Italian chefs and baristas, that stands proud as a statement piece. There are no half measures here; simply the very best that Italy has to offer.
Most Ferrari Challenge championships are run regionally but, here in the UK – along with Italy – we have our own, specifically tailored to allow Ferrari customers the opportunity to take their first steps into racing. There are no teams allowed, every car being maintained by Ferrari technicians (flown from Italy), supported by professional driver coaches and crew from Pirelli. All the drivers need do is buy their 488 Challenge car from a UK dealer and start racing.
The car itself houses the torquey 3.9-litre, 670bhp V8 turbo engine that delivers everything an aspiring GT driver could wish for. And to maintain an absolutely level playing field, the only two options available are your choice of colour scheme and the size of the driver’s seat.
Out on track, Khera harnessed all his recent experiences of the new Pirelli slicks to deliver the pace and consistency that seldom saw his advantage threatened. The
2020 champion was always in control of his destiny, unlike fellow front-row starter Graham de Zille, who failed to find momentum off the line, inviting Paul Hogarth to seize the opportunity to head into second place. That was how it stayed, despite pressure from de Zille to regain the place, and from Faisal Al-faisal in fourth, eager to make the podium.
In Coppa Shell, for gentleman drivers, newcomer John Seale looked set to take the win but a scuffle with Paul Simmerson sent the ex-british GT racer into retirement. Simmerson was time-penalised after the race, leaving Paul Rogers to collect class honours. There were also notable debuts for novices Andrew Morrow and Jason Ambrose, both having graduated from a road car experience last year.
Khera was again on pole for race two but, this time, he was joined by Han Sikkens, who immediately grabbed the lead as they headed into Old Hall, only to see the places reversed moments later. Hogarth held firm in third but, further back, Seale and Simmerson were at it again, although this time it was Seale who was frustrated.
Seale launched his attack into Lodge, Simmerson left room, but Seale carried too much speed, hitting his rival twice as they clattered up Deer Leap, before spearing across the track, mounting the barrier near the pit entry and landing over it. Simmerson was able to take the restart, won again by Khera, while Seale (his car heavily damaged) was disqualified and given penalty points for the contact.
There were also three Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic races to enjoy, Wayne Marrs (F355) kicking off 2022 with another dominant display in the opening two contests, despite giving himself much to do in the second encounter. Vance Kearney and Tim Walker’s F355s battled nose-to-tail in race three after a wayward start, Kearney getting ahead early on and then soaking up the pressure to take the win.