Last summer saw Franchi plc sponsor the remarkable driving talent that is David Grover. David, COO of Development at Mace Group, who dared to test himself in the inaugural series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK. The Ferrari Challenge legacy has seen over 1000 drivers race across many tracks around the world, since it's inception in 1993, this year saw the introduction of a UK series to add to the already successful Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific Series.
David, driving a custom wrapped racing yellow Ferrari 488, travelled up and down the country for 8 races through the summer. Races at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Croft and the big finale at the much-heralded Silverstone.
Races 1 & 2 took place at Brands Hatch. Our M.D, Franco Guselli, ventured down trackside to witness first-hand a great performance and a brilliant spectacle. There is something about watching a race trackside, that a television screen can never replicate. Rain added another dimension to the racing but David rose to the challenge with top 10 finishes in his class.
Races 3 &4 were held at Snetterton, a wide sweeping circuit with plenty of opportunity for overtaking. David managed to score points in both races and his best placed finish of the season to date in Race 4.
Races 5 & 6 saw David and his V8 Ferrari 488 journey to North Yorkshire at the Croft Race Circuit. A great spectacle, showcasing the drama of racing action. During the practice session, the bolts that held the bonnet down managed to shear off and David lost the bonnet. A quick, replacement red bonnet was fitted which although looked odd, did the job to get David back on track. Thankfully for us our logo was on the roof and upper side panels. Eventually the original bonnet was reattached and Race 5 saw a good start by David only for the race to be cancelled after an almighty collision by two other drivers. No one was seriously hurt but it meant waiting a day to get more points on the board. David obliged with another demonstration of control and speed in another fantastic race.
Races 7 & 8 saw the finale of the series at the Silverstone Race Track. One that David and Franchi were looking forward to, and for good reason. David’s best finishes of the season with 5th and 4th positions (in class) secured and a healthy points haul to put him in a great position for the final standings.
David finished in the Top 10 for his debut season with 8th Place (in class) overall for the Ferrari Challenge Series UK. Franchi couldn’t be happier with David’s performance. As a company with Italian roots, the chance to sponsor a Ferrari was hard to resist. David did a fantastic job and Franchi look forward working with and collaborating with David on future projects. Forza Ferrari.
