Ferrari 458 to Enter Grand Am Racing

The US has two competing top-tier sports car racing series – the American Le Mans Series and the Grand Am Road Racing Association. The Ferrari 458 already races in the American Le Mans Series with two separate teams. Now it is developing a car to compete in the Grand Am series. 

The Grand Am-spec 458 made its track debut today at Ferrari's Fiorano test track at the hands of test drivers Jamie Melo and Maurizio Mediani. It completed 45 laps. 

Extensive modifications have to be made to the 458 to make it acceptable for Grand Am competition. It makes 500hp with a 48mm restrictor. Due to series rules, the car has no ABS or traction control, which has necessitated Ferrari altering the 458's braking system. Rules also dictate that the car cannot have many of the aerodynamic tweaks found on the version of the 458 racing in Europe. 

Ferrari did not mention when the car will enter the series nor with what teams. However, because there are only four races left in the Grand Am calendar for the season, expect the 458 to makes its debut next year.