Classic Ferrari and Maserati single seaters could be seen beside prototype race cars from the '50s, '60s and '70s, there was even a Ferrari P33, in
traditional rossa (red) of course, plus a Maserati Birdcage in its proper white and blue regalia.
But while the beauty and rarity of the early cars was breathtaking, the sound they gave off while thundering down the track was an experience that won't soon be forgotten. Each car's engine blatted a unique exhaust note, as different as the sheetmetal that surrounded the various frames and chassis components. Some were deep and guttural, shaking the pavement with their authoritative growl, while others were feverishly higher in pitch, with stimulating mechanical noises emanating from under their various "bonnets" plus brutish crackling sounds emitted from their tailpipes with every gear change.
Only a personal dash around the track in a brand new F430 raised the heart rate more than watching the classics do their thing. An almost equally thrilling stint behind the wheel of one 612 Scaglietti and another Maserati Quattroporte made the event even more memorable, the rarity of such cars stirring enthusiasm in even the most jaded automotive journalists.
This is the second running of the twelve year old 360 Challenge series at the Mont-Tremblant circuit, a top-tier course that has also featured such notable events as the American Le Mans Series, and the largest Ferrari Festival to be held in North America. Unlike the ALMS, or other series in which Ferrari participates, the 360 Challenge features a group of very talented non-professional owner-drivers supported by dealership sponsored teams.
Make sure to check out hundreds of Ray Watson's photos in the gallery.
photo:Ray Watson (auto123.com)
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| The beauty and rarity of the early cars was breathtaking, and the sound they gave off while thundering down the track was an experience that won't soon be forgotten. (Photo: Ray Watson, Canadian Auto Press) |
But while the beauty and rarity of the early cars was breathtaking, the sound they gave off while thundering down the track was an experience that won't soon be forgotten. Each car's engine blatted a unique exhaust note, as different as the sheetmetal that surrounded the various frames and chassis components. Some were deep and guttural, shaking the pavement with their authoritative growl, while others were feverishly higher in pitch, with stimulating mechanical noises emanating from under their various "bonnets" plus brutish crackling sounds emitted from their tailpipes with every gear change.
 |
| A thrilling stint behind the wheel of a 612 Scaglietti raised excitement levels. (Photo: Ray Watson, Canadian Auto Press) |
This is the second running of the twelve year old 360 Challenge series at the Mont-Tremblant circuit, a top-tier course that has also featured such notable events as the American Le Mans Series, and the largest Ferrari Festival to be held in North America. Unlike the ALMS, or other series in which Ferrari participates, the 360 Challenge features a group of very talented non-professional owner-drivers supported by dealership sponsored teams.
Make sure to check out hundreds of Ray Watson's photos in the gallery.
photo:Ray Watson (auto123.com)
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