Motorsport · Ferrari Challenge North America · 2026

Date & time

15 Mar 2026, 22:25

Round

1

Location

Thermal, California, United States

The second Coppa Shell race of the 2026 Ferrari Challenge North America season at The Thermal Club serves as the critical "Feature Race" of the weekend. The strategic narrative centers on whether Yahn Bernier can maintain his dominant form and complete a weekend sweep following his victory in Saturday's opening sprint. The primary hurdle for the field is the 8.2km "Twin Palms" layout, which becomes increasingly slick and demanding as the California sun peaks on Sunday morning. Tactically, drivers must manage their tires through the technical second sector—a "mechanical necessity" to ensure they have enough traction for the heavy braking zones at the end of the long straights where most overtaking occurs. The headline story focuses on the tactical battle for the amateur class, where Glen Moss looks to replicate his Saturday success against local rivals like Steve Check. Strategically, the race is a test of consistency over the full 30-minute duration; unlike the shorter sprint sessions, the Feature Race rewards drivers who can maintain a rhythm despite the high-load corners of Turn 1 and Turn 7. With the tight nature of the Thermal facility, the start will be paramount, as the field of Ferrari 296 Challenge cars funnels into the opening complex under the intense desert light.