Ferrari Challenge Weekend at Laguna Seca — An Experience I’ll Never Forget

First off, I just want to give a huge shoutout to Ferrari USA for providing me with media credentials for the weekend of the Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Seca. This was such an incredible opportunity and one I’m truly grateful for and easily one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had behind the lens.

This was a weekend I wanted to experience to the fullest, so I planned it out to cover every single day of the event. I booked a hotel just 10 minutes from the track and did some pre-planning to make sure I could maximize each session.

From the moment I arrived on the first day, it was automotive sightseeing. The paddock’s energy was unmatched the lineup of Challenge cars parked in front of the “Casa Ferrari” display was stunning. Walking around the garages and seeing the competition cars up close was unreal. My eyes were wide, my smile constant, and I swear my neck almost broke from how fast I’d turn every time I heard one of those cars roar through the paddock.

Honestly, I could’ve spent the entire weekend just in the paddock and gone home completely satisfied. That’s something I always notice at these events — I get so immersed in everything happening that it’s hard to take it all in. But that’s what makes it so special. I want to soak up every moment, every sound, every smell, every flash of color that passes by.

Once the cars hit the track, though — game over. Seeing these Ferraris in person is an entirely different level compared to watching online. The sound, vibration, and atmosphere completely take over your senses. One of my favorite things about Laguna is crossing the track bridges — feeling the rumble of the cars flying underneath you is just a wild, visceral experience. And these Ferraris absolutely delivered on that front.

For this weekend, I ran a dual Sony A7III setup, both kept fairly minimal for mobility. I knew I’d be close to the action, but the 24-70mm can only reach so far, so I rented a Sigma 70-200mm for the weekend. That lens was a game-changer. Every time I use Sigma glass, I’m blown away by how crisp and clean it looks. After this, I’m definitely considering picking one up for myself and maybe experimenting with other focal lengths and specialty lenses in the future. The fun part about all this is testing new gear and seeing what creative results come out of it.

Moving around the track was its own workout, basically a mini hike with supercar views. Laguna’s layout means you really have to plan out your shots, deciding which corners to hit and when. There’s always that feeling that you’re missing something happening somewhere else, but I like to keep my variety. I made sure to rotate around so every batch of photos had a different perspective and feel.

Now, back home, I’m in catch-up mode. Between editing, uploading, updating my website, and sending out emails, it definitely feels like I’m behind but honestly, I’m still having a blast with it all. I’m even considering giving my website a full refresh to showcase this new wave of content and experiences. That weekend reminded me exactly why I do this — the mix of adrenaline, creativity, and passion for both photography and cars. Thank you again to Ferrari USA for the opportunity — this one’s going to stay with me for a long time.