During a recent road trip, I had the pleasure of visiting Foreign Cars Italia in Greensboro, NC. As soon as I stepped foot into the establishment, I was greeted by a mesmerizing display of elegant and exotic Ferraris and Maseratis. The rush of excitement was immediate and invigorating. To my surprise, I noticed a 488 Ferrari race car from Bee Safe Racing with a piece of tape on it that read “Do Not Clean”. For those who know me well, it’s no secret that racing machines always capture my attention, and this one was no exception.
The Bee Safe Racing Ferrari, sitting right in front of me had left a lasting impression at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GT Pro category. The 488 GTE they fielded proved to be a true powerhouse, boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that unleashed over 600 horsepower. It’s truly a marvel, especially considering its endurance throughout the grueling 24-hour race. This particular car, loaned out by owners Roy and Vanessa Carroll of Greensboro, found its temporary home at Foreign Cars Italia, where both enthusiasts and fans alike had the opportunity to admire its exceptional engineering.
The team was piloted by a talented trio: Felipe Fraga, Sam Bird, and Shane van Gisbergen. Their combined skill and endurance behind the wheel contributed significantly to the team’s success, securing a commendable 5th-place finish in the grueling race.
Shane van Gisbergen’s achievements extend beyond the Le Mans race. His victory at the inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street race added another feather to his cap, showcasing his versatility across different racing disciplines. His upcoming full-time participation in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024 promises excitement and further opportunities to display his racing prowess.
As for the 488 GTE race car, its specs are awe-inspiring. The aerodynamic design, coupled with its powerful V8 engine, enables it to navigate the twists and turns of LeMans with precision. With its exceptional racing pedigree and unparalleled engineering excellence, this powerhouse stands tall among the other factory teams, commanding respect and admiration.
For those intrigued by the street-legal version of the Ferrari 488, owning one promises an exhilarating experience. The street version may not match the exact specifications of the race car, but it certainly inherits the essence of Ferrari’s racing technology. With a stunning design and a powerful engine derived from the racing pedigree, owning a Ferrari 488 offers a taste of the track in a road-legal package.
Roy and Vanessa Carroll, the owners of the loaned Ferrari, are passionate car enthusiasts with a penchant for supporting racing endeavors. Their generosity in providing such a remarkable machine to their Bee Safe Racing team at Le Mans undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success, showcasing their commitment to the sport and its participants.
The Bee Safe Racing team’s achievement at Le Mans reflects not only the dedication and skill of the drivers but also the collaborative effort between passionate owners, talented drivers, and a remarkable machine like the Ferrari 488 GTE. It’s a testament to the fusion of technology, teamwork, and sheer passion for motorsport.
