Sonoma, California

Motoracing is known as the most sophisticate, glamorous, dangerous and expensive sport in the planet, being very difficult, even for a young and rich driver to succeed in climbing to any of the top-level classes like NASCAR, Formula Indy or Formula-1. How much more difficult it would be for a 47 years old truck driver aspiring to become one of those drivers?

What seems to be impossible had just a glimpse of possibility when the Brazilian racing driver Fernando Dias Ribeiro won the 2004  SCCA Formula Russell Racing Series Master title, a very competitive formula racing class, base for any driver aspiring to reach one of the top level Motoracing classes. If it was not enough, the truck driver nearly finished 1st overall in the same class but fell short in points due to a gas shortage in his Formula Russell.

Fernando, who came to America with his family, determined to pursue the dream to become a Formula Indy racing car driver, expended the last 7 years learning how to drive a formula racing car in the best racing school in the world, Jim Russell Racing, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Without enough resources to pay for a seat in a professional racing series, The Brazilian perceived the opportunity coming when a trucking company decided to sponsor him, but not with enough for all racing expenses. In this company Fernando learned pretty much all about the trucking business and established a reasonable relationship with the local trucking industry, especially with truck drivers, who gathered together to support him. After 7 years trying to complete a full season without success, due to lack of enough sponsors, an anonymous benefactor stepped in and paid for 10 out of 19 races of the 2004 season, giving to Fernando the opportunity to prove his talent.

Boosted by his Christian faith, with a strong sense of mission to share it values and principles, Fernando found even more strength, as he perceived how difficult it is for an ordinary man as a truck driver to succeed in life, especially after the 40ths. Decided to make a stand for his faith, values and what he believes it is possible to be accomplished trough hard work, dedication and partnership, the Brazilian family man had call upon his shoulders the burning of an impossible quest.  

Geral

1-J.R. Hildebrand-218 pontos (Campeao Geral)

2-Fernando Ribeiro (Campeao Master) - 208 pontos

3-Jeremy Spiering-189 pontos

4-Bruce Feldman - 171 pontos

5-Steve Hill-168 pontos

6-Wess Phillips-156 pontos