Ferrari Maserati Long Island’s Annual Rally to Red Tomato Artisanal Pizza to Honor Eileen “Red” Bildman and Support the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation

April 22, 2021 

When Eileen “Red” Bildman was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2017 little did she know how her life was going to change. It took her well over 10 years and numerous visits to many different specialty physicians, including gastroenterologists, a cardiologist, and an endocrinologist, before she was properly diagnosed. But that diagnosis did not hold her back from pursuing a dream to become a Ferrari race car driver at the age of 58. 

On Sunday, May 16, the Ferrari Maserati Long Island’s Rally to Red Tomato Artisanal Pizza 2021 will honor Eileen for her success in winning the 2020 Ferrari Challenge North America Ladies Cup during the Finale at Misano World Circuit held in Misano, Italy. Eileen has selected the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation as her charity of choice to be featured at the Rally. 

Always standing out on the track with her flaming red Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, Eileen decided to compete in the Ferrari Challenge because of her love of racing. Her favorite circuits include Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca, and the one that is very challenging is at Circuit of the Americas. Her ritual before getting out on the track is to close her eyes; think of her son, Kevin (who died untimely in 2001); and say that Kevin is in the car with her in spirit.

Eileen’s advice to everyone living with neuroendocrine cancer is “live your life and make every day like it could be your last. For the past three years no one even knew I suffered from this and basically I did not want them to! Now it is time to let people know that you can have a life living with and being treated for cancer. I try to not let the bad days get me down and remember there are more good days than bad. I am not a victim, I am a survivor.”

All are welcome to participate in the Ferrari Maserati of Long Island Rally to the Red Tomato Artisanal Pizza restaurant in East Norwich, New York and join in the celebration honoring Eileen “Red” Bildman to benefit the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. Enjoy an afternoon of Italian delight with authentic wood-fired pizzas, a variety of wine tastings by VinoFiamma & AltaNeve, Gelato by Gemalli’s, sweet treats from Dortini, and live music. The event will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Parking passes will be given on a first-come, first-served basis for clients of EAG registering a Ferrari, Maserati or Alfa Romeo. Space is limited. Spectators welcome. RSVPs are not necessary and donations to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation are welcome at check-in.

For more information about the May 16th event or to donate to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation in honor of Eileen Bildman, click here: www.eagevents.com/event/rally-to-red-tomato-20

Greetings Tifosi,
 

We are writing to tell you about a tremendous achievement by a member of the Jacksonville chapter of the Florida region, Eileen Bildman.

Eileen just returned from Misano, Italy, where she raced in the Finali Mondiali for the Ferrari Challenge Series 2020 season. The 2020 season had be postponed due to COVID, but fortunately it was not canceled.

Eileen won the 2020 Ferrari North America Ladies Championship. She has raced in the Ferrari Challenge Series since 2018, and she will participate again in the 2021 season when it begins next weekend at Virginia International Raceway.

We are very proud of Eileen's accomplishments thus far, and look forward to rooting her on in the 2021 season of the Ferrari Challenge Series. Please join us in congratulating her!
 

Regards,

Dennis Flint

FCA Florida Region Board

Read the original story with exclusive video at: races.ferrari.com

Maranello | 8 September 2020

The “Fast Lane” column joins Eileen Bildman at the Circuit of the Americas where the long-time Ferrari Challenge competitor is the leading lady in the Coppa Shell Am category.  Always a stand-out on the track with her flaming red Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, Eileen sat down with us to share some of her experience and perspective on the Ferrari Challenge series.

What made you decide to compete in the Ferrari Challenge?

“I have a love of racing, and I was having a lot of trouble with the shifting as a lot of race cars are manual transmissions.  So I went to a paddle shift car to simplify that portion and really focus on the driving.  I always loved Ferraris and just thought it was the right place to be”.

What is your favorite circuit?

“Well that’s pretty funny.  My favorite is Road Atlanta and we were just there in March for Ferrari Racing Days.  I absolutely love that circuit and I also love Laguna Seca which is coming up next on the schedule for us.  One that I struggle with more is here at the Circuit of the Americas.  The heat at COTA is something that I struggle with, particularly this weekend as the temperatures are so high.  It’s a long track and there are just a lot of intricate parts that are very technical”.

The feature you most appreciate in the 488 Challenge EVO?

“The new steering wheel is mega, its easy to manipulate and the buttons are very friendly”.

Do you have any rituals before you get out on track?

“I always try to close my eyes and think and say: OK Kevin you have to be with me – that’s my son – you’re in the car with me in spirit”.

Which race do you remember the most fondly?

“For sure it was Road Atlanta in 2016. As I mentioned Road Atlanta is one of my favorite tracks and that year I was battling for position, I was battling with everyone and I placed first for the Ladies’ Cup and top ten overall and on the lead lap.  It was like all of a sudden the clouds parted and it all made sense.  I’m waiting for that to happen this weekend”.