by Brendan Bowers | Jul 24, 2025 | Electronic Merchant Systems
James Weiland and the EMS Race Team traveled to Spain to compete in the Barcelona Ferrari Challenge from July 17 to 20. Located just outside the city of Barcelona, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya played host to a thrilling weekend of racing action.
The team had ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 running well all weekend. She qualified P8 for Race 1 and moved up two spots to finish P6. On Sunday, for Race 2, she’d do the same thing and finish the weekend with a pair of top-6 finishes.
During qualifying for Race 2, Weiland and ERIN improved by over half a second and were much closer to the front. But time losses in Sectors 2 and 3 were pushing them back to P8 against a talented field.
“It was a good week at the Barcelona Ferrari Races despite no trophies this trip,” Weiland said. “P6 on Saturday and the same on Sunday. ERIN ran super all weekend against some very good competition, and she was a lot of fun to race.”
“Thanks to the best team anyone could be a part of with Rossocorsa, R3 Motorsports, Dave Cameron, Ray Banda, and Conrad Grunewald,” Weiland added. “Our next events are Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in September and the Ferrari World Finals at the Mugello Circuit in October. Can’t wait.”
Racing to Raise Awareness
Weiland is a former Ferrari Challenge North American champion who races to raise awareness for three special causes. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge races to support Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
Coach Sam’s Scholars works to improve literacy, personal development, and health for at-risk children through innovative educational programs. PETA Cruelty-Free advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and promotes cruelty-free products, proudly recognized by the bunny logo. Cornerstone of Hope is committed to providing support, education, and hope for those experiencing grief.
“We’re proud to represent Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA, and Cornerstone,” Weiland said. “Each of these organizations makes a tremendous impact.”
Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We appreciate your support!
by Brendan Bowers | Jul 16, 2025 | Electronic Merchant Systems
James Weiland and the EMS Race Team will be in Spain this week for the Barcelona Ferrari Challenge. From July 17-20, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will play host to the racing action. Located just outside the city of Barcelona, the track provides a thrilling experience for drivers and racing fans.
Since it opened in 1991, this world-renowned venue has become synonymous with speed, precision, and excitement. The site is home to the Spanish F1 Grand Prix and the Catalan MotoGP Grand Prix. The course, featuring a mix of long fast straights and tricky corners, will present a challenge throughout the weekend.
The drivers will be racing the Ferrari 296 Challenge. It’s the ninth model in series history, powered by a 700-horsepower turbocharged V6. The engine is based on the Ferrari 296 GTB road car.
“We’re excited to be racing in Spain,” Weiland said. “This is a challenging track, and we’ll be competing against a field of talented drivers. But we plan to give our best effort as a team throughout the weekend.”
Racing to Raise Awareness
Weiland is a former Ferrari Challenge North American champion who races to raise awareness for three special causes. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will be competing to support Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
Coach Sam’s Scholars works to improve literacy, personal development, and health for at-risk children through innovative educational programs. PETA Cruelty-Free advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and promotes cruelty-free products, proudly recognized by the bunny logo. Cornerstone of Hope is committed to providing support, education, and hope for those experiencing grief.
“We’re proud to represent Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA, and Cornerstone,” Weiland said. “Each of these organizations makes a tremendous impact, and we’ll do our best to raise awareness for their work while competing in Barcelona, Spain.”
For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Spain on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We appreciate your support!
by Brendan Bowers | May 19, 2025 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
Ferrari Challenge Europe continues its 2025 season at Hockenheim in Germany on May 24-25. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will be making the trip and competing for the win.
The legendary German circuit will host EMS Race Team for Round 3 after stops at Monza and Misano. Driver James Weiland will again be racing the Ferrari 296 Challenge. It’s the ninth model in series history, powered by a 700-horsepower turbocharged V6. The engine is based on the Ferrari 296 GTB road car.
Hockenheim is one of Europe’s most iconic circuits. First opened in 1932, it was last redesigned in 2002. The 17-turn layout features high-speed corners and technical sections. It challenges every part of a driver’s still and focus.
“We’re excited to be back in Germany this weekend,” Weiland said. “This track has a great mix of speed and challenges, so we’re looking forward to the opportunity to race against a great field.”
Racing to Raise Awareness
Weiland is a former Ferrari Challenge North American champion who races to raise awareness for three special causes. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will be competing to support Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
Coach Sam’s Scholars works to improve literacy, personal development, and health for at-risk children through innovative educational programs. PETA Cruelty-Free advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and promotes cruelty-free products, proudly recognized by the bunny logo. Cornerstone of Hope is committed to providing support, education, and hope for those experiencing grief.
“We’re proud to represent Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA, and Cornerstone,” Weiland said. “Each of these organizations makes a tremendous impact, and we’ll do our best to raise awareness for their work while competing in Germany this weekend.”
For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Monza on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We appreciate your support!
by Brendan Bowers | Mar 28, 2025 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
The legendary Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is hosting the opening round of the 2025 Ferrari Challenge Europe season on March 27-30 in Italy. The race marks the series’ return to the historic “Temple of Speed” for the first time in four years. Now in its 33rd season, the 2025 Ferrari Challenge calendar includes eight rounds across Europe’s most celebrated circuits.
The Monza opener will feature the lightning-fast 296 Challenge cars—Ferrari’s ninth model in the series and the first to sport a 700-horsepower de-hybridised V6 engine. ERIN the Ferrari 296 Challenge is featured below in her updated design.
This year’s grid at Monza boasts record-breaking participation, with 72 drivers from 22 countries representing 30 Ferrari dealerships. Of those, 21 are making their Challenge debuts. They’ll battle it out across the four traditional classes: Trofeo Pirelli, Trofeo Pirelli Am, Coppa Shell, and Coppa Shell Am.
The weekend kicked off with testing and free practice on March 27-28. Qualifying sessions will take place on the mornings of March 29 and 30, followed by three 30-minute races each afternoon—separate races for Coppa Shell and Coppa Shell Am, and a combined grid for Trofeo Pirelli and Trofeo Pirelli Am.
“It’s a long weekend ahead and there are no trophies for Final Practice,” EMS Race Team driver James Weiland said on Friday. “But ERIN is looking good and running like the wind again. P1. We will see if we can keep it going!”
Racing to Raise Awareness
Weiland is a former Ferrari Challenge North American champion who will be racing for the win this weekend. Erin, the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will be competing to support three important causes: Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
Coach Sam’s Scholars works to improve literacy, personal development, and health for at-risk children through innovative educational programs. PETA Cruelty-Free advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and promotes cruelty-free products, proudly recognized by the bunny logo. Cornerstone of Hope is committed to providing support, education, and hope for those experiencing grief.
“We’re proud to represent Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA, and Cornerstone,” Weiland said. “Each of these organizations makes a tremendous impact, and we’ll do our best to raise awareness for their work while competing in Europe this season.”
For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Monza on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We appreciate your support!
by Brendan Bowers | Nov 21, 2024 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
James Weiland and the Ferrari of San Francisco team are gearing up for one of the most exciting races of the Ferrari Challenge series. EMS Race Team is set to compete in the Ferrari Challenge Formula One support race under the lights in Las Vegas on November 21-23.
“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to compete in Las Vegas,” Weiland said. “We’re grateful for the chance to race this track and participate in one of the most iconic weekends in motorsports.
Hopefully, we can make the most of this opportunity.”
Weiland will race on the same track that Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton will compete on for the F1 win. He’s earned podium finishes in Japan and Italy this year and will look to add another in Vegas.
Las Vegas Street Circuit
The Las Vegas street circuit has quickly become one of the most exciting tracks in motorsports. Set against the electric backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip, this street course features a layout that combines high-speed straights and tight corners. Under the lights, it expects to be a fun but challenging drive.
“We are very proud and delighted to offer our Ferrari Challenge drivers the chance to compete on a circuit that has become instantly iconic, as part of the weekend that sees Formula 1 starring on the same track,” Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti said.
“The success of our one-make series is also based on offering customers the opportunity to compete on the best and most spectacular tracks in the world, and the setting provided by Las Vegas is undoubtedly unique in this respect.”
Practice begins under the lights of Las Vegas Boulevard at 8:05 PM on Thursday, followed by qualifying at 11:30 PM. Race 1 goes off on Friday at 8:10 PM, with Race 2 closing out the weekend on Saturday at 6:20 PM.
Racing to Raise Awareness
Erin, the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge, will take the track in Las Vegas to support three important causes: Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
Coach Sam’s Scholars works to improve literacy, personal development, and health for at-risk children through innovative educational programs.
PETA Cruelty-Free advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and promotes cruelty-free products, proudly recognized by the bunny logo.
Cornerstone of Hope is committed to providing support, education, and hope for those experiencing grief.
“We’re proud to represent Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA, and Cornerstone,” Weiland said. “Each of these organizations makes a tremendous impact, and we’ll do our best to raise awareness for their work while competing in Las Vegas.”
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For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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