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.”
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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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by Brendan Bowers | Oct 17, 2024 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
James Weiland and the Ferrari of San Francisco team are preparing for the biggest event of the Ferrari Challenge season—the 2024 Finali Mondiali. This highly anticipated race will occur from October 16 to 20 at the legendary Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy.
The Finali Mondiali marks the grand finale of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli schedule. It will bring together top European and North American drivers to compete for the Ferrari Challenge championship.
“We’re excited for the challenge at Imola,” Weiland said. “Racing at a historic track like this is always special. We’ll give it everything we’ve got while we’re there.”
EMS Race Team earned a P2 finish at Mugello in May and most recently competed at Nürburgring in Germany. The team has had success at the Finali Mondiali in the past. Weiland secured the Pirelli Am North American Championship in 2016. EMS Race Team also won the ’19 World Finals in the Coppa Shell class. The team will be looking for a similar result this weekend.
Imola: A Legendary Track
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola is one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport. Known for its challenging layout and high-speed corners, the track has hosted numerous historic races, including Formula 1 Grands Prix. Its technical demands require drivers to be at their very best, making it the perfect setting for the showdown of the Ferrari Challenge season.
Racing to Raise Awareness
Erin, the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge, will race at Imola to support three import causes: Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization globally. Products proudly displaying the bunny logo are cruelty-free, meaning they were produced without testing on animals.
Coach Sam’s Scholar’s mission is to provide educational support to at-risk children through literacy, personal development, and health and fitness programs designed to develop the whole child. Cornerstone of Hope, meanwhile, is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for the grieving.
“We’re proud to represent Coach Sam’s, PETA, and Cornerstone,” Weiland said. “These organizations do amazing work, and we’ll do our best to raise awareness for their work at Imola.”
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by Brendan Bowers | Sep 9, 2024 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
Nürburgring, Germany — Driver James Weiland and the Electronic Merchant Systems Race Team delivered a strong performance during the Ferrari Racing Days in Germany. Starting Race 1 of the Ferrari Challenge on Saturday in 11th position, ERIN the EMS – PaymentCloud Ferrari 296 Challenge moved into podium contention before finishing P4.
“We didn’t quite have the necessary speed for the podium,” Weiland said following a race where he moved up seven spots. “The start was pretty noteworthy and exciting, though, for sure.”
The exciting start set the tempo for an entertaining weekend at the Formula 1 circuit in Germany. No stretch of racing was wilder than the final lap of Race 2.
Qualifying P4 for Sunday’s race, ERIN fell into P8 after a rough start. Running in P6 just before a safety car slowed the action, EMS Race Team made the pass of the day. After the safety car concluded and racing resumed, Weiland made the Ferrari move of the day to slide into P5.
Click here to watch EMS Race Team earn the Ferrari move of the day.
EMS kept going from there, getting into third position for the final lap. That’s exactly when the chaos began. As several cars collided with one another, ERIN was forced to catch collateral damage, ending the podium bid.
Here is the final lap from Race 2 of the Ferrari Challenge in Germany.
“Couldn’t anticipate the white car after contact heading down to the racing line, and then below it, and stopping right there,” Weiland said, describing his vantage point leading into the crash.
“Yet we still had a very good chance for P3 and a podium with one more overtake. I was too impatient, too imprecise, or both. And with three corners to go, when the red car parked it in the corner, I swerved to avoid hitting him while on the brakes and lost the rear and lost the podium. Rookie mistake.
“Turns out, minutes later, he was assessed a penalty for earlier in the lap. I was running 3rd but could not know it. Therapy may be necessary! I imagine Max Weiland Racing will require a sit-down and an explanation. And probably won’t be very tolerant.”
Racing to Raise Awareness
The Nürburgring, in Germany, opened for racing in 1927. It hosted a Formula 1 race in 1951 and continues to be one of the most magnificent racing venues in the world.
EMS won twice at the Nurburgring in ’21. During this year’s trip, the team continued to race to raise awareness for PETA Cruelty-Free, Coach Sam’s Scholars, and Cornerstone of Hope.
“A super weekend of Ferrari Racing here in Germany,” Weiland added. “Thanks so much to R3 Motorsports, Inc., Rossocorsa, Ferrari of San Francisco, Boardwalk Ferrari, Dave Cameron, Ray Banda, and Conrad Grunewald.
“Next is the World Finals at Imola in October. Can’t wait. Excited to keep racing to raise awareness for Coach Sam’s, Cornerstone, and Peta Cruelty-Free.”
Finali Mondiali at Imola
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola will host the Finali Mondiali Ferrari on October 16-20. The highly anticipated event marks the conclusion of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli season.
Ticket sales are open for the event in Romagna and are available via this link. EMS Race team will be representing the three causes they race to raise awareness for at Imola.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization globally. Products proudly displaying the bunny logo are cruelty-free, meaning they were produced without testing on animals.
Coach Sam’s Scholar’s mission is to provide educational support to at-risk children through literacy, personal development, and health and fitness programs designed to develop the whole child. Cornerstone of Hope, meanwhile, is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for the grieving.
Connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Germany.
by Brendan Bowers | Aug 29, 2024 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
During their last race, driver James Weiland and his Ferrari of San Francisco team finished P2 at the Mugello Ferrari Challenge. While in Italy, they raced the new Ferrari 296 Challenge for the first time.
Now, EMS Race is traveling to the Nürburgring Ferrari Challenge on September 5 to 8 to race in Nürburg, Germany. During the Nürburgring Ferrari Challenge in ’21, Weiland roared through wet conditions to capture back-to-back victories–moving the team into first place in the FC Europe Driver Standings.
“We’re excited and grateful for the chance to go racing,” Weiland said. “We look forward to competing with some excellent drivers, doing our best, and having fun. The last time we raced at Nürburgring, we had a lot of success. Hopefully, we can do that again.”
Erin the Electronic Merchant Systems – PaymentCloud Ferrari 296 Challenge
After racing the 488 Challenge EVO over the last few seasons, this year’s car is the Ferrari 296 Challenge. Pirelli developed special new tires exclusively for this model. The design phase involved using advanced simulation technologies and almost a year of development, including various verification loops on international circuits.
Using a wider front wheel with an 11” channel allowed Pirelli to develop a tire geared towards better turn-in grip, lower wear, and greater consistency throughout a race.
Racing to Raise Awareness
ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge is racing in Germany to raise awareness for Coach Sam’s Scholars, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization globally. Products proudly displaying the bunny logo are cruelty-free, meaning they were produced without testing on animals.
Coach Sam’s Scholars‘ mission is to provide educational support to at-risk children through literacy, personal development, and health and fitness programs designed to develop the whole child. Cornerstone of Hope, meanwhile, is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for the grieving.
“We are proud of the work that Coach Sam’s, Cornerstone, and PETA continue to do for our communities,” Weiland added. “Our team plans to do the best we can to make them proud of us while we are racing in Germany.”
For behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Germany, follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also stream the racing action live at Ferrari.com.
by Brendan Bowers | Apr 30, 2024 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
Mugello Circuit, Italy – EMS Race Team is traveling to Italy to compete in the Ferrari Challenge Europe Series at the Mugello Circuit on May 3-5. The team is coming off a podium finish last month in Japan and hopes to build on that momentum during the Ferrari Races at Mugello.
Driver James Weiland is returning to a world-famous circuit that he’s had success racing in the past. During the Ferrari World Finals in 2019, Weiland made a dramatic overtake on the final lap to win the Coppa Shell Championship at Mugello.
Reserve driver Max Weiland being in Italy that day rooting his Dad past the finish line made it an even more special weekend. The team hopes that this year’s car–ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge–finds a similar pace and result.
“We’re grateful and excited to be racing in Italy,” Weiland said. “We are looking forward to competing with some excellent drivers and having a lot of fun on the track. It’s always special being able to compete at the Mugello Circuit.”
The Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, also known as Mugello Circuit, is in the municipality of Scarperia and San Piero, near Florence. The circuit is in a region steeped in history, art, and culture, set amidst the mountains and rolling hills of Tuscany.
The circuit’s current layout dates back to 1974. The track measures 5,245 meters in length and 14 in width. The track includes 15 corners, six left, and nine right, and a main straight of 1,141 meters.
ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge
After racing the 488 Challenge EVO over the last few seasons, this year’s Ferrari Challenge race car is the Ferrari 296 Challenge. The tires were exclusively developed by Pirelli for this new model. The design phase involved the use of advanced simulation technologies and almost a year of development that included a variety of different verification loops on international circuits.
The use of a wider front wheel with an 11” channel allowed Pirelli to develop a tire geared towards better turn-in grip, lower wear, and greater consistency throughout a race. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge is racing in Italy to raise awareness for Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation, PETA Cruelty-Free, and Cornerstone of Hope.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization globally. Products proudly displaying the bunny logo are cruelty-free, meaning they were produced without testing on animals.
Coach Sam’s Scholar’s mission is to provide educational support to at-risk children through literacy, personal development, and health and fitness programs designed to develop the whole child. Cornerstone of Hope, meanwhile, is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for the grieving.
“We are proud of the work that Coach Sam’s, Cornerstone, and PETA continue to do for our communities,” Weiland added. “Our team plans to do the best we can to make them proud of us while we were racing in Italy.”
For behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Italy, follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also stream the racing action live at Ferrari.com.
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