by Brendan Bowers | Oct 19, 2025 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
James Weiland and EMS Race Team will be competing in the Ferrari Challenge World Finals in Italy this week. The Ferrari Finali Mondiali is an annual event celebrating Ferrari’s racing heritage. The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place at the Mugello Circuit from October 21-26.
On Thursday and Friday, the North American and European series conclude with Races 1 and 2, respectively. Saturday is qualifying for the World Finals on Sunday, which brings together all drivers from around the world for one race and the chance to be crowned World Champion. Weiland and EMS Race Team earned Ferrari Challenge World Championship honors in 2019.
“We are looking forward to racing at Mugello and are always grateful to compete in the Ferrari World Finals,” Weiland said. “My son Max is racing this week in the WSK Final Cup in Franicacorta, IT, too, so it will be a fun week for our family.”
Opened in 1974, the Mugello Circuit is a fast, flowing track set in the hills of Tuscany, Italy. The 3.26-mile layout features 15 corners, dramatic elevation changes, and a long front straight that delivers high-speed action from start to finish. Owned by Ferrari, it’s known for its challenging technical sections that reward precision and control.

Powered by a 700-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will be racing to represent PETA Cruelty Free, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle, and Cornerstone of Hope throughout the event.

Racing to Raise Awareness
Weiland is a former Ferrari Challenge North American and Ferrari World Finals champion who races to raise awareness for three special causes. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will compete in Italy 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 racing in Italy.”
For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team during the Ferrari World Finals, follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We appreciate your support!
by Brendan Bowers | Sep 17, 2025 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
James Weiland and the EMS Race Team will be in Belgium this week for the Ferrari Racing Days at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. From September 18-21, the world-famous Spa Circuit will play host to Round 7 of the Ferrari Challenge Europe, where the new Ferrari 296 Challenge cars will battle it out on the legendary Ardennes track.
Opened in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most iconic circuits in all of motorsports. Known for corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon, the high-speed, 4.35-mile track has tested the world’s best drivers for decades. It remains a staple on the Formula 1 calendar and is considered by many to be one of the most thrilling and challenging racing venues in the world.
Powered by a 700-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, the Ferrari 296 Challenge will push drivers to their limits as they battle at top speed during a thrilling weekend of high-stakes racing in Belgium.

“We’re looking forward to racing at Spa,” Weiland said. “It’s one of the most historic and challenging tracks in the world. We’ll be up against a talented field of drivers, but our goal is to compete and give our best effort as a team.”

Racing to Raise Awareness
Weiland is a former Ferrari Challenge North American and Ferrari World Finals champion who races to raise awareness for three special causes. ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 296 Challenge will compete in Belgium 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 at Spa-Francorchamps.”
For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Belgium, follow along 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.”
Follow EMS Race Team
For exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.”
Follow the EMS Race Team
For behind-the-scenes coverage of the EMS Race Team in Germany, follow our team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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