by Tara Pachmayer | Jun 13, 2017 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
When championship driver Gilles Villeneuve was asked about his approach to racing he offered the following: “I will drive flat out all the time. I love racing.” During Round 2 of the Ferrari Challenge in Montreal—at the circuit that bears Villeneuve’s name—EMS Race Team demonstrated their love for racing by driving flat out all weekend long despite the adversity that came their way. In only their second race against professional drivers in the Trofeo Pirelli class, driver James Weiland and the Boardwalk Ferrari crew qualified second out of 45 overall. After an unfortunate incident ended their day early in Race 1, EMS came right back to finish strong on Sunday.
During qualifying for Race 1, Weiland and Erin, the ems+ Ferrari 488 Challenge, posted a lap time of 1:38.5 which was good for second overall. Erin would start outside Row 1 for Race 1, and finish the first lap running second before a puncture took out her right rear on Lap 2. While Weiland was able to save it, avoiding any contact following the puncture, the incident ended the day for Erin. The Race 1 finish would put EMS starting in the 38th position on Sunday, but Erin continued to compete despite that challenge. She’d fight for 22 places in 11.5 laps of green flag action prior to a yellow flag under which the race concluded 16th overall.
“Considering the way we qualified, and the way we finished on Sunday, we felt like we made a lot of progress for our second race weekend of the season,” Weiland said. “Obviously the puncture during Race 1 was unfortunate, but that’s racing. Our team did an excellent job getting Erin ready to race on Sunday, and it was great to be behind the wheel when she’s running like that. If we continue to do the things we were able to accomplish this weekend we should be in good shape for the Hungaroring.”
Round 2 of the Ferrari Challenge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve served as a support race for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished first while Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) rounded out the top three. The F1 event helped make for one of the biggest crowds of the Ferrari Challenge season, which always helps raise awareness for the missions close to EMS Race Team’s heart.
“The crowd of racing fans here in Montreal is always exciting to compete in front of during F1 weekend,” Weiland said. “But what is most important for us is to get the Cornerstone of Hope, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation and PETA Cruelty Free flags waving in front of so many new people. We had people asking us about each of the three great causes that are featured on Erin throughout the weekend and we’re always happy to spread the word about the great work that each group does for our communities.”
For more on Cornerstone of Hope, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation and PETA Cruelty Free check out their websites. For behind the scenes coverage of the Ferrari Challenge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve visit EMS Race Team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We will be back in action at the Hungaroring Circuit in Budapest, Hungary June 23-25.
by Tara Pachmayer | Jun 2, 2017 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec will host Round 2 of the 2017 Ferrari Challenge on June 9-11. The Ferrari Challenge drivers will compete in a support race for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, which will also be held in Montreal throughout weekend. Driver James Weiland and the Boardwalk Ferrari crew will be competing on the same track as F1 stars Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton and others. This marquee-racing event is expected to draw a capacity crowd of 100,000 fans who are sure to make it a festive atmosphere for racing.
“We were fortunate enough to win in Montreal last season in the Trofeo Pirelli AM class and we’ve always loved racing on this track,” Weiland said. “This season, competing against the Ferrari Challenge drivers in the pro class, we know we’ll have our work cut out for us. But we feel like we learned a lot as a team last month in Laguna Seca, and we’re just focused on giving our very best effort throughout the weekend.”
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve first hosted the Canadian Grand Prix in 1978. Past winners include Michael Schumacher, Jackie Stewart, defending champion Lewis Hamilton, as well as the iconic Aryton Senna. EMS Race Team competed at the legendary track in Montreal for the first time during the 2013 Ferrari Challenge. This year, Weiland will be driving the new ems+ Ferrari 488 Challenge, Erin, who made her debut in May at Laguna Seca.
“We’re looking forward to getting back out on the track with Erin in Montreal,” Weiland added. “With the large crowds that we’re expecting, this is always a terrific opportunity for her to showcase the charities that we race to raise awareness for in Cornerstone of Hope, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation, and PETA Cruelty Free. We brought Cornerstone and PETA to Montreal in the past, but this is the first time we’ll have the Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation logo on our car in Montreal. Hopefully, some fans take the time to visit each website and learn more about what those great causes are all about.”
Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation’s mission is to provide educational support to at risk children through a combination of literacy, personal development and health and fitness programs designed to develop the whole child. Since 2009, Coach Sam’s has been successful in reaching hundreds of children and motivating them to believe in themselves, leading to improved academic performance and self-confidence, setting them on the path toward a brighter future.
For more on Coach Sam’s visit their website. You can also visit Cornerstone of Hope and PETA Cruelty Free. To follow along with behind-the-scenes coverage throughout race weekend, visit EMS Race Team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Tara Pachmayer | May 16, 2017 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
The legendary Dale Earnhardt once said that finishing races is important, but racing is more important. During Round 1 of the Ferrari Challenge at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, driver James Weiland and the Boardwalk Ferrari crew got back to the important business of racing. They finished their first race since securing the Trofeo Pirelli AM season championship in December, after being moved up to the pro class to begin the 2017 campaign.
“It was great to get back on the track with our team at Laguna Seca,” Weiland said. “We found out just before the race that we had been moved up to the Trofeo Pirelli pro class and knew it would be a very tough test competing against a collection of excellent drivers. But for the first race of the season, we felt like we had a great effort all around and learned a lot throughout the weekend.”
After qualifying 10th in the Trofeo Pirelli class for Sunday’s race, Weiland moved up three spots to earn a 7th place finish. It was not only EMS Race Team’s debut competing in the pro class, but also the first time they were driving their new car, Erin, the ems+ Ferrari 488 Challenge trimmed in purple. The new model that was introduced this season will take time for drivers and teams to learn, but it’s a car that Boardwalk Ferrari Team Partner, Rudy Courtade, has been impressed with thus far.
“We’re really excited that we have a new model being introduced this year,” Courtade said of the new Ferrari 488 Challenge. “The 488 is now an extra 125 horsepower with an extra 100 pounds of torque. Twin-turbo, incredible power, with multiple selections for ABS, traction control and also stability control. So, the car is sophisticated. If you haven’t looked inside the car, it looks like a jet fighter cockpit. I think this car is going to be something to contend with in all different racing series.”
Erin once again features the logos of PETA Cruelty Free and Cornerstone of Hope. This season, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation is also featured just below the windshield. Coach Sam’s mission is to provide educational support to at risk children through a combination of literacy, personal development and health and fitness programs designed to develop the whole child. Since 2009, Coach Sam’s has been successful in reaching hundreds of children and motivating them to believe in themselves, leading to improved academic performance and self-confidence, setting them on the path toward a brighter future.
“This is the first year we’ll be racing to raise awareness for Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation and we’re very excited about that,” Weiland said. “The work they do helping children in Cleveland’s public schools is inspiring. We also continue to be inspired by Cornerstone of Hope and PETA Cruelty Free, and we were honored to represent those missions at Laguna Seca this weekend.”
Round 2 of the Ferrari Challenge will be held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 9-11. For more behind-the-scenes coverage from Mazda Raceway visit EMS Race Team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can also visit EMS at emscorporate.com and EMS Race Team at emsraceteam.com.
by Tara Pachmayer | May 9, 2017 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
EMS Race Team concluded the 2016 Ferrari Challenge by capturing the Trofeo Pirelli AM season championship on the final weekend during the Finali Mondiali at Daytona International Speedway. On May 12-14, driver James Weiland and the Boardwalk Ferrari crew will begin defense of that title at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the rolling hills of Monterey, California. This season, EMS will be racing the Ferrari 488 Challenge which replaces the 458 Challenge EVO. This version of the Ferrari Challenge car introduces a turbocharged 3.9 liter V-8. Unveiled at the Ferrari World Finals in Daytona, the 488 Challenge is the sixth model to participate in the series.
“Our whole team is excited to get back out and compete this season,” Weiland said in anticipation of the race later this month. “Racing the 488 for the first time this year will be fun for us as well. Our car will be trimmed in purple this year, and named Erin in honor of our original car that we first entered the Ferrari Challenge with several years ago. We are also proud to once again feature the charities that mean a lot to us on Erin, in Cornerstone of Hope, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation and PETA Cruelty Free. The updated design for this season features each logo with the Cruelty Free Bunnies adding extra speed from the bumpers.”
The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca racetrack that will host Round 1 of the 2017 Ferrari Challenge was built in 1957. It is 2.238 miles (3.602 km) long and features eleven turns, highlighted by the downhill-plunging “Corkscrew” at Turn 8. The first ever race at Laguna Seca was held on November 9, 1957, and Ferrari driver Pete Lovely finished first. Over the last several decades, Laguna has hosted USRRC, Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, IMSA GT, CART, American Le Mans Series, Grand American and Ferrari Challenge events, as well as others.
“We know we can’t be complacent coming out the gate this season,” Weiland added. “Laguna Seca is a beautiful track, but also challenging. Our competitors will be offering a stiff test like always as well throughout the weekend, and we know that they will make us pay for any mistakes. Our two days of testing with Erin went well, and we feel like she is in a good place. It will be competitive for sure at Laguna, but should be a fun experience and great chance to wave the flags for Cornerstone of Hope, Coach Sam’s Inner Circle and PETA Cruelty Free.”
For behind-the-scenes coverage and a look inside the Boardwalk Ferrari/Ferrari of San Francisco garage at Laguna Seca, follow EMS Race Team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by creative | Dec 9, 2016 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
The pageantry, extravagance and overall brilliance of the Ferrari World Finals were on full display at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida on December 1-4, and the 2016 Finali Mondiali proved to be nothing short of spectacular. But when it came time to go racing with Ferrari Challenge competitors from all over the world, driver James Weiland and EMS Race Team were all business.
Throughout the three-day event, the Boardwalk Ferrari crew demonstrated the same heart and attention to detail they had all season long to put EMS in a position to succeed. Entering the weekend trailing by only three points in the North American Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli AM points standings, one mistake could cost EMS Race Team the season championship. Everyone in the garage understood the stakes, and everyone delivered.
“With 40 cars in a race start, our strategy was really to make it through Turn 1 unscathed—which Jim did a great job of today,” Coach Conrad Grunewald said, following a fourth-place finish for Weiland in Race 2 that secured the Trofeo Pirelli AM class season title by one point.
“After that, it’s see where he is, as far as Steve Johnson, who is our main competitor for the season championship. Then base our strategy off that. With Steve in front of (Weiland) in P3, there was no need to risk any overdriving or making a mistake. And it left us with a one-point lead for the championship. Couldn’t be more proud of Jim, he did a great job this season.”
Coach Grunewald was speaking from Victory Lane at DIS after a technically sound performance on Saturday from Weiland. Understanding how many points were needed during the final race of the 2016 season to win the championship, EMS Race Team drove free of mistakes. This followed a Race 1 effort that ended with Weiland and his reserve driver who helped prepare for each race on the first-place podium, earning enough points on Friday to move into the top spot overall.
Reserve Driver Max Weiland reviewing race strategy with Coach Conrad Grunewald
“As you can see it just brings a big smile to my face,” Boardwalk Ferrari Team Partner Rudy Courtade said in response to Boardwalk Ferrari and Ferrari of San Francisco teammates James Weiland (P1 Trofeo Pirelli AM), Matt Keegan (P1 Coppa Shell) and J.C. Saada (P2 Coppa Shell) all finishing in the top two spots in class during Race 1. “It’s incredible how these guys can just pull off a 1-1-2 finish, with Jim, Matt and JC here at the Daytona World Finals. Everybody is super excited and we’re stoked going into the second race.”
While some outside the Boardwalk Ferrari and Ferrari of San Francisco garages may have been surprised that Weiland moved from second to first overall on the final Ferrari Challenge weekend of the year, one racing analyst was not.
“I think Paris is going to bring home the W,” Beckham Harkins, a racing analyst and son of former NHL player Brett Harkins who has appeared on ESPN, Fox, and other sports media outlets said before Race 1 began. “Go fast. I think she’s going to bring another championship back to Cleveland.”
The ems+ Ferrari Challenge 458 EVO trimmed in blue did bring that championship back to Cleveland as Harkins predicted. But the victory would never be won without the group of mechanics who kept Paris in racing order on a challenging track at Daytona.
“Car and the driver are both really, really fast,” head mechanic Dave Cameron said prior to qualifying on Friday morning. “We have a solid piece of equipment, just did a solid inspection. Ready to bring our A-game at the World Finals.”
With Erin, the ems+ Ferrari Challenge 458 EVO trimmed in red, initially slotted to run in the Finals, her sister, Paris, was forced to step in. The blue ems+ car qualified second in class for Race 1 before securing the hard-fought victory on opening night. The win, coupled with a best lap point, allowed Weiland to be leading the Trofeo Pirelli AM class by three heading into Race 2. The Bass Pro Shops car, driven by Steve Johnson, entered the final race in second position before finishing the season on the podium, earning 12 points with a third. But the ems+ car finished fourth and earned 10—which was just enough for the one-point season advantage.
“I’m really proud to be part of this Boardwalk Ferrari team,” Weiland said following the racing action at the Finali Mondiali. “But that’s nothing new. I love how hard they work, love their passion for what they do, and it’s showed in our results all season long. Huge thanks to Ken Ambrose, Nathan Dunning, Emmanuel Turin, Ryan Negri, Rudy Cortade, Dave Cameron, Daryl Cameron, Donald Cameron, Andrew Prendeville and my coach, Conrad Grunewald. To share this championship with those guys, it really makes it special. We all got together to raise as much awareness for PETA Cruelty Free and the Cornerstone of Hope Foundation as we could when the season began, and that’s what we did.”
Following the first-place finish Friday, and fourth on Saturday, EMS Race Team was back at it again on Sunday to compete for the World Finals. This race would be the first time that the Asian Pacific Series, European Series, and North American Series directly competed against each other, despite sharing a track throughout the weekend. EMS would receive rear contact on Sunday, however, and end the afternoon early. But they wouldn’t leave Daytona without the North American Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli AM championship trophy that the reserve driver required when the season began.
For more behind-the-scenes coverage of the Finali Mondiali weekend at Daytona International Speedway visit @emsRaceTeam on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vimeo.
Written by Brendan Bowers
by creative | Nov 29, 2016 | EMS Ferrari Challenge
The Ferrari World Finals will be held on December 1-4 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The Ferrari extravaganza begins on Friday night with racing under the lights, and continues throughout Saturday and Sunday. During the first two days of action, Ferrari Challenge drivers from all over the world will compete for season championships in the North American, European, and Asian Pacific series. With more than 40 cars on the track for each race, the competition expects to be crowded and stiff. But EMS Race Team driver, James Weiland, and his crew from Boardwalk Ferrari are looking forward to the opportunity.
“It’s exciting to be hosting the Ferrari World Finals, in a sense, at a North American series location,” Weiland said of the upcoming races in Daytona, Florida. “We’ve traveled to compete in the Ferrari World Finals in places like Abu Dhabi and Italy in the past, and it was amazing. So I think it will be a very fun and entertaining weekend, and a great experience for everyone at Daytona International Speedway. Our team is certainly looking forward to the challenge.”
By Saturday night, a season champion will be crowned for each class and series. EMS Race Team is currently in second place, but has an opportunity to close out the season in first with some solid racing and a little bit of luck. On Sunday, the chance to compete for a world championship during a third race at Daytona will conclude a star-studded weekend of Ferrari racing for EMS and all those in attendance.
Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen will also be driving their Ferrari F1 cars at Daytona during an on-track exhibition for the fans. Meanwhile, former NASCAR champion, Rusty Wallace, will be competing in the Ferrari races at DIS per the following release.
From Daytona International Speedway:
“NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace is going to return to the driver’s seat for the upcoming Ferrari Finali Mondiali on Dec. 1-4 at Daytona International Speedway. The 1989 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will battle the twists and turns of the “World Center of Racing’s” 3.56-mile road course for the Risi Competizione/Ferrari of Houston team in the North America series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. Wallace will practice on Thursday, Dec. 1 followed by qualifying and racing on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3.
“I hope that I can run strong in it and hopefully win but I’m realistic too,” Wallace said. “I haven’t been in a car in a long time. I’m going to have to knock a lot cobwebs off but I got the passion for it.”’
Wallace’s passion as a driver led to 55 victories and 36 poles during his NASCAR career. He along with Vettel and Raikkonen will infuse an already exciting event with even more energy, during a highly-anticipated weekend of racing.
“The Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Daytona will have a lot of eyes on it this year to be sure,” Weiland added, with respect to the celebrity drivers appearing as well as the Ferrari drivers from many different countries around the globe. “So, hopefully we can represent PETA Cruelty Free and the Cornerstone of Hope as well as we can, and get onto the podium a couple times. If we happen to win a season championship along the way, that’s great too.”
For more behind the scenes race coverage throughout the weekend follow @emsRaceTeam on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates. Also check out the Vimeo page as well for on-track footage following the race.
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