Suzuka Circuit, Japan – EMS Race Team traveled to Asia to compete in the Ferrari Challenge Japan at the Suzuka Circuit on April 5-7 during Formula 1 weekend. The trip was a fantastic opportunity to experience Japanese culture and the team was very grateful for the opportunity. Coming together to earn a podium finish made it even more special.
EMS Race Team driver James Weiland, reserve driver Max Weiland, and the Ferrari of San Francisco / R3 Motorsports team made the journey around the globe from Cleveland, OH to arrive in Tokyo, Japan. They boarded the bullet train to the Suzuka Circuit on April 2.
ERIN the Electronic Merchant Systems Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo arrived earlier in the week after departing from Los Angeles. The team joined her on April 3 for open practice. Max made sure the team was prepared and stayed focused.
ERIN started fast at Suzuka. Her practice times slotted P3 in class and P5 of 29 overall. She qualified for the Ferrari Challenge Japan season-opening event in the wet later on but encountered some issues.
Entering the race, EMS qualified P12 of 29 drivers. ERIN found her pace quickly, though, and regained the speed from practice. She passed six drivers on her way to earning P6 overall and P3 in class.
“ERIN does it again,” Weiland said following the 3rd place finish in the Japan Ferrari Challenge. “We raced from P6 to P3 in class, and P12 to P6 overall on this mega circuit. It’s always nice to be on the podium! Some really good racing with some really good drivers out here. Thanks to the entire R3 Motorsports, Inc. team!”
On Sunday, Weiland, ERIN, and the team continued to push PETA, Coach Sam’s, and Cornerstone of Hope toward the front of the pack. EMS wrapped up the weekend with a P7 overall and a P4 in class the following day during the second race of the weekend.
The Formula 1 Japan Grand Prix began shortly after the Ferrari Challenge finished. Max Verstappen and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez earned a 1-2 finish to win the Japanese Grand Prix. The next race for EMS Race Team is at the Mugello Circuit in Italy during the Ferrari Challenge European series on May 3-5.
“Thank you to Ferrari Races, Ferrari of San Francisco, R3 Motorsports, and everyone involved with the Challenge event in Suzuka,” Weiland said. “A fantastic opportunity for the family and I to experience the Japanese culture and everything associated with F1 weekend. We really enjoyed the racers and the hard but respectful racing here. Can’t wait to come back.”
“We also want to say thank you to Coach Sam’s Scholars, Cornerstone of Hope, and PETA Cruelty-Free. We appreciate the work your teams do for our community. It is an honor for our team to represent yours on the track.”
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.
Photos from the Japan Ferrari Challenge 2024 at the Suzuka Circuit
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