It’s never easy traveling halfway around the world and doing anything, let alone driving at high rates of speed upon arrival in the Asian Pacific Ferrari Challenge. This most recent trip to the Fuji Speedway in Japan marked the third time that driver James Weiland and EMS Race Team competed in Asia this season. Previous stops included the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, and then the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. Each race weekend presented its own set of unique challenges, and Fuji would be no different.
“It’s always a real test for our team to travel here to Japan and compete at a high level,” Weiland said. “The majority of that test is in the extremely talented and aggressive drivers who compete here. We know when we compete on the Asian Pacific Series that nothing will be handed to us out on the track—nor should it be. We come prepared to earn everything we get, and raise awareness around the globe for the amazing work that PETA Cruelty Free and the Cornerstone of Hope do for our communities.”
EMS caught the attention of the overseas crowd early with some exciting racing in the opening competition on Saturday. During Race 1, after a disappointing qualifying session, EMS grabbed two positions at the start and held that spot all the way through the checkered flag with disciplined driving on a challenging course. The finish would be good for third in the Trofeo Pirelli AM class. It would also add another piece of hardware that the EMS reserve driver insists Weiland bring home from each race. Race 2 wouldn’t be as kind, however, as the EMS+ Ferrari Challenge 458 EVO, Erin, would receive broadside contact that ended her afternoon early.
“Erin was really moving for me this weekend,” Weiland added, of the Ferrari Challenge car that is well maintained and prepared by the Boardwalk Ferrari team. “She jumped out early in Race 1 and gained a couple spots at the start of the race, and was doing her best to make her way through some congested traffic spots today. I was pleased with the way she ran and all credit goes to the crew from Boardwalk Ferrari for being as diligent and prepared as they always are. Same can be said for my coach Conrad Grunewald.”
EMS Race Team returns to action for the Ferrari Challenge Race in Homestead, Florida next month. Weiland will arrive with a share of first place overall in the Trofeo Pirelli AM class—a position he earned last time out in Lime Rock. The North American Ferrari Challenge standings remain unaffected by the podium finish in Fuji due to that being an Asian Pacific series event. For more pictures and behind the scenes coverage of EMS Race Team’s trip to Fuji, Japan follow @emsRaceTeam on Facebook, Twitter Vimeo and Instagram.