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Representing Helsinki, Finland, Emma Kimiläinen is a racing driver for the W Series.
During the pandemic, Emma is managing the best she can as it is what it is. Emma noted that you just need to keep yourself safe and the people around you.
For career highlights, Emma was born to race. Her karting days began at 5 years old. Recognised as the best female driver from 20 years of experience for Racing Driver of the Year in Finland, Emma kept going. It was in 2003 and 2004 that Emma explored the go-kart class ICA-Junior to get a feel of the international races at the Italian Open Masters and European Championship in Belgium and Portugal.
Emma began professional racing in 2005 at the Formula Ford NEZ, Formula Ford Finland, and Formula Ford Sweden where she placed 2nd two years in a row. From there, Emma continued to the Radical Cup Sweden finishing 3rd under the team JFG Motorsport in 2007. Emma participated in the ADAC Formel Masters with Van Amersfoort Racing in 2008. By 2009, Emma finished 5th in the Formula Palmer Audi under MotorSport Vision.
This led to the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship. PWR Racing Team powered through from 2014 to 2016 as Emma progressed as a racing driver. For the W Series, Emma finished 5th with 53 points in 2019.
Emma said, “I have a normal athlete’s life. I’m training. Making sure I pay attention to food and my diet. I have an 8-year-old daughter. I’m a TV presenter and have radio sessions. In the winter, I do snowmobiling. In summer, I’m doing motocross.”
To prepare for the W Series, Emma has the utmost physical conditioning. Nutrition is essential. The key is to keep the driving experience going and enjoy it.
As it must feel good to be back in the car, Emma recently participated in a testing session at Trac Môn Anglesey Circuit in North West, Wales. Emma explained, “It went really well. Amazing feeling! I was quick on pace. I’m looking forward to this season. It’s going to be mega!”
This year, W Series is racing alongside F1. Emma expressed, “It’s awesome! We get to showcase our talent at the top level. Hopefully, the teams and people around it will see and appreciate our performance.”
The track that Emma is most looking forward to racing at this season is Spa. Emma stated, “I’ve always wanted to be there and race there. That will be something I enjoy.” Right after, we agreed that racing at Silverstone will be special.
For the W Series season, Emma is aiming for the title. It’s definitely achievable. The goal is at the end of the year to have the most points and go with it.
Emma follows an attitude for life that exemplifies, “no matter what setbacks you are facing, you just move forward. Move forward.” That’s something we can all relate to.
Her role models in life are her parents. Emma shared, “My parents. Mom and Dad. They dedicated everything for us kids. They are really supportive. They are the reason I’m capable of doing this. They are the reason I’m able to do this sport.”
Kiitos Emma! Can’t wait to see what you deliver this season. The W Series kicks off on 26 June in Austria. Let’s all get excited!
Headline Image Credit: W Series.