Win and You're in: Victory Lane with Emily Jones
With the introduction of the new “win and you’re in” format in the 2025 Logitech G Pro Invitational Qualifying Series, getting that chequered flag just became even more important.
Over four races with intense pressure, the chances of making the top 24 has become that much more difficult if you make one mistake.
With the series running the Gen 3 Supercars for the first time at Mosport, the race was always going to have even more interest.
45 of Australia's most competitive drivers took to the grid where, by the end of the night, one would only need to make a one-off appearance.
This honour would go to Trans Tasman Racing driver Emily Jones who used all their experience and racecraft to capitalise on a mixture of speed and strategy to deserve a win and a spot on the grid for the main series that starts in March.
We thought we would talk to Emily about the importance of the win and the expectations that lie ahead.
R: First of all, Emily, congratulations on an outstanding drive, what does this win mean to you?
EJ: Thanks! Was nice to be up the front in the new supercar. It's a really competitive field, so was just happy to have lots of pace considering how many drivers have put effort into the new car.
R: The win gives you an automatic entry to the main series, how much does this take the pressure off knowing you won’t have to race again in the Q series?
EJ: It's definitely a lot of stress gone! Racing is pretty scary. I think I would qualify comfortably without winning Round 1, but you're so scared of someone crashing into you, or accidentally blowing an engine, etc. It's nice to just seal it away.
Jones stalking down Bourke on the last lap of the race
This will be your debut season as a solo driver in the Logitech G Pro Invitational Series, what are your thoughts on the series from what you have seen so far?
It looks like fun. It also looks like carnage tbh. I often watch a bit of the races on Wednesday and it seems all over the place sometimes. There's a lot of rules to be across as well. It seems like you could be 10th or 40th just depending on if things go your way.
And what are your expectations heading into the fourth season of the Pro Series?
Honestly, I'm just planning to have fun. I think it's a bit of a lottery from 20th back, you can get spit out in the top 15 or so, or you could be in the fence. I'm just going to go in with no expectations and have fun racing. I'm hoping to stream it and make it entertaining as well! I might not be fighting for wins, but hopefully it'll be fun.
You have been driving for a long while now, one of the most experienced sim racers in the Region and you have a large reach of followers, is there anything that you want to pass on to them?
Just thanks for everyone's support! I feel bad doing laps off-stream and everything, I often find it difficult to concentrate when streaming, but I'm going to try and get better at it this year.
Thanks for the chat Emily, we know that you will be a name to watch in the series and we look forward to following your progress in 2025. Good Luck!!
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