The 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Playoffs started with two Free Practice sessions at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, the home of NASCAR GP Germany. Four important races await the competitors in EuroNASCAR PRO and EuroNASCAR 2. With double points on the line, it’s important for drivers and teams to fine tune the setup of their V8 machines if they want to maximize their chances to become European NASCAR champion. Vittorio Ghirelli and Melvin de Groot got an early edge by topping the combined times and they’re confident they can carry the momentum heading into Saturday’s Qualifying sessions.
EuroNASCAR PRO: Vittorio Ghirelli leads his main rivals
Vittorio Ghirelli led the majority of the Practice sessions in the 2024 season and the trend continued in Germany, where the Italian clocked the fastest lap in EuroNASCAR PRO with a time of 1:31.999. The PK Carsport driver has been the dominant force since the opening round at Valencia, but his primary rivals are not that far behind. Paul Jouffreau slotted his #3 RDV Competition Ford in second with a time of 1:32.353, while Liam Hezemans was only 0.013 seconds behind in third. Both drivers are also battling for the Junior Trophy lead, which is a must watch as only two points separate the two talented youngsters in the standings.
Ryan Vargas put the experience he earned in 2023 to good use with a fourth place finish to complete the Junior Trophy top-3. Sebastiaan Bleekemolen and Marc Goossens followed closely in fifth and sixth with reigning champion Gianmarco Ercoli having homework to do after he only ended up seventh. Fabrizio Armetta and Tobias Dauenhauer recovered from technical gremlins in the first session to take eighth and ninth ahead of Martin Doubek, who rounded out the top-10. Max Lanza led the Legend Trophy drivers in 13th, four positions ahead of Thomas Toffel.
EuroNASCAR 2: De Groot makes a statement, Doubek only sixth
In the Czech Republic, Melvin de Groot stated his intention to finish first in one of the remaining four races of the 2024 season. The Dutchman backed up his claim in Germany by leading the EuroNASCAR 2 field with a fast lap time of 1:32.744, 0.155 seconds ahead of Patrick Schober. The two put up a great duel at Autodrom Most and are set to continue their epic battle in Oschersleben. The Team Bleekemolen driver also topped the Legend Trophy for drivers aged 40 and above. Thomas Krasonis, driving for home team Marko Stipp Motorsport, brought the #46 Chevrolet Camaro to a top-3 finish. Claudio Cappelli, who was second in the Legend Trophy, and Thomas Toffel completed the overall top-5.
A surprise came from championship leader Martin Doubek, who was only sixth fastest despite topping the first timed session. Gil Linster trailed his Hendriks Motorsport teammate in seventh in front of Brands Hatch winner Jack Davidson. Simone Giussani and Victor Neumann rounded out the top-10 and the Italian was fastest in the Rookie Trophy. Michael Bleekemolen and Mario Ercoli were third fastest in Legend and Rookie Trophies in 12th and 13th respectively. Luli del Castello was first in the Lady Trophy in 18th, ahead of Arianna Casoli who is celebrating her 100th EuroNASCAR start in Saturday’s EuroNASCAR 2 Semi Final 1.
The NASCAR GP Germany will continue to bring the thrill and drama of the Playoffs on Saturday. Qualifying will be of exceptional importance for the competitors as it will determine their grid position for the first double-points race of the season. Be sure to tune in live on EuroNASCAR’s YouTube channel and numerous TV channels around the world.
EuroNASCAR PRO Results|EuroNASCAR 2 Results
NWES PR
- USCS Sprints and USAC Western Midgets Crown Champions at Kern Dirt This Saturday - October 2, 2024
- Hurricane Relief Drive Extended to Thursday - October 2, 2024
- World of Outlaws, PA Posse Find Common Ground Working With Milton Hershey School Students - October 2, 2024