Vittorio Ghirelli boosts his lead as he heads into the Finals at Zolder – Paul Jouffreau provides a strong challenge for the top spot, while Thomas Toffel celebrates his first EuroNASCAR PRO podium finish.
Vittorio Ghirelli gains an advantage in the 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Playoffs. The Italian driver concluded the NASCAR GP Germany weekend with a commanding win in the EuroNASCAR PRO Playoffs 02 race. From the very first lap, Ghirelli maintained the lead and successfully defended against all attempts from competitor Paul Jouffreau, ultimately achieving his sixth victory of the season and the ninth of his career. This victory further bolsters his points in the overall championship race. With his performance in the #24 PK Carsport Chevrolet Camaro, Ghirelli retains the red Whelen banner and positions himself as the contender to beat in the EuroNASCAR Finals scheduled for October.
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“The points were extremely significant, but this race was incredibly tough!” Ghirelli remarked in Victory Lane. “I experienced a power steering failure on lap 5 and completed nearly the entire race without it. I felt like I was starving; it was the toughest race of my life! I had to fight with the car to make it turn, and the #3 was really fast, closing in on me. Ultimately, we managed to win. Many drivers would have given up after two laps; it’s nearly impossible to handle a car without power steering. This victory is for my personal trainer; we train a lot, and I couldn’t have done it without him!”
-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-53×35.jpg 53w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-75×50.jpg 75w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-767×510.jpg 767w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-376×250.jpg 376w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-782×520.jpg 782w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-800×532.jpg 800w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-003-50×33.jpg 50w” sizes=”(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px”/>Credits: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Bart Dehaese
Following a challenging race on Saturday, Ghirelli successfully navigated the difficult first corner of the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben and maintained his lead against Jouffreau, who began the race from the front row. Both competitors pushed their limits, epitomizing the spirit of the Playoffs through their aggressive driving. Despite some disputes over driving styles, Jouffreau concluded the 22-lap race with several accolades. Not only did he secure second place but he also triumphed in the Junior Trophy, contributing to RDV Competition’s victory in the Endurance Teams Championship.
The podium celebrations were lively as Thomas Toffel marked his first top-3 finish in EuroNASCAR PRO during his second season in NASCAR. Competing in the Challenger Trophy for elite amateur drivers, the Swiss racer proved he can hold his own against the best in Europe’s official NASCAR series. Liam Hezemans pushed hard against Toffel, but a mistake with six laps remaining ended Hezemans’ challenge, allowing Toffel to achieve his milestone finish. Hezemans finished fourth overall and second in the Junior Trophy. Both drivers commended Toffel’s performance, suggesting we can expect more impressive results from the Challenger Trophy champion moving forward.
<img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-44822" src="https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-015.jpg" alt="Nwes 2024 Oschersleben Saturday Enpro Flickr (015)" width="1920" height="1278" srcset="https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-015.jpg 1920w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-015-300×200.jpg 300w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-015-1024×682.jpg 1024w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/22/NWES-2024-Oschersleben-Saturday-ENPRO-Flickr-015-768×511.jpg 768w, https://www.euronascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites
Credits: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Bart Dehaese
Through consistent performance, Lucas Lasserre climbed to fifth place, having effectively preserved his Hoosier tires to overtake both Thomas Krasonis and Gianmarco Ercoli in the final moments of the race. Krasonis achieved his best career EuroNASCAR PRO finish in sixth place and secured third in the Junior Trophy. Completing the top ten were Sebastiaan Bleekemolen, Martin Doubek, and Marc Goossens. Dario Caso, finishing in 14th position, claimed second in the Challenger Trophy, and although Liam Lambert had to retire on lap 8, he managed to secure the final podium spot in the special classification.
On the first lap, Ryan Vargas collided with Max Lanza, which adversely affected both competitors’ races. Lanza had to retire due to the incident, prompting the deployment of the Safety Car to ensure the safe retrieval of his car from the track. Vargas, however, fought back from the last position to finish 13th, but he was penalized with a 30-second penalty for the collision with Lanza. Constantin Scholl, finishing in 13th place, earned bonus points for the most positions gained during the race.
Credits: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
With his sixth victory of 2024, Ghirelli has secured a 23-point advantage over defending champion Ercoli in the overall standings. Jouffreau, the leader of the Junior Trophy, trails Ercoli by just a single point, while Trophy competitor Hezemans is four points further back in fourth. Completing the top five, Lasserre is 42 points shy of the leader. Toffel’s performance on the overall podium has allowed the Swiss driver to reclaim the Challenger Trophy lead from Lanza. With two additional double points races on the horizon in Belgium, the competition remains wide open.
Get ready for an exhilarating showdown in the upcoming EuroNASCAR Finals, set at the iconic Circuit Zolder in Belgium. Four double points races are on the agenda—two for each class—promising to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the EuroNASCAR Playoffs. Tune in to catch all the live action on October 12-13 via EuroNASCAR’s YouTube channel and a variety of TV networks worldwide.
EuroNASCAR PRO Results | EuroNASCAR 2 Results
Featured image by NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
Vittorio Ghirelli Dominates EuroNASCAR PRO Playoffs at Oschersleben, Eyes Championship Title
Overview of the EuroNASCAR PRO Playoffs
The EuroNASCAR PRO series has become a thrilling motorsport spectacle, capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts across Europe and beyond. The playoffs are the pinnacle of this exciting series, showcasing elite drivers competing fiercely for the coveted championship title. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Vittorio Ghirelli, a talented driver with a remarkable track record in the EuroNASCAR scene.
Vittorio Ghirelli: A Rising Star in EuroNASCAR
Vittorio Ghirelli, hailing from Italy, has made significant strides in the EuroNASCAR PRO series. Known for his aggressive driving style and strategic acumen, Ghirelli has consistently demonstrated his capability to outperform his competitors. His journey in motorsports has been marked by key victories and podium finishes that have solidified his reputation as a driver to watch.
Key Achievements in EuroNASCAR
- 2021 EuroNASCAR PRO Champion
- Multiple race wins in the 2022 and 2023 seasons
- Consistent top-five finishes throughout his career
Dominating Performance at Oschersleben
At the Oschersleben circuit, Ghirelli showcased a masterclass performance during the playoff rounds. His ability to adapt to the track conditions and execute flawless race strategies set him apart. Here’s a breakdown of his performance during the weekend:
| Race | Position | Laps Led | Fastest Lap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race 1 | 1st | 25 | 1:20.456 |
| Race 2 | 2nd | 10 | 1:20.500 |
| Race 3 | 1st | 20 | 1:20.300 |
Factors Contributing to Ghirelli’s Success
Several factors played a crucial role in Ghirelli’s outstanding performance at Oschersleben:
1. Experience and Skill
With years of experience in various racing circuits, Ghirelli’s skill set allows him to navigate complex situations effortlessly. His ability to read the race and make split-second decisions was evident during crucial moments of the races.
2. Team Support
Behind every successful driver is a strong team. Ghirelli’s crew ensured his car was perfectly tuned for each race, optimizing performance and reliability. Their strategic input during pit stops and race management has been a vital element in his success.
3. Mental Resilience
The pressure in playoff scenarios can be immense. Ghirelli has demonstrated exceptional mental resilience, maintaining focus amid the high stakes of the EuroNASCAR PRO playoffs. This mental fortitude allows him to perform consistently under pressure.
Challenges Faced During the Playoff Weekend
While Ghirelli’s performance was exceptional, the weekend was not without its challenges:
- Weather Conditions: Variable weather played a significant role, impacting tire choices and race strategy.
- Competitor Pressure: Rivals posed a significant challenge, especially during overtaking maneuvers.
- Technical Issues: Minor technical adjustments were needed throughout the races, testing both driver and team adaptability.
Future Prospects: Eyes on the Championship Title
With his dominant performance at Oschersleben, Ghirelli now sets his sights firmly on the EuroNASCAR PRO Championship title. The final races will be crucial in determining the champion, and Ghirelli’s current momentum positions him as a strong contender.
What’s Next for Ghirelli?
As the playoffs progress, Ghirelli and his team have outlined a strategic plan to maximize their performance in the upcoming races:
- Data Analysis: Analyzing race data to fine-tune their vehicle setup for maximum performance.
- Practice Sessions: Increased focus on practice sessions to perfect racing lines and pit strategies.
- Mindfulness Training: Engaging in mental preparation techniques to enhance focus and reduce stress.
Benefits of Following the EuroNASCAR PRO Series
For fans and aspiring drivers, the EuroNASCAR PRO series offers numerous advantages:
- Exciting Racing Action: The series showcases thrilling races with close competition.
- Community Involvement: Engaging with fellow motorsport enthusiasts fosters a sense of community.
- Learning Opportunities: Observing professional drivers can provide valuable insights into racing techniques and strategies.
Case Studies: Other Notable Drivers in EuroNASCAR
While Ghirelli has captured attention, several other drivers have also made a mark in EuroNASCAR:
| Driver | Nationality | Championship Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Gianmarco Ercoli | Italian | 1 |
| Henri Tuomaala | Finnish | 0 |
| Andreas Kuusik | Estonian | 0 |
Fans’ Experiences: What They Say About Ghirelli
Fans have expressed immense admiration for Ghirelli’s driving style and dedication. Here are some firsthand experiences:
“Watching Vittorio drive is like witnessing a masterclass in racing. His control and speed are unmatched!” – Markus, EuroNASCAR Fan
“I’ve followed Ghirelli’s career for years. His consistent performances and resilience make him my favorite driver!” – Laura, Racing Enthusiast
Conclusion
As the EuroNASCAR PRO playoffs unfold, Vittorio Ghirelli’s dominance at Oschersleben has left spectators and competitors in awe. With his sights set on the championship title, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling motorsport saga.
