Get ready for an epic journey as we dive into Vittorio Ghirelli's remarkable story of back-to-back championships in the NASCAR Euro Series!
A Long Road to Glory
It's a challenging path to the top, and Ghirelli's journey is a testament to that. With a fierce determination, he conquered the NASCAR Euro Series, claiming the championship title not once but twice!
Let's rewind to the beginning of the 2025 season, where the action-packed journey started.
The Opening Salvo
The traditional curtain-raiser at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia set the tone. Ghirelli, the seasoned veteran, kicked off the weekend with a strong second-place qualifying effort. However, the races presented a different challenge, with the 31-year-old grappling with the car's balance and overall performance.
Paul Jouffreau, a legend in the NASCAR Euro Series, took the checkered flag in the season opener, with Ghirelli's teammate, Thomas Krasonis, hot on his heels, claiming his first-ever PRO podium. The battle between Ghirelli and Yvan Muller was a spectacle, with aggressive moves and side-drafts, but ultimately, the defending champion had to settle for fourth.
A New Challenger Arises
In the second race, the NASCAR Euro Series paddock witnessed an unexpected turn of events. Krasonis, a series veteran since 2019, broke through and grabbed his maiden PRO race win, with Ghirelli finishing a close second. Krasonis took the championship lead, with Ghirelli trailing by seven points.
On his home turf, Ghirelli struck back with a third-place qualifying effort, but Krasonis and Jouffreau continued their dominance, outrunning the reigning champion at Autodromo di Vallelunga in Italy.
The Home Race Triumph
Ghirelli's determination paid off in the first race at Vallelunga, as he watched Jouffreau take the checkered flag while he secured a well-deserved third-place finish. But it was the following day that the Italian truly shone. In a thrilling battle, Ghirelli edged out Liam Hezemans, claiming his first win of the season and celebrating in front of his home crowd.
This victory propelled Ghirelli to the top of the standings, but the battle was far from over.
A Tale of Two Rivals
Brands Hatch, the turf of CAAL Racing, saw Gianmarco Ercoli, the 2023 champ, lay down the fastest lap in qualifying, setting the pace for the championship fight. Ercoli dominated the weekend, winning both races and extending his lead in the standings. Ghirelli, ever consistent, held onto second, but the gap between the rivals was widening.
The Regular Season Finale
Autodrom Most in Czechia witnessed Ercoli's momentum continue, with an impressive qualifying run. Ghirelli, however, encountered brake troubles, managing only a tenth-place finish in Superpole. But the Italian's fighting spirit shone through, as he secured pole position for the Sunday race.
Ghirelli's dominance returned, as he took the checkered flag, leaving Ercoli in his wake. The event signaled the end of the regular season, and with the worst result dropped, Ghirelli and Ercoli headed into the Playoffs tied for the lead.
The Playoff Showdown
The tension was palpable at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, with double points up for grabs. Ghirelli, with his extensive experience, laid down a quick lap in qualifying, setting up a thrilling start alongside Ercoli.
In the first race, the rivals collided, resulting in a massive wreck. Race control penalized Ghirelli, and both cars limped across the finish line, heavily damaged. Ghirelli's strong lap time in the second race gave him a solid starting spot, while Ercoli had to fight his way through the field.
Ghirelli took the checkered flag, extending his lead in the championship. Ercoli managed a tenth-place finish, but the damage was done.
The Crowned Champion
Circuit Zolder, the playground of PK Carsport, witnessed Ghirelli's true mastery. With team owner Anthony Kumpen's extensive knowledge of the track, Ghirelli dominated qualifying, setting a blistering pace.
Ghirelli's win on Saturday put one hand on the Tijey Trophy, with a commanding lead over Ercoli. The Finals sweep at Circuit Zolder clinched Ghirelli's second championship, a remarkable back-to-back victory.
Ghirelli now stands tall as a two-time champion, joining his team owner in the elite club. Ercoli had to settle for second, while Jouffreau rounded out the top three.
The PK Carsport driver will be honored alongside the top finishers at the NASCAR Awards Banquet in the United States this November, a well-deserved recognition for his incredible achievements.
