What Is 2017 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series

Overview

The 2017 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series marked the ninth season of the European stock car racing championship, sanctioned by NASCAR and organized by EuroNASCAR. It brought together drivers from across Europe and beyond to compete in modified NASCAR-style vehicles on road courses and street circuits.

Running from April to October 2017, the season featured a total of 12 races across 6 double-header race weekends, held in five countries. The series continued to grow in popularity, drawing increased international attention and participation.

• Alon Day claimed his first Drivers' Championship title with a season total of 653 points, outperforming his closest rival by 23 points.
• The season kicked off on April 1, 2017, at the Valencia Street Circuit in Spain, marking the series’ traditional season opener.
• Each race weekend included two 100-kilometer races, totaling 200 kilometers per event, testing both speed and endurance.
• The series visited five countries: Spain, Belgium (at Zolder), France (Circuit Paul Ricard), Germany (Hockenheim), and Italy (Monza).
• PK Carsport won the Teams' Championship, with drivers Alon Day and Anthony Kumpen contributing strong finishes throughout the season.

How It Works

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series adapts the American NASCAR format to European circuits, using a mix of oval-style stock cars on road courses. The 2017 season followed a structured points system and race format to determine both driver and team champions.

• Double-Header Format: Each race weekend featured two 100 km races, allowing drivers to earn points in both events and increasing strategic depth.
• Points System: Drivers earned points based on finishing position, with 40 points for a win, scaling down to 1 point for 30th place.
• Qualifying: Each race used a single-car time trial to determine starting order, with the fastest qualifier earning pole position.
• Driver Eligibility: Competitors included both European racers and international drivers, with 35 drivers participating across the season.
• Car Specifications: All cars were based on the NASCAR Euro Gen-2 chassis, powered by 396 cubic inch V8 engines producing around 440 horsepower.
• Safety Regulations: Full FIA safety standards were enforced, including roll cages, HANS devices, and mandatory pit stop inspections.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 season can be best understood by comparing it to previous years in terms of structure, participation, and performance.

The 2017 season represented a steady expansion of the series, increasing from 10 races in 2016 to 12 in 2017. While Anthony Kumpen dominated in 2015 and 2016, Alon Day’s 2017 title signaled a shift in competitive balance. The growing number of events and participants highlighted the series’ rising profile in European motorsports.

Why It Matters

The 2017 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series played a key role in expanding stock car racing’s footprint outside North America, demonstrating strong organizational growth and fan engagement across Europe.

• Globalization of NASCAR: The series helped NASCAR expand its brand internationally, attracting drivers from 15+ countries and increasing media coverage in Europe.
• Driver Development: Several drivers used the Euro Series as a stepping stone to NASCAR’s U.S.-based national series, including participation in the Xfinity Series.
• Technical Innovation: The Gen-2 Euro cars introduced improved aerodynamics and safety features, setting standards for future regional NASCAR formats.
• Fan Engagement: Events drew over 50,000 spectators combined, with live streaming boosting online viewership significantly.
• Commercial Growth: Sponsorship deals with Whelen Engineering, Goodyear, and local partners expanded financial stability and marketing reach.
• Legacy Building: Alon Day’s 2017 title established him as a leading figure in European stock car racing, paving the way for future champions.

By blending American racing culture with European circuits and competitors, the 2017 season underscored the potential for NASCAR to thrive beyond its traditional base, setting the stage for further expansion in the years to come.