What Is 2019 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series

Overview

The 2019 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series marked the 11th season of the European stock car racing championship, sanctioned by NASCAR and promoted by EuroNASCAR. It combined American-style stock car racing with European circuits and international drivers, growing its footprint across Western Europe.

The season emphasized competitive balance and driver development, featuring two main divisions: EuroNASCAR PRO and EuroNASCAR 2. Each event consisted of two races, increasing on-track action and fan engagement throughout the six-event calendar.

• Twelve total races were held across six race weekends, with two races per division at each event, enhancing championship competitiveness and driver consistency.
• The series visited four countries: France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium, showcasing the sport’s expanding regional appeal and logistical coordination.
• Alon Day secured his second EuroNASCAR PRO title, becoming the first non-French driver to win multiple championships in the series’ history.
• Thomas Ferrando won the EuroNASCAR 2 championship, demonstrating strong performance in a highly competitive developmental class.
• Cars were based on NASCAR’s Gen-6 platform, modified for European tracks, with 5.0L V8 engines producing approximately 450 horsepower and top speeds near 160 mph.

How It Works

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series blends American stock car design with European racing formats, including qualifying heats, reverse-grid races, and international driver participation. The 2019 season refined its structure to improve parity and entertainment value.

• Championship Format: Drivers earned points in two races per event, with the highest cumulative points in EuroNASCAR PRO and EuroNASCAR 2 winning titles. Bonus points were awarded for fastest laps and most laps led.
• Car Specifications: Vehicles used 4,500-pound chassis with steel tube frames, NASCAR-spec bodies, and sealed 5.0L Ford or Chevrolet V8 engines, tuned for road course performance.
• Qualifying System: Each race weekend began with a knockout-style qualifying session, determining the starting grid for Race 1, while Race 2 used a partial reverse order based on Race 1 results.
• Driver Eligibility: The series welcomed international drivers from over 15 countries, with no nationality restrictions, fostering a diverse and competitive field.
• Safety Standards: All cars included SAFER barriers at major circuits and mandatory HANS devices, aligning with FIA and NASCAR safety protocols for high-speed road courses.
• Event Structure: Each weekend featured practice, qualifying, two main races, and fan activities, with events averaging 12,000–15,000 spectators per location.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 season can be better understood through a direct comparison with prior years and its American counterpart:

This comparison highlights the 2019 Euro Series’ growth in participation and performance, even as it remained distinct from the American NASCAR series in scale and technical specifications. The increase in events and international drivers underscored its rising global profile.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was pivotal for the series’ credibility and long-term development, proving stock car racing could thrive outside North America. It served as a platform for driver advancement and cross-continental motorsport collaboration.

• Alon Day’s championship validated the series as a competitive proving ground, with several drivers later moving into American NASCAR developmental programs.
• The season attracted over 80,000 spectators cumulatively, demonstrating strong fan interest and commercial viability in European motorsports markets.
• Partnerships with NASCAR and Whelen Engineering ensured technical support and branding alignment, enhancing legitimacy and sponsorship appeal.
• Young talents like Lucas Luhr and Ulysse Delsaux gained exposure, using the series as a springboard to endurance and touring car careers.
• Media coverage expanded to 30+ countries via live streaming and TV broadcasts, increasing the sport’s visibility across Europe and beyond.
• The series contributed to local economies at host tracks, with hotels, vendors, and tourism benefiting from race weekend influxes.

Overall, the 2019 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series strengthened the foundation for future expansion, blending American racing heritage with European culture and infrastructure.