Veteran GT and Touring car racer Sven Van Laere will make his NASCAR Whelen Euro Series debut this weekend at Circuit Zolder in the Euro NASCAR Finals. The Gent-native will drive the #78 Braxx Racing Ford Mustang in the ELITE 2 Division, competing also for the Legend Trophy.
The car will be sponsored by automotive wholesale solutions specialist Anecars, which built strong ties with the United States through the years.
“I have been following the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series since 2013, when the series was racing in Dijon and I was there with another championship. Since then, I always followed it and looked for an opportunity to try it out, but it just never happened. Now the opportunity came and I couldn’t miss it. It’s a sort of long-lasting love relationship,” said the 46-year-old, who will share the car with returning ace Marc Goossens. “Marc is a good friend of mine on the track and outside, we know each other since 22 year. He’s a great professional and has a lot of experience in NASCAR. Braxx also has great knowledge of the series and the car, so this is definitely the ideal moment to jump in the car and I am really looking forward to race with them this weekend.”
Van Laere’s resume features the 2017 Clio Cup Benelux title, multiple class wins in the 24 Hours of Zolder, the third place in the 2018 Belcar Endurance Series and plenty of experience in GT and Endurance racing. The Belgian though never drove anything as pure as the Euro NASCAR cars.
“I will drive the NWES car for the first time in practice and I’m really curious about it because in the past few years I only drove cars with electronic aids. In the past I used to drive in Formula Ford so I think I know what to expect, but it will be a big challenge. The level of the competition is so high,” continued the Belgian. “I know Zolder very, very well and it makes this the ideal occasion to have my first go at Euro NASCAR also for next year because I’m looking at the possibility to do the full championship in 2020.”
The special atmosphere of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series events is also something Van Laere is particularly looking forward to experience in the October 5-6 Finals at Circuit Zolder.
“Racing for me is a hobby and I want to live a nice weekend when I’m racing. I have two sons which are 7 and 10 years old and they know the NASCAR events from the past years at Zolder and they can’t wait to be there,” concluded the Braxx Racing driver. “When you can combine what you love most in life – your family and racing cars – it’s just perfect and you can’t miss the opportunity.”
Qualifying and all the races from the NASCAR GP Belgium will be streamed live on Fanschoice.tv, the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Youtube channel and Facebook page, on Motorsport.tv and on a vast network of websites and social media profiles.
