The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series heads into the crucial time of the 2023 season with the EuroNASCAR Finals at Circuit Zolder in Belgium coming up. Four drivers have emerged as title contenders in EuroNASCAR PRO: Gianmarco Ercoli, Vittorio Ghirelli, Lucas Lasserre and Anthony Kumpen. The latter is a two-time NWES champion and with his home race coming up, the PK Carsport driver and team manager could be the right bet in the title fight. Followed by TV cameras throughout the season, the Hasselt native wants to write the perfect script for the Belgian reality show that portrays him and his son in the world of EuroNASCAR and karting.
“There is currently a reality show on the Belgian channel VTM GO that follows me behind the scenes in the NASCAR championship,” said Kumpen. “This Belgian TV show gives exclusive behind the scenes footage of my team PK Carsport and me at all NASCAR events. In addition, the show features some karting races of my ten-year-old son, Henri-Constant, who was recently crowned Benelux karting champion.” Kumpen not only feels the pressure of having the opportunity to become the third three-time NWES champion, but he also wants to produce a fairy tale story for the fans watching the show on TV.
Right now, Kumpen is preparing for the EuroNASCAR Finals at Circuit Zolder on October 14-15. It’s the Belgian’s home race in the woods of Limburg, which promises not only thrilling championship races, but also exciting attractions around the track for the whole family. Being the team manager of PK Carsport is not always easy and Kumpen cannot fully concentrate on EuroNASCAR, as he also has to manage the GT programs of the Belgian powerhouse. On top of that, he’s supporting his son in about 22 national and international karting races.
“My NASCAR program was a little bit affected by this busy schedule,” said Kumpen, who’s still looking for his first race win of the season. “I had almost no time to test at the international tracks we visited with EuroNASCAR. But I knew the finale would take place at Circuit Zolder and we did some testing at my home track. The car felt great at the last test there and I’m sure we had the best setup for the #24 Chevrolet Camaro all season. We have a lot of confidence and the goal is to win both races and add another NWES championship ring to my collection. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Every meter, every emotion and the consequences of victory or defeat will be captured by the Belgian TV crew who will follow every step of the experienced race driver at Circuit Zolder. Tears of joy or tears of sorrow, Kumpen’s TV show will bring the thrilling battle for the championship to the fans in front of their screens and capture unique behind-the-scenes moments for eternity. The TV show is broadcast on Belgian television and on a Belgian-only platform on the Internet. The EuroNASCAR Finals on October 14 and 15 will be covered live on the EuroNASCAR YouTube channel, Motorsport.v and various TV services around the world.
Featured image by NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Bart Dehaese
