Davit Kajaia and Sandro Tavartkiladze signed with Marko Stipp Motorsport for the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series – The two Tbilisi natives are the first drivers from Georgia to compete in NASCAR in Europe
- Davit Kajaia and Sandro Tavartkiladze signed with Marko Stipp Motorsport
- The Georgian Automobile Sport Federation supports the two drivers
- Marko Stipp Motorsport presented a special livery for the #48 Chevrolet
Marko Stipp Motorsport and the Georgian Automobile Sport Federation have signed an agreement to bring the first two Georgian drivers to the NASCAR Euro Series grid in 2025. Davit Kajaia and Sandro Tavartkiladze will share the #48 Chevrolet Camaro, which has been given a special livery to celebrate Georgia’s debut in NASCAR in Europe. While Kajaia will be competing in the PRO division, Tavartkiladze will race in the OPEN championship. Both drivers took part in the Driver Recruitment Tests conducted by TEAM FJ, the promoter, owner and founder of EuroNASCAR.
The 40-year-old Kajaia has plenty of touring car experience, having competed in TCR Europe and TCR International for several seasons. The Georgian also raced in Legends cars in Europe, and those cars are among the most popular steps towards a NASCAR career in the United States. The professional race driver has a passion for movies and spends a lot of time with his family. Kajaia started racing late, in his early 20s, but climbed the ladder at a rapid pace. That’s why he wants to be competitive right away and fight for podiums in PRO.
“First of all, it’s exciting to try something new, especially the type of car that NASCAR offers without any electronic driving aids,” said Kajaia ahead of his NASCAR Euro Series debut. “I will try my best to adapt quickly to the car and strive for victory. I’m always proud to represent my small country in a well-known and prestigious championship like NASCAR.” Kajaia’s extensive experience in international racing means he knows many of the tracks in Europe and has set his sights high for his rookie season in EuroNASCAR.
Tavartkiladze, who turns 26 on April 5, will make his EuroNASCAR debut April 12-13 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. Like his teammate, the Georgian aims to compete for the OPEN title, as well as podium finishes and race wins. The sales manager of a Lexus dealership is 100% focused on his racing career and started karting at the age of 8. His father, an eleven-time Georgian racing champion, was his inspiration to follow in his footsteps and become a racing driver. Tavartkiladze enters EuroNASCAR with experience in open wheel, hill climb and rallycross machines.
“I expect a competitive and challenging season as I adapt to the unique racing style of EuroNASCAR,” he said. “The close, hard-fought battles on track are something I’m really looking forward to and I’m excited to learn, improve and prove myself in this championship. To be the first representative of my country in EuroNASCAR is a great honor and a proud moment for me. It’s an opportunity to showcase our talent on an international stage and inspire other drivers back home to pursue their dreams in motorsports.” What does he like about EuroNASCAR? He replied: “All the cars are equal and you can show 100% of your skills. Georgian drivers don’t often have this kind of opportunity, so I’m going to enjoy it and do my best to show what Georgian drivers can do on the track.”
Kajaia and Tavartkiladze are supported by the Georgian Automobile Sport Federation, which added a statement: “Georgians have always had a passion for winning, it is in our blood and we are always ready for new battles. Our participation in NASCAR is a new battle where our drivers will spare no effort to glorify the name of our country and our flag! That is why Marko Stipp Motorsport will have a special Georgian livery for the #48 Chevrolet when the two newcomers take to the track for the first time. All races will be broadcast live on the EuroNASCAR YouTube channel.
Featured image by Davit Kajaia & Sandro Tavartkiladze
