Two flying laps with no traffic: the NASCAR Euro Series’ new PRO qualifying format delivered thrilling moments for fans — And more TV time for drivers, teams, and sponsors
- New PRO qualifying format proved to be a nail-biter in Valencia
- Teams, drivers and sponsors benefited from more TV time
- Story-telling improved as all drivers shone during the broadcast
The NASCAR Euro Series rolled out a brand-new qualifying format for the PRO championship in 2025 — and it delivered fireworks right from the season opener at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. Under the new rules, each driver gets two flying laps with a clean track ahead, and just two chances to lay down a perfect lap.
The result? A nail-biting showdown that came down to the final seconds of the session, with the battle for the Strom Watches Pole Award decided in the very last group on track.
How it works: Drivers are sent out in small groups of three or four, spaced far enough apart to avoid any traffic. Each driver gets two timed laps. The fastest lap secures the Strom Watches Pole Award and pole position for Saturday’s PRO race. The running order for qualifying is determined by the best lap times from Friday’s combined free practice sessions.
From a sporting standpoint: This format brings it back to the roots — pure performance under pressure. With only two shots at a fast lap, there’s no margin for error. Drivers must adapt to changing track conditions and squeeze every last thousandth of a second out of their 400-horsepower V8 machines. It’s all or nothing — and that’s what makes it so exciting for fans and drivers alike.
From a broadcast standpoint: Single-car qualifying is a home run for TV coverage. Every driver gets spotlight time, allowing commentators Adam Weller and André Wiegold to tell the stories behind every driver, team, and sponsor — stories that can sometimes get lost during group qualifying sessions. The drama builds naturally as the session unfolds, creating real edge-of-your-seat moments as each group takes to the track.
From a team, driver, and sponsor standpoint: TV exposure is everything. While races naturally focus on the front-runners and major battles, this new format ensures that the entire field gets valuable time in front of the cameras. Sponsors, teams, and rising stars all benefit from the equal spotlight, making the business case for participating in the NASCAR Euro Series even stronger.
Who will take the next Strom Watches Pole Award when the NASCAR Euro Series heads to Italy? Tune in live from the Autodromo di Vallelunga, just outside Rome, on May 17–18, 2025! Qualifying and all races will be streamed for free on EuroNASCAR’s YouTube channel, with additional coverage on TV networks around the world.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Bart Dehaese
