Drivers expressed their thoughts on a fantastic American festival in the NASCAR GP UK – Everyone enjoyed their time at American SpeedFest 12 and thanked the fans for the visit to NASCAR Euro Series’ annual British event
- Nearly 50,000 fans made the trip to Brands Hatch
- Drivers experienced an American festival that’s unlike any other
- Team personnel and organizers also enjoyed the atmosphere in the UK
The roar of V8 engines, the wave of Union Jacks and Star Spangled Banners, and a sea of passionate fans – the 2025 NASCAR GP UK at Brands Hatch was once again a true celebration of racing, passion, and pure Americana. With almost 50,000 spectators turning the iconic Indy Circuit into a festival of speed and sound, the event lived up to its billing as one of the biggest highlights on the NASCAR Euro Series calendar. For the drivers, it wasn’t just about results – it was about the experience. And after a weekend of unforgettable grid walks, racing under pressure, and connecting with fans, they had plenty to say.
Jack Davidson soaked in the home advantage and made the most of every second: “I love a mix of all kinds of music to get me pumped up, and at the moment I’m listening to Akon – but that might change again before I get in the car,” the Scotsman laughed. “It’s the fans who make all these events possible. It’s such a great experience, especially racing in front of my home crowd. I’ve been signing lots of autographs, taking photos. I’ve got wristbands on the car and they’re basically gone in a few minutes. It’s really special to race at home.”
“It was fantastic to get back into the NASCAR Euro Series,” said local hero Matthew Ellis. “I always felt like I had a lot of potential — or rather, unfinished business. I never had the result I felt I was capable of. You are car-dependent — you need to work with a team that has done it for years to really develop the best out of a car. It’s hard to come in and be competitive straight away. Brands Hatch is a fantastic event, even if you’re not British. 50,000 spectators packed the track, and we engaged with the fans a lot — that’s fantastic. I really enjoyed my weekend; it was fast and exciting. I love the support you get and the little comments from people you’ve never met before — sometimes they give you a great perspective on life like: ‘you’re living the dream.’ Thanks to Lux Motorsport and Jack Davidson — we pushed each other to the limits.”
For British driver Max Marzorati, the event brought challenges on track and a heavy incident on Sunday but also a deep appreciation for the spectacle and the supporters. “What a weekend! Incredible to meet so many of you during the grid walk and feel the support for the #89 car wrapped in the Union Jack. 50,000 people and it showed! Let’s keep pushing forward – season’s far from over.”
Championship contender Liam Hezemans was equally struck by the scale of the event: “It’s always a pleasure to be here. Brands Hatch is the biggest event of the NASCAR Euro Series. Just look at the grid walk – it’s crazy how many people are here.”
Behind the scenes, CAAL Racing celebrated a milestone victory: their 12th win at Brands Hatch. Team boss Luca Canneori explained why the British circuit remains a special place for the Italian powerhouse: “We’re really happy, and we love this track. This was our 12th victory at Brands Hatch. I think we’re so strong here because the circuit is quite similar to our testing track. For ten years now, we’ve been fast here, year after year… We really enjoyed this weekend.”
Even the rain couldn’t dampen the atmosphere. David Willey, Group Motorsport Event Manager for MotorSport Vision, observing from Race Control, tipped his cap to the fans: “What an amazing race [in the heavy rain on Saturday], especially with the unique Indy Circuit here at Brands Hatch. That was one for the race fans. Hats off to all the fans that are still here [in heavy rain] enjoying the NASCAR races.”
And for Dominique Schaak, the memories were as emotional as the racing: “A beautiful dance at Brands Hatch 2025! Thank you for the amazing atmosphere at the NASCAR Euro Series Grand Prix of Great Britain! Thanks to my team Bremotion, and thanks to all my sponsors for allowing me to live the dream of motorsport.”
With drivers from across Europe and beyond feeling the passion of the British crowd, one thing is clear: American SpeedFest 12 wasn’t just a race – it was a moment. The NASCAR Euro Series now shifts gears for the second half of the season, with memories of Brands Hatch pushing the paddock forward. After summer break the teams and drivers will travel to the Czech Republic to race at Autodrom Most on August 30-31.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Bart Dehaese
