Father and son: Sven and Maxim van Laere share the paddock in the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series paddock – That’s how they work together
- Sven van Laere made his NASCAR Euro Series comeback in 2025
- His son Maxim is competing in the Rookie Challenge
- For both it’s a great family adventure
The 2025 NASCAR Euro Series season marks an exciting chapter for the van Laere family, with Sven van Laere making his return to the OPEN Championship and his son, Maxim van Laere, embarking on his rookie journey in the Rookie Challenge. The two, who share a passion for racing, are facing the challenges of this unique motorsport adventure together, blending experience and fresh ambition in a way that inspires the entire NASCAR Euro Series paddock.
Sven van Laere: a return to NASCAR with a new perspective
For Sven van Laere, the 2025 season is about more than just racing, it’s about supporting his son and reigniting his own passion for the sport. After a successful 27-year career in motorsports, Sven made his comeback in the NASCAR Euro Series OPEN Championship, where he’s already proving that age is just a number. After a back injury, the Belgian remains committed to pushing himself while bringing invaluable experience to the track.
“I was initially more nervous watching Maxim race than I was driving myself,” admitted Sven van Laere who’s racing for Speedhouse. “But now I’m getting used to it and really enjoying it. Being able to race alongside Max, particularly in such an exciting championship, is something truly special. Jerome Galpin [NASCAR Euro Series President and CEO] convinced me to do another year, and I’m happy to continue, even though my results haven’t been exactly what I hoped for due to my back problems.”
Maxim van Laere: a bright future in NASCAR
For Maxim van Laere, the dream of becoming a NASCAR driver is becoming a reality, and he is thrilled to share this milestone with his father by his side. At just 16 years old, Maxim is in his rookie season, competing in the Rookie Challenge, where he is gaining crucial experience for his future in the OPEN Championship. While he is surrounded by the talented team at PK Carsport, his father’s guidance off the track has been a huge asset in navigating the world of professional racing.
“Becoming a NASCAR driver is definitely the main goal, and it’s amazing to do it with my dad,” Maxim said. “With his 27 years of experience, his advice has been invaluable. The most challenging part of racing for me is everything off the track – the interviews, sponsorship deals, and the business side of things. That’s where my dad comes in, helping me with all the behind-the-scenes work while I focus on the racing side with PK Carsport.”
A team effort: father and son working together for the future
The van Laere family’s partnership is a shining example of teamwork both on and off the track. Sven offers wisdom and experience when it comes to managing the business side of racing, while Maxim focuses on building his skills as a driver. Their journey is just beginning, but together they have already made an impact in the NASCAR Euro Series, with Sven helping to prepare Maxim for what’s to come in the OPEN Championship in 2026.
Sven is quick to point out the importance of PK Carsport in Maxim’s development, acknowledging the team’s role in providing top-notch guidance and support. “I don’t interfere much with the racing side of things because Maxim is in great hands with PK Carsport. They have the best resources to help him grow as a driver. I just try to support him in areas off the track, like sponsorships and physical preparation. And of course, I’m always his biggest supporter.”
Maxim’s journey is just starting, and Sven believes that the Rookie Challenge is the perfect opportunity to develop as a driver. “Maxim is doing a great job in his first year of racing cars. The Rookie Challenge is the best preparation for his future in the OPEN Championship, which is our goal for next season. But he’s still young and has a lot to learn, and I’m proud to see him tackle each race with such determination.”
Together, Sven and Maxim van Laere are taking on the NASCAR Euro Series in their own unique way. As father and son, they are not only chasing personal goals but also sharing in the highs and lows of the racing world. With a shared love for the sport and the support of a championship-winning team, the future looks bright for this dynamic duo in the NASCAR Euro Series.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
