The best drivers from the NASCAR Euro Series were honored during the 2025 NASCAR Awards – Two-time Champion Vittorio Ghirelli headlined the star-studded delegation in the USA
- NASCAR Euro Series delegation was invited to the 2025 NASCAR Awards in Charlotte
- All of them were honored on stage at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Vittorio Ghirelli enshrined his name again in the Whelen Hall of Champions
2025 NASCAR Euro Series PRO Champion Vittorio Ghirelli, other champions and trophy winners of the official European NASCAR series were honored on stage during the NASCAR Awards on November 21. Ghirelli’s successful defense of his PRO title earned him a second championship ring, which he received in front of NASCAR’s most influential figures and champions from other International, Regional and weekly divisions. OPEN Champion Thomas Krasonis and Sebastiaan Bleekemolen, representing Endurance Teams Champion Team Bleekemolen, joined Ghirelli in the guard of honor, alongside several Trophy winners who made the trip to the United States.
As part of the Awards week, NASCAR Euro Series champions participated in a special itinerary designed to strengthen the technical and commercial ties between Europe and America. The delegation visited Team Penske’s headquarters and the NASCAR Hall of Fame on November 20, celebrating the sport’s engineering achievements and honoring the legends who shaped its history. The group also enjoyed a private lunch at Charlotte Motor Speedway before stepping onto the red carpet for the glamorous NASCAR Awards Gala.
“Winning the first time was special, but reconfirming it is even better!” said Ghirelli, who unveiled a new plate with his name inside the Whelen Hall of Champions for the second year in a row. “It was a very tough season — we worked very hard with PK Carsport, and the #24 crew did an amazing job. We struggled in the first few races, but then we kept working, went testing to try new things, and they gave me the second ring. I can’t be more proud of my team — we were all united and are a family, so I can’t thank them enough!”
Both Krasonis and Bleekemolen made their first trips to the NASCAR Awards and were impressed by the magnitude of NASCAR’s global celebration.
“We made it! I got my ring and it’s an incredible experience to be in the NASCAR Awards,” said Krasonis. “It’s my first time here, and it’s something that myself, my family, my team, my sponsors Costamare and Dodoni, my driving coach Alon Day, and fitness coach Paul Timpas have all worked so hard for. I really have no words — I wish that every year from now on I can be here again and again with many more rings on my fingers!”
“It’s my first time in the NASCAR Awards and it was amazing!” said Bleekemolen, who helped secure his team’s first Endurance Teams Championship in 2025. “All of the champions of the world are here, and I was one of the guys with a trophy! I missed my teammate Melvin de Groot, but it’s an honor to be here. The food was amazing, the wine was good, and the trophy is really nice — I’ll put it on the top of my trophy case!”
Master Trophy and Lady Trophy champions Bruno Mulders and Happinessa, along with Rookie Challenge winner Jose Antonio Penalta, also shared the spotlight in Charlotte.
“It was quite a special night! The thing that impressed me the most was the atmosphere. It was my first time in the United States, and we had a big celebration with all the other NASCAR series around the world. It’s been great to meet friends and people from back in the days of go-karting — it’s one big celebration here,” said Mulders, one of the Netherlands’ rising stars.
“This event here is totally crazy — I’m very proud I was able to have this experience! I hope I can race next year and be on stage again,” said Happinessa, who attended the Awards with Bremotion team owner Patrick Brenndorfer. “I didn’t know how big NASCAR is! When Patrick and I visited the teams on Sunday, the passion and spirit of the sport really made me want to race here!”
NASCAR Euro Series President and CEO Jerome Galpin emphasized that the participation of Europe’s best at the NASCAR Awards reflects the hard work done by all involved to continue raising the level of the championship. He also confirmed that the 2026 season, featuring six of Europe’s best tracks — including the first-ever event at Circuit Paul Ricard — will take the series to new heights.
“I think we all had a wonderful time celebrating our champions and drivers, so it was a really cool experience!” said Galpin. “Visiting Team Penske, having lunch at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and of course handing over the championship rings and trophies during the big party here at the NASCAR Awards is always something special. We’re super happy with our group and proud to welcome them in Charlotte, the home of NASCAR. We had another great season — the level of competition keeps getting stronger. We’ve seen tight but fair racing all year, and I’m really happy with the season. But we need to keep elevating the series, and we’re already working hard on 2026!”
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Gian Luca Guiglia
