Claudio Cappelli will join CAAL Racing for the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season – The Most Popular OPEN Driver will pilot the #54 Camaro in the second division
- Fan-favorite driver Claudio Cappelli has joined CAAL Racing to pilot the #54 Chevrolet Camaro
- The 50-year-old Italian aims to improve his consistency to fight for both the overall OPEN title and the Legend Trophy for drivers over 45
- Known for his signature beard and engaging personality, Cappelli brings a strong track record
The Most Popular OPEN Driver of the NASCAR Euro Series is back! Claudio Remogio Cappelli has signed a contract with CAAL Racing to drive the #54 Chevrolet Camaro in the OPEN championship for the 2026 season. The Italian driver, known for his famous beard and engaging personality, is determined to improve his consistency and become a serious contender not only for the Legend Trophy for drivers aged 45 and over but also for the overall OPEN title.
“It’s a new team, a new car, and a rush of new enthusiasm,” said Cappelli, who is also looking forward to having a strong teammate in the PRO division, with whom he will share the car. The identity of his PRO counterpart remains a mystery for now. “But the people here are all old friends, and that makes this the perfect way to approach the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season with CAAL Racing.”
The 50-year-old, supported in his career by Sharks Team Management, added, “I am incredibly proud to be part of my new family, CAAL Racing, with the Sharks team as my supporter. I believe I have a major opportunity to improve my skills and compete in this championship, which is truly tailor-made for me and one I enjoy the most.”
Team Manager Luca Canneori is delighted to secure such a strong OPEN driver for the Italian powerhouse’s 2026 campaign. “We are thrilled to welcome Claudio to our team. He has shown very strong performance over the years, and we are confident that together we will be fighting for the championship.”
With three EuroNASCAR 2 race wins, 20 Legend Trophy wins, and one class title (2024) under his belt, Cappelli has built a solid foundation in the NASCAR Euro Series. Beyond his on-track success, the Robecco d’Oglio native has cultivated a huge fan base through brilliant initiatives to connect with his supporters. Fans attending the track were famously allowed to sign his car in exchange for an autograph, making them a tangible part of his success when he parked his signed machine in Victory Lane.
Since 2019, Cappelli has been a fixture in NASCAR in Europe, and his journey will continue when the 2026 season kicks off on April 18-19 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. Keep an eye on the Italian gentleman with the famous long beard. Go and meet him – it’s no coincidence that he became the fan favorite in the 2025 OPEN division.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
