RDV Competition signs talent Florian Richard for his third NASCAR Euro Series OPEN season – The Frenchman wants to fight for the title in 2026
- Florian Richard joins RDV Competition for the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season
- The Frenchman will compete in his third full-time OPEN season
- Together, the French connection is looking to leave a mark in the championship battle
The 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season is heating up before the haulers even leave the shop, and the latest news out of the garage has the paddock talking. Florian Richard, the 24-year-old standout from Bordeaux, has officially joined the ranks of RDV Competition. This high-profile move puts the young Frenchman in the seat of the storied #3 Ford Mustang for the upcoming campaign in the OPEN championship.
Born on December 3, 2001, the Frenchman made an important step by finalizing the details of what many consider a career-defining opportunity. After a solid 2025 season where he grinded his way to a 12th-place finish in the standings – bagging five top-10 finishes along the way – Richard is trading his underdog status for a ride with one of the most decorated teams in the series.
The move creates a formidable “French Connection” at RDV Competition. Richard will be paired with his long-time friend and established V8GP front-runner Paul Jouffreau. The duo brings a mix of raw speed and deep chemistry to a team owned by Franck Violas, an organization known for its bring-the-hammer approach to race day. For Richard, joining a team with this level of professional infrastructure is a fundamental piece of the puzzle as he seeks his first major title.
“This is it,” the Frenchman said. “The green flag for the championship is almost here. For me, this is the start of a brand-new adventure: a new team, a new teammate in my long-time friend Paul Jouffreau, and a massive fire to finally get behind the wheel of the #3! My partners, my circle, and I are ready to launch this season and give it everything we’ve got from the first turn. I am thrilled to join RDV Competition; I’ve found an environment here that is as professional as it is motivating. Now, it’s time for testing. I can’t wait to get to work!”
Richard’s journey to the #3 seat has been a steady climb through the ranks. He first made waves in the 2023 Rookie Challenge before transitioning to a full-time schedule in 2024, where he secured a race victory in the Master Trophy. His 2025 campaign proved he could handle the pressure of mid-pack brawls, consistently putting his car in the mix against the series’ front-runners.
Away from the high-speed turns of tracks like Valencia and Brands Hatch, Richard remains grounded in his roots. He continues to work in the industrial sector, balancing the physical demands of professional racing with a disciplined professional life. When the engines are silent, he often spends his time traveling or on yachts, a lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the hot, loud, and intense environment of a racing cockpit.
With testing sessions just around the corner, Richard is already focused on the chemistry within his new crew. As the 2026 season opener approaches, all eyes will be on the #3 car to see if this new alliance can translate into a trip to Victory Lane.
Featured image by RDV Competition
