Mike Wise signed with Club Competition for the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series Rookie Challenge – The American aims at the top spot in the regularity time-attack competition
- Mike Wise will be back in the NASCAR Euro Series Rookie Challenge
- The American wants to keep the momentum he built in 2025
- He will fight for the big prize with Club Competition
The thunder of V8 engines is returning to the European continent, and one of the most electric personalities in the paddock is officially back for more. Mike Wise, the Texas-born professional wakeskater and skateboarder, has confirmed his return to the NASCAR Euro Series for the 2026 season, piloting the #55 Club Competition Chevrolet Camaro in the Rookie Challenge.
Wise, who made waves in 2025 by successfully bridging the gap between extreme sports and pure asphalt racing, isn’t just looking to participate this year. He’s looking to dominate and make a big step in his racing career.
Wise’s journey to the seat of a V8 powerhouse is anything but traditional. A world-class athlete on a board, Wise transitioned to four wheels in early 2024. But the “Lone Star” native didn’t lose his competitive edge; he simply moved it from the water to the track.
Last season, Wise proved he belonged in the cockpit. His 2025 campaign was defined by steady improvement and a grit that peaked during the season finale, where he secured a podium finish – a statement performance that silenced any skeptics.
“After a strong first year culminating with a podium at the championship race in 2025, I am ready to go for gold in 2026,” Wise said, flashing the confidence of a driver who has found his rhythm.
In a series known for its international flair, Wise brings a distinct American flavor. His personality is as bold as the Texas flag, often described by teammates and fans as a blend of extreme-sports send-it attitude and a deep, respectful appreciation for the mechanics of racing.
“Like a bald eagle soaring through the Texas skies, I will be ripping around race tracks during the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season,” he noted, highlighting the high-flying energy the American brings to the garage.
The Rookie Challenge – a division designed to test both speed and regularity – is the perfect battleground for Wise. With the season opener traditionally kicking off at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, the #55 team is already hard at work.
While many drivers come from a karting background, Wise relies on the balance and spatial awareness honed from years of professional skateboarding and wakeskating. It’s an unconventional toolkit, but in 2025, it resulted in hardware. As the 2026 green flag nears, the rest of the field has been put on notice: the Texan is no longer just a rookie – he’s a contender.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
