Thomas Toffel claimed his long awaited first victory in an unpredictable OPEN Round 1 in Spain – Late race problems for Raphael Lessard handed the win to Toffel, who beat Gil Linster and Claudio Cappelli
- Thomas Toffel visited the Victory Lane for the first time in his career
- Raphael Lessard suffered from a technical problem while in the lead
- Gil Linster and Claudio Cappelli completed the podium, the latter coming up from 17th
The NASCAR Euro Series OPEN division is renowned for its unpredictability and it held true for the 2026 opener at Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Fans were kept at the edge of their seats as technical gremlins and amazing overtakes ensured that the battle at the top went down to the wire. In the end, Spain crowned a new winner in Thomas Toffel, who had luck on his side as late-race electrical problems for pole sitter Raphael Lessard allowed the THT by Race Art Technology driver to claim his maiden victory in Valencia.
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Toffel challenged Lessard from the start and both drivers stayed close together after a Safety Car interruption in the opening laps. The Canadian driver looked to have the keys for the victory, but it was not meant to be: Lessard slowed down with five laps to go, handing over the lead to Toffel who managed his position all the way to the checkered flag.
“I feel really good and it was a special race,” said Toffel after his amazing achievement. “I had a bit of luck that Lessard had issues. He had a really good pace but I think we have what it takes to match his speed and fight with him tomorrow. In the OPEN we will be there for sure to fight for the title.”
Gil Linster took home a convincing runner-up finish ahead of a titanic scrap for not only the final podium position, but also the Legend Trophy victory. Long-time friends and rivals Claudio Cappelli and Melvin de Groot found themselves in an engaging duel that was won by Cappelli with a last lap move on the second corner. The Italian charged his way from 17th on the grid and was rewarded with additional points for having the most positions gained in Round 1.
The top-5 positions were completed by Vladimiros Tziortzis, who made a recovery drive after an unforced spin in the opening lap that dropped the Cypriot down the running order. Michael Bleekemolen held off Valentino Gambarotto for sixth, enough to secure the final podium position in the Legend Trophy.
Gambarotto was penalized for his involvement in a separate opening lap incident, but next in line Giovanni Faraonio was also penalized for overtaking under yellow flag conditions. This situation promoted Maxim van Laere to seventh, which also gave the Belgian rookie first position in the Master Trophy.
With Rette Jones Racing by Hendriks, Happinessa had a strong first race. The German stayed out of trouble and gained more confidence in her driving, allowing the driver of the #30 Ford Mustang to clinch not only a Lady Trophy victory, but also her career best finish of eighth place. Faraonio and Monti rounded out the top-10 positions with Gambarotto and Henri Timonen filling the Master Trophy podium in 12th and 13th respectively.
Beitske Visser bravely drove without power steering in her #77 Rehberg + Bremotion Racing Camaro to gain important experience. The Dutch talent therefore finished runner-up in the Lady Trophy, while Mariam Davitidze was not able to make the start due to technical issues in her #8 Kolkhi GRT Toyota.
The opening lap incidents eliminated some key contenders of the OPEN title battle. Martin Doubek, Sandro Tavartkiladze, Kenko Miura, Florian Richard and Ossi Pohjanharju will have a chance of redemption in OPEN Round 2, which is scheduled to start at 10:40 CEST on Sunday.
OPEN Round 2 will not be the only Sunday extravaganza that NASCAR GP Spain is preparing as V8GP will also return for their Round 2 at 13:55 CEST. Make sure you keep up with NASCAR Euro Series’ official website and social media accounts for the latest updates and visit www.nascar.eu/watch to find out where to watch the incredible action from Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Bart Dehaese
