Vittorio Ghirelli and Thomas Toffel lead the V8GP and OPEN championships after four thrilling races in Spain – NASCAR Euro Series delivered in its promise to bring an action packed, pure racing spectacle to the 2026 season

• Reigning champion Vittorio Ghirelli starts the V8GP era on top
• Thomas Toffel and THT by Race Art crowned new OPEN winners
• The NASCAR Euro Series will turn up the heat at Circuit Paul Ricard on 23-24 May

22,000 spectators visited Circuit Ricardo Tormo to witness four exciting NASCAR GP Spain races that kickstarted the new era of the official European NASCAR championship. Two-time V8GP champion Vittorio Ghirelli opened his title defense with a win in the Spanish sun, while Thomas Toffel made the most out of the opportunity by sweeping the OPEN division. These victories ensured the Italian and the Swiss as the overall leaders heading to Circuit Paul Ricard on 23-24 May.

Statement Made by the Champion

Ghirelli said that his second title defense will be the hardest one and his rivals proved his statement on V8GP Round 1. Alumitec Racing’s Gianmarco Ercoli dominated from start to finish while RDV Competition star Paul Jouffreau defeated Ghirelli after a hard fought battle between the two protagonists. PK Carsport pulled their magic and turned Ghirelli’s fortunes around on V8GP Round 2, delivering the Italian with the perfect #24 Chevrolet Camaro to bring the champion back to the top step of the podium.

The victory in Round 2 was not an easy one: Garrett Lowe pushed Ghirelli to his limits despite battling with an illness. The American was rewarded with the overall lead in Junior Trophy and second place in the standings. Nelson Piquet Jr. claimed his maiden V8GP podium in Round 2, a major statement for the Brazilian as he targets glory with Alumitec Racing on his return to NASCAR. Giovanni Cartechini leads Challenger Trophy after a classification win and podium for the CAAL Racing debutant.

Toffel’s Brilliance at Circuit Ricardo Tormo

Toffel’s sweep in OPEN was not only his first in the division. It was also the first victory for his team THT by Race Art Technology, who proudly stood alongside the Swiss driver in Victory Lane. Despite his wins, Toffel said that he and THT by Race Art will need to work harder as he acknowledged the arrival of a new star: Raphael Lessard. Lessard was on course for a double triumph on his OPEN debut with Alumitec Racing, but electrical problems and a penalty for speeding under FCY gave the Canadian important lessons for the future.

Gil Linster, a true OPEN veteran, trailed Toffel as he made his bid to the 2026 championship race known. Claudio Cappelli performed like a true rockstar with a podium finish from 17th on the grid in Round 1, a result that propelled the Italian to the lead in Legend Trophy and third in the overall standings. Maxim van Laere and Happinessa claimed their first career top-10 finishes in Valencia to clinch first place in the standings for Master Trophy and Lady Trophy respectively.

More pure racing will be held when NASCAR Euro Series makes their return to the origins of the championship with the NASCAR GP France. After eight years away from the calendar, the country is prepared to make its presence remembered with four races scheduled at its new home Circuit Paul Ricard, located just 45 minutes away from Marseille. Visit nascar.eu to find out where to buy tickets for the event and stay tuned to nascar.eu/watch to discover how to watch the extravaganza that awaits.

Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner