Logan Bearden takes on the challenge to adapt to the NASCAR Euro Series machines – The American leads the Challenger Trophy at the halfway point and keeps himself busy with events in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
- Logan Bearden joined the NASCAR Euro Series in V8GP
- The American found speed by adapting to the new car and tracks
- After three events, Bearden established himself as one of the favorites in Challenger Trophy
The NASCAR Euro Series gave the opportunity for American stock car racing stars to experience pure racing unlike any other. One American who decides to take on the challenge is Logan Bearden, who enters European NASCAR with the highly established Rette Jones Racing by Hendriks Motorsport. Learning an unfamiliar machine at foreign soil is not an easy task, but Bearden has left his mark by leading the Challenger Trophy classification after the first three events in the 2026 season.
Growing up in a racing family, Bearden has driven a lot of machines during his rise to the top echelons of motorsport. But the cars that powered European NASCAR are unlike any other: With no driving aids to help deliver all 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, mastery of car control is needed to find your speed.
Adapting to these machines is already difficult as it is, but Bearden decided to increase his challenge by debuting straight in V8GP: “The cars have a completely different feel than anything that I’m used to. It has a lot less horsepower, so it’s been a little tricky figuring out what the car does and doesn’t want. But it has been a fun challenge!” said the Texan.
His decision to fight with the best paid dividends immediately. On his debut in Spain, Bearden hung around with his more experienced adversaries and took home two top-10 finishes after two grueling races. In the following events, the Austin native worked hard with Rette Jones and Hendriks to improve their speed lap by lap, culminating with another top-10 finish at the NASCAR GP UK.
The results meant that the 30-year-old was not only tenth in the standings, he also leads the overall Challenger Trophy as all three top-10 finishes came with an added bonus: The wins in the Challenger Trophy, totaling to three classification victories.
Opportunities to improve are always present, however, and Bearden knew what needs to be improved after the summer break: “Facing the challenges of a new car, new series, and new race tracks, I would say my performance has been ok but definitely needs to be improved upon. I really need to focus on improving my qualifying effort. Track position is huge and can make or break your race,” Bearden said.
Summer break will give Bearden the time to learn for the last round of the regular season and the double points Playoffs. Chances to race at home will help to sharpen his skills: “I’ve been working hard this summer. I work for a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team and I have also been doing a little racing in the series as well!”
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
