Autodromo di Vallelunga in Rome: NASCAR GP Italy Promises Plenty of Spectacle to Start Off the 2026 Playoffs

Bart Dehaese Open R1 Start Vallelunga 2025

The first round of the NASCAR Euro Series Playoffs will begin at Autodromo di Vallelunga on 19-20 September 2026 – From the schedule to the trackside attractions, the support program and the weather, we’ve summed up all you need to know

  • The seventh edition of the NASCAR GP Italy hosts the Playoffs Semi-Finals
  • Plenty of racing and family attractions set the stage for an amazing event at Autodromo di Vallelunga
  • This is your definitive guide for the races at Autodromo di Vallelunga

The roar of the V8 powered machines welcomes the Italian tifosi for the seventh edition of the NASCAR GP Italy. Held at the Autodromo di Vallelunga Piero Taruffi on 19-20 September 2026, the event will start the Playoffs for the best touring car series on European soil. With four double points Semi-Final races hosted on the 4.085 kilometer circuit located approximately 40 kilometers north of the Italian capital of Rome, a colorful support program with family-friendly festival vibes and a parade in the historic city center of Campagnano di Roma, this is the start for the title chase that will keep fans at the edge of their seats.

Nina Weinbrenner Claudio Remigio Cappelli Grid Walk Vallelunga 2025
Credits: NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner

Full weekend schedule: NASCAR action Thursday to Sunday (CEST)

Thursday – September 17

  • 17:00 – 19:00: Campagnano Motor Parade

Friday – September 18

  • 09:00 – 09:30: Rookie Challenge Session 1
  • 10:00 – 10:30: Rookie Challenge Session 2
  • 11:00 – 11:30: Rookie Challenge Session 3
  • 14:05 – 14:35: V8GP Practice 1
  • 14:50 – 15:20: OPEN Practice 1
  • 16:35 – 17:05: V8GP Practice 2
  • 17:20 – 17:50: OPEN Practice 2

Saturday – September 19

  • 10:15 – 10:25: V8GP – Qualifying 1
  • 10:30 – 10:35: V8GP – Top 15 Qualifying 2 (two flying laps)
  • 10:40 – 10:45: V8GP – Top 10 Superpole (two flying laps)
  • 11:00 – 11:15: OPEN – Qualifying
  • 11:20 – 11:25: OPEN – Top 10 Superpole (two flying laps)
  • 14:15 – 14:35: V8GP grid walk and autograph session
  • 14:50: Start of V8GP Semi-Final 1 (18 laps or 45 min + 1 lap)
  • 17:15: Start of OPEN Semi-Final 1 (15 laps or 40 min + 1 lap)

Sunday – September 20

  • 09:00 – 09:10: Warm-up (V8GP & OPEN)
  • 11:35: Start of OPEN Semi-Final 2 (15 laps or 45 min + 1 lap)
  • 14:15 – 14:35: V8GP grid walk and autograph session
  • 14:50: Start of V8GP Semi-Final 1 (18 laps or 45 min + 1 lap)
Nina Weinbrenner Vittorio Ghirelli Liam Hezemans Vallelunga 2025
Credits: NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner

Support program and off-track entertainment

Beyond the on-track action, the Autodromo di Vallelunga is packed with entertainment for all ages.

Off-track entertainment:

  • Parade at the historic city center of Campagnano di Roma
  • Attractions and competitions for kids
  • Special interest vendors
  • Grid walks, parade, autograph sessions, and driver meet-and-greets

On-track entertainment:

  • Four NASCAR Euro Series races
  • FX PRO Series
  • Twingo Cup
  • Legend Cars Italia
  • Formula Predator’s
  • Challenge Assominicar

Weather forecast for Rome, Italy

The forecast for Rome during race weekend looks promising:

  • Friday: Sunny with temperature highs of 29°C
  • Saturday: Sunny with temperature highs of 29°C
  • Sunday: Sunny with temperature highs of 29°C

The sunny weather provides the perfect atmosphere for the Playoffs Semi-Finals. With no worries of changing conditions, drivers will be incentivized to push their machine to the limits and entertain the fans that will be arriving in droves to Autodromo di Vallelunga.

Bart Dehaese Kid Fans With Hero Card Vallelunga 2025
Credits: NASCAR Euro Series / Bart Dehaese

Watch NASCAR Euro Series Live

If you can’t be at the track, you can still catch all of the action from home. Every qualifying session and race from the weekend is broadcast globally by multiple TV partners with expert commentary and behind-the-scenes content.

If your country is not listed, then NASCAR Euro Series will be broadcast live from DAZN and the EuroNASCAR YouTube channel.

Find out more: https://www.nascar.eu/watch/

Tickets and travel information

Tickets for the NASCAR GP Italy are available for free through the venue’s official website. Grab your tickets from the link provided here to experience the Playoff Semi-Final action firsthand: https://ticket.vallelunga.it/racing/american-festival-of-rome-2026

Don’t Miss It

The NASCAR GP Italy at Autodromo di Vallelunga is more than just a race – it’s an all-out celebration of motorsport, American culture, elite European racing and high-octane entertainment. Whether you’re a hardcore NASCAR fan or looking for a unique family day out, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Bart Dehaese

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