Vittorio Ghirelli is on the brink of racing immortality! With a commanding victory in the first NASCAR Euro Series PRO Final, the Italian ace has inched closer to securing back-to-back championships. But here's where it gets controversial: can anyone stop him from claiming the title? After shattering lap records at Circuit Zolder, Ghirelli's No. 24 PK Carsport Chevrolet Camaro seemed unstoppable, leading from pole to checkered flag. Joining him on the podium were Liam Hezemans and Gianmarco Ercoli, but it was Ghirelli's 30-point lead that stole the spotlight. Is this the year Ghirelli cements his legacy as a NASCAR Euro Series legend?
Ghirelli's post-race comments were both humble and confident. 'My team gave me a rocket ship,' he said, praising the car's grip and speed. 'We managed the tires for tomorrow, but the battle isn't over. We were the fastest in the Playoffs, and this win is well-deserved.' Yet, this is the part most people miss: with a 30-point cushion, Ghirelli only needs a 12th-place finish or better in the second PRO Final to clinch the title. Does this make him the inevitable champion, or is there still room for an upset?
Hezemans, meanwhile, celebrated a Junior Trophy win alongside his podium finish, while Ercoli's third place kept him in the title hunt—though barely. Thomas Krasonis joined Hezemans on the Junior Trophy podium, finishing fourth overall. Dutch veteran Sebastiaan Bleekemolen rounded out the top five, ahead of Julien Rehberg and Davit Kajaia, both of whom achieved career-best PRO finishes. Rehberg secured the final Junior Trophy podium spot, while Kajaia dominated the Challenger Trophy. Are these rising stars the future of NASCAR Euro Series, or will the veterans hold their ground?
The race wasn't without drama. An opening-lap incident involving Paul Jouffreau, Thomas Toffel, and Bruno Mulders shook up the standings. Jouffreau's retirement on the first lap dealt a crushing blow to his title hopes, leaving him mathematically in contention but realistically needing a miracle. Was this incident a turning point in the championship, or just a footnote in Ghirelli's march to victory?
As the PRO division pauses before Sunday's finale, the OPEN division takes center stage at 16:35 CEST. With the EuroNASCAR YouTube channel and global TV networks broadcasting live, fans are in for a treat. Which division will deliver the most jaw-dropping moments this weekend?
Before you go, let's spark some debate: Is Vittorio Ghirelli's dominance good for the sport, or does it stifle competition? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
