RDV Competition drivers Frédéric Gabillon and Ulysse Delsaux will not race in NASCAR Whelen Euro Series for 2020, as revealed by the driver’s recent social media posts.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll to the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series after recent social media posts reveals that Frédéric Gabillon and Ulysse Delsaux have both withdrawn their entries for 2020, leaving RDV Competition – the longest lasting team in Euro Series and the only team that competed in the first season of EuroNASCAR in the NASCAR era in 2012 – at risk of not competing in EuroNASCAR this year.
Gabillon, three-time series runner-up and the most experienced driver in the PRO class, was the first to reveal the news of the withdrawal on 2 September.
“No championship for me this season, thanks to RDV Competition and my sponsors for understanding this decision. See you soon…” said Gabillon on his Facebook account.
Delsaux, the 2018 Elite 2 champion who was initially scheduled to be competing in both classes this year, then revealed his withdrawal announcement earlier today.
“In light of the COVID situation, I regret to inform you that I will not be attending the 2020 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season,” said Delsaux on his social media account. “This decision comes with a lot of thought and a heavy heart, but (the decision has been made) with support from and agreement with my sponsor GCS and my team RDV Competition.”
“This is sad and unfortunate, but my passion for the sport must give way to reason and health must come first. I hope with all my heart that the situation will improve for all of us and that I can return and compete in 2021 stronger than ever. As always, thank you for all your love and support.”
Gabillon and Delsaux’s withdrawal meant that they, unfortunately, will be joining the likes of Ander Vilariño and Gianni Morbidelli, who had previously withdrawn their scheduled full-time entries due to the effects of the pandemic. Unlike Vilariño and Morbidelli who will be replaced by Nicolò Rocca and Thomas Ferrando respectively, it is unlikely that RDV will be replacing either drivers for next week’s season opening round, the Delphix / NSR American Festival of Rome at Vallelunga.
Disclaimer: Unless noted, all photos used in this article are courtesy of NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Stephane Azemard / Bart Dehaese.