Marko Stipp Motorsport has gained a new EuroNASCAR PRO driver in Thomas Krasonis, who will contest the 2023 EuroNASCAR season to complement his plans to race in the United States.
A new driver is going to spearhead Marko Stipp Motorsport’s EuroNASCAR PRO team in 2023 after it was announced yesterday that Thomas Krasonis will be joining the German team as one of their drivers in EuroNASCAR’s top class.
Krasonis’ return to EuroNASCAR is going to complement his plans of racing in the United States. The Greek driver had previously announced that he is planning to contest some ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this year, with an outing at New Smyrna having been done two months ago.
“After 12 years of my racing career, 2023 will be the first year that I will start the season as a professional driver, having the biggest support an athlete can have from a unique level of people who believed in me and want to see me reaching the top,” said Krasonis in MSM’s official announcement.
“I was looking for a well organized team and a solid environment and I strongly believe that Marko Stipp Motorsport as a team covers all the above.”
Krasonis became the first Greek driver to race in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series when he joined the series in 2019. Driving the No. 1 Ford Mustang for Alex Caffi Motorsport, the Greek driver finished 20th in the standings with a best race finish of sixth at Brands Hatch.
After taking a hiatus in 2020, the Greek returned the following year as one of the EuroNASCAR 2 drivers for Academy Motorsport – the rebranded Alex Caffi Motorsport. Krasonis put his 2019 experience to good use as he climbed seven places in the standings and added three more top-10 finishes to his tally.
The improvements that he achieved is enough to secure him a promotion to the top class with Academy in 2022. After a tough season which saw Krasonis retire five times, the Greek chose to end his participation early to focus on his plans to compete in the United States.
Krasonis made his US competition debut in February’s World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. His first US outing ended on a low note, however, as he was taken out of the race after being involved in a multi-car accident.
Following the race at New Smyrna, Krasonis revealed that his next outing in the United States will come in the summer, something that we haven’t reported in our coverage of Krasonis’ journey to New Smyrna.
“Our next American date will come in the summer to continue the effort on the ovals,” said the 21-year old driver in his official website. “I’m happy that I was able to be competitive and disappointed that my effort did not produce the desired result.”
With a new destination secured during his time away from the States, Krasonis is aiming to become a regular top-10 finisher in the 2023 EuroNASCAR season. He’s also looking forward to making a return to the American SpeedFest, the event where he scored his first career top-10 finish four years ago.
“I want to be in the top-10 in the 2023 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series with Marko Stipp Motorsport and take the next step in my career,” said Krasonis to euronascar.com.
“I am already looking forward to the race at Brands Hatch, my favorite event on the schedule thanks to the tens of thousands of fans. I’m going to pursue my goals and I think I’m always passionate and committed when it comes to racing. I’m also focused on the important details and always work under pressure.”
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