Frédéric Gabillon will sit out the remaining rounds of the 2023 season and is set to mentor Paul Jouffreau, who will replace him and race in both classes starting from Vallelunga.
Frédéric Gabillon, the most experienced driver in EuroNASCAR PRO, will not continue his participation in the 2023 season and passes his torch to EuroNASCAR 2 teammate Paul Jouffreau, who will race the No. 3 TEPAC Ford Mustang in both classes for the remainder of the year.
The shocking switch was officially announced by NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, who revealed the news yesterday. The official release states that Gabillon was forced to withdraw due to sponsorship issues, meaning that he has not officially retired from the sport.
Gabillon, who is a three-time runner-up in the series, had teased retirement in 2021 before he elected to continue owing to the disappointing season that he had that year.
“As the third event of the 2023 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season draws closer, RDV Competition announced that Paul Jouffreau will make his EuroNASCAR PRO debut at Vallelunga in the #3 Ford Mustang,” said EuroNASCAR on its official release.
“Frederic Gabillon has decided to end his 2023 campaign, leaving the EuroNASCAR PRO cockpit to Jouffreau. The 47-year-old had planned to compete full-time this season, but owing to budget considerations, the Frenchman has elected to end his campaign early.”
“He will still be involved in RDV Competition, while Jouffreau will step up to EuroNASCAR PRO and pull double duties in the remainder of the season. The 19-year-old talent will take advantage of Gabillon’s experience and be coached by one of the finest NWES veterans of all-time.”
Despite his lack of championship titles, Frédéric Gabillon is undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers to have ever raced in EuroNASCAR. In addition to his three runner-up finishes, Gabillon scored a total of 12 wins, 10 pole positions, 8 fastest laps and 45 podiums in his illustrious career. He is also the first – and so far only – driver to make 100 starts in a single division of the series.
Most of his successes came at RDV Competition, which he joined in 2015 after a season with Rapido Racing and Still Racing respectively. Gabillon is highly instrumental in turning RDV from an also-ran team into a championship contender. Seven of his wins and two of his championship runner-up finishes were scored during his time with Franck Violas’ team.
“We are very grateful to Frédéric for his huge contribution to our effort and for being a great team player,” said RDV’s team owner Violas. “We will make the best out of this situation by anticipating Paul’s EuroNASCAR PRO debut. He will earn precious experience and we are sure he will benefit from it at all levels.”
Jouffreau, who had established himself as one of the top championship contenders in EuroNASCAR 2 this year, admits that it is “strange” that he will be stepping up EuroNASCAR’s top division in this fashion.
Despite this, the 19-year old Frenchman has stated his intention to do his best on his ENPRO debut at Vallelunga next month. Jouffreau’s participation in Vallelunga should see him become the youngest driver to race in the top class this year, barring the addition of another entrant younger than him.
“It’s a bit strange to make the step to EuroNASCAR PRO that way,” said Jouffreau. “Fred is an amazing teammate and I learnt a lot from him and will continue learning from him in the future. He cannot continue, so I will do my best to fill those big footsteps.”
“He’s a phenomenal mentor and I will make sure he will be proud of me. It’s sad for him, but now I cannot wait to get my EuroNASCAR PRO season started when we head towards Italy for the next NASCAR GP.”
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