The latest edition of the Drivers Recruitment Program saw eleven drivers introduce themselves to the world of EuroNASCAR by testing the 2024 Evo Package cars at Fontenay.
Another successful edition of the Drivers Recruitment Program (DRP) is in the cards after NASCAR Whelen Euro Series completed the 2024 DRP session, held on 29 February and 1 March at Circuit de Vendee in Fontenay-le-Comte.
Eleven drivers took part in the 2024 DRP, two of whom are returning participants: Daniel Boys and Kelvin Hassell. They were joined by nine newcomers in Matthias Beckwermert, Andres Beers, Veeti Rajala, Max Marzorati, Anthony Fournier, Bruno da Costa, Simone Giussani, Alessandro Bollini and Marco Furiani.
The enthusiasm was high among the participants despite rain playing havoc during the test as both DRP days were held in wet weather conditions. For this edition, they were mentored by EuroNASCAR’s founder, President and CEO Jerome Galpin and Lux Motorsport’s Jack Davidson.
“It was a brilliant two days as we met new possible drivers for the EuroNASCAR series, giving different tips and pointers,” said Davidson to euronascar.com. “It was not the easiest of days as both days were really wet, but everything ran smoothly.”
Davidson’s appearance served a multitude of purposes as he also used the DRP to shake down Lux’s machine for the first time. He is not alone as Tuomas Pöntinen is on hand to test out pink-cladded No. 21 GT Omega Chevrolet as well.
Much like with past DRP editions, the drivers that took part gave an unanimously positive reaction towards the driving experience that the EuroNASCAR stock cars provided.
“It was fantastic!” said Beckwermert to euronascar.com. “We’ve had the weather, which was pretty interesting when we drove them for the first time but we built up a lot of confidence. Every driver I was with that I talked to loved the car and now it’s about us trying to find out how to handle these cars to get up with the lap times.”
“It was a beautiful day to have my first drive in a NASCAR car!” said Beers to euronascar.com. “I felt really confident and fast on every lap that I turned, I learned from the feedback that the car gives. It’s challenging to drive in the rain, but I adapted very well. The car did a good job and I hope that I can test the car in dry conditions.”
“What a fantastic experience in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Driver Recruitment Program,” adds Marzorati. “The car is extremely fun to drive. It’s predictable and forgiving yet you really feel the immense power of the V8 engine as your car breaks traction and you slide in a controlled manner out of the corners and with no electrical aids you actually feel so at one with the car.”
“It truly is a great day and introduction to EuroNASCAR and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants a cost effective way to introduce themselves to this exciting and real pure racing series.”
In addition, the DRP session also gave fans a better look at the changes that will be brought in with the 2024 Evo Package. Thomas Dombrowski’s No. 66 car, which was used for the test, was equipped with the roof scoop that was announced as one of the new parts introduced this year.
EuroNASCAR also revealed that they have also tested the 2024 Evo Package parts at Circuit Ricardo Tormo prior to the February-March DRP session. According to the series, more than 1000 kilometers were covered during the tests with no major faults reported from the drivers that tested them.
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