Patrick Schober completes a successful test in the Natschbach-Loipersbach dirt speedway oval as preparation for the 2024 NASCAR Oval GP at Raceway Venray.
This weekend marks the week where NASCAR Whelen Euro Series returns to the half-mile oval of Raceway Venray in the Netherlands. Teams and drivers must prepare themselves in a different way to be able to compete at Venray’s unique, one-of-a-kind layout.
While there are drivers who have had past oval experience, be it from competing in past EuroNASCAR oval races or oval-based championships across Europe or the United States, some of them will have their first oval race at the upcoming 2024 NASCAR Oval GP.
One driver that can be placed amongst the latter group is Patrick Schober, RDV Competition’s EuroNASCAR 2 star. To prepare himself for Venray, the Austrian worked together with partner Motorsportaktiv to set up a test session in the famous speedway dirt oval at Natschbach-Loipersbach.
The test was held on 22 June, with Stockcar Racing Austria’s F2 class driver Dennis Wunderl present to give Schober his knowledge on how to tackle the 136-meter oval.
“Thanks to Motorsportaktiv, I was able to do some training in a stock car today at the Natschbach-Loipersbach speedway oval,” posted Schober on social media.
“A new and interesting experience and completely different to NASCAR or formula racing. I highly recommend trying this experience. Thanks to Dennis Wunderl for his tips.”
Speaking to World of EuroNASCAR in a post-test interview, the 19-year old driver gave his thoughts on what he considers as the biggest challenge during the test at Natschbach-Loipersbach.
“It was something totally different than what I’m used to, but it was fun!” said Schober. “I can’t really compare it to Venray because it is a dirt track, but at least I got some experience turning left in a real oval course.”
“I was surprised that the car was turning left while braking. I also found out that it’s really important to maintain the speed, especially in the corners.”
Maintaining momentum in the corners was a lesson that Schober felt would play an important role at Venray. He admitted that the NASCAR Oval GP will be tough, but the Austrian is determined to push for maximum results.
“I had to play with the throttle to let the car oversteer in the back, which prevents understeer at the front,” Schober said on the most important lesson when driving at an oval. “If the car understeers, then you can forget your lap time as you’ll ruin your momentum.”
“I noticed that it’s the fastest way through the corners on a dirt track, so we’ll see how it goes at Venray. It will be tough because there are a lot of drivers that already have oval experience, but I’ll still do my best since this is what I would love to do in America one day.”
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