Max Lanza became the Challenger Trophy leader entering the EuroNASCAR Playoffs after he scored a Trophy win and had a great deal of fortune in the Czech Republic.
Max Lanza ended the 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series regular season as the top driver in the Challenger Trophy following two spectacular races in the NASCAR GP Czech Republic at Autodrom Most.
The Italian made his return after he skipped the oval race at Raceway Venray. With teammate Roberto Benedetti still recovering from his injuries, Lanza competed as the sole driver of CAAL Racing’s No. 88 Avangarde Group Camaro at Czechia.
Most traditionally is a strong track for Lanza and he showed that he hasn’t lost his edge in Practice and Qualifying, finishing well inside the top-15 and second amongst the Challengers in both sessions.
The Saturday race that followed went even better. Lanza fought his way inside the top-10 in the early laps and stayed there for the rest of the race, finishing tenth to claim the Challenger Trophy victory ahead of Thomas Toffel and Liam Lambert.
“It was a phenomenal weekend and anything but ordinary!” said Lanza about his weekend in Czechia on the official post-race press release.
“We made a strong comeback in Race 1 and avoided any kind of trouble. My #88 was really fast, and the results proved it: overall top-10 and victory in the Challenger Trophy!”
Things seemed to go against Lanza on Sunday after his car’s driveshaft failed before the race had even started. However, the start crash that brought out the red flags gave CAAL Racing mechanics just enough time to fix the car for the restart.
Lanza was very thankful for the fast repair job done by CAAL Racing, as it allowed him to take the restart. He came home in twelfth to secure crucial points in the overall championship and Challenger Trophy.
“I nearly didn’t start Race 2!” said Lanza. “When we started the engine and were moving out for the formation lap, a rear driveshaft completely gave out.”
“I managed to reach the end of the pit wall and parked, convinced that my race was over right there. However, the CAAL Racing guys made the most of the extra time provided by the red flag and I was able to take the restart. It’s simply awesome!”
“We came away with second place [in the Challenger Trophy] and the lead in the standings, in a race that we shouldn’t even have been able to participate in!”
With Toffel disqualified for his role in Race 2’s start crash, Lanza has been given a handy lead of 17 points that he aims to maintain in the playoffs races at Oschersleben and Zolder.
“Now it’s time to focus and think about the Semi-Finals in Oschersleben,” said Lanza on the upcoming round at Germany. “Two races, double points, and no room for mistakes.”
“If we’re smart and lucky, we might even be able to manage the points at the Finals in Zolder. For now, though, fingers crossed and full throttle. Today is the start of a new championship!”
Disclaimer: Credits for all photos are listed underneath each image.
Last Updated: 28 December 2024