World of EuroNASCAR takes a look at how Dominique Schaak, Mario Ercoli, Ulysse Delsaux and Ryan Vargas enjoyed the birthday feeling during the 2024 NASCAR GP Germany at Oschersleben.
The NASCAR GP Germany weekend was an exciting round for the sport as it marked the start of the 2024 EuroNASCAR Playoffs, but for several drivers, the event at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben holds a special meaning.
EuroNASCAR 2 rookies Dominique Schaak and Mario Ercoli as well as EuroNASCAR PRO veteran Ulysse Delsaux had a wonderful time at Oschersleben as the round took place on their birthdays.
Ryan Vargas also joined the festivities as an “honorary” birthday boy as his birthday was on 23 September, the Monday after the race.
The American joked about this during his Race 2 interview, where series reporter Andre Wiegold jokingly asked Vargas if he would give Delsaux – who started alongside Vargas – no presents on the Frenchman’s birthday.
“Heck no, tomorrow’s my birthday! I need to have a good present too, we’re both in the weeds back here,” said Vargas, who later got his wish when he became engaged on his 24th birthday.
Schaak and Mario celebrated their birthday on 20 September, the same day as Friday Free Practice. Even though they were rookies in EN2, Schaak and Mario had a contrasting career path that made their birthdays feel distinct.
Schaak, who celebrated his birthday with his fans and guests on race week, was already a veteran and had gained plenty of experience in GT and touring cars before he made the jump to stock car racing in 2024.
This contrasts to Mario, who is on his first full season campaign in car racing. While he’s already fast enough to win the Rookie Trophy classification in Race 2, the Italian is still a driver that had just made his first baby steps to motorsport.
Delsaux, on the other hand, combined the best qualities of both Schaak and Mario. He’s an established veteran in not just motorsport, but also in EuroNASCAR, having spent the entirety of his racing career in the series.
While he also celebrated his 26th birthday during the Oschersleben weekend in 2023, the 2024 Oschersleben round was the first race meeting where he got to race on his birthday date of 22 September.
“This is the second time I celebrate my birthday during a weekend race in EuroNASCAR, because last year it was Friday at the Practice and on the same track!” said Delsaux, the 2018 EN2 champion.
“This year, it was during the second race on Sunday, so all members of the team Speedhouse wished my birthday when I arrived in the box, they made videos before my arrival on social networks and I was very happy!”
Delsaux’s birthday weekend got even more special when he took fourth place in Race 1, which was a new career-best finish in EuroNASCAR PRO. With a new feat achieved, he hopes that Zolder will give him the chance to end his year on a high.
“After that, we had to focus on the race and I was able to make a P3 at the Warm Up as a gift, the day before it was a P4 on race 1,” added Delsaux. “We are getting closer to the top-3, it’s my best weekend and result in the EuroNASCAR PRO division.”
“Now, one more race, the final in Zolder, we will do our best to finish well in the championship, I continue physical and mental training to maintain confidence, but before that, I’m enjoying the beginning of my 27 years.”
Disclaimer: Credits for all photos are listed underneath each image.
Last Updated: 12 December 2024