Raphaël Lessard will compete in the NASCAR Oval GP at Raceway Venray as part of EuroNASCAR’s renewed exchange deal with NASCAR Canada.
For the first time since 2018, EuroNASCAR and NASCAR Canada Series will send one of their most successful drivers to make the cross-Atlantic trip and experience the competition in their fellow NASCAR-sanctioned championship.
NASCAR Canada will be sending Raphaël Lessard as a wildcard driver in the upcoming NASCAR Oval GP at Raceway Venray.
In return, EuroNASCAR will be sending their championship leader at the summer break to one of NASCAR Canada’s most iconic rounds: Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R).
“The NASCAR Euro Series continues to expand its international appeal, and in 2025, a unique transatlantic exchange will be back on the stage,” announced EuroNASCAR on 3 May 2025.
“Canadian racing talent Raphael Lessard will join the EuroNASCAR grid for the June round at Raceway Venray, while the EuroNASCAR PRO championship leader after the EuroNASCAR oval race will head to Canada for a one-off at the legendary Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres (GP3R) in the NASCAR Canada Series.”
“This landmark exchange not only connects the two NASCAR-sanctioned series in a unique way, but also brings top-tier talent into the spotlight on both continents.”
The return of NASCAR International’s exchange program is a landmark achievement for the sport as a whole. Drivers such as Jean-François Dumoulin, Rubén Garcia Jr. and Frédéric Gabillon received opportunities to compete in other international NASCAR championships thanks to the program.
However, the program has been dormant for the past five years due to the complications brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic and its after effects.
With the pandemic situation now being a thing in the past, NASCAR sees it fit to reintroduce the exchange program with the renewed collaboration between NASCAR Canada and EuroNASCAR.
“Lessard’s presence in the EuroNASCAR field is more than a guest start,” adds EuroNASCAR in their official announcement.
“It’s a symbolic and strategic moment that reflects NASCAR’s growing global presence and the strong ties between North American and European stock car racing.”
“The exchange will offer European drivers a taste of the North American NASCAR atmosphere, while giving Canadian fans a look at the best Europe has to offer.”
“This driver swap is more than just a promotional stunt. It’s a celebration of NASCAR’s international reach and the shared spirit of competition that binds racers across continents.”
“Raphaël Lessard’s run at Raceway Venray is expected to draw increased attention to the event, with Canadian media and fans already expressing excitement over the news.”
“At the same time, the EuroNASCAR championship leader will have the rare chance to measure themselves against Canada’s best in one of the most challenging events on the NASCAR Canada calendar.”
“2025 is shaping up to be a milestone season for global NASCAR cooperation and it starts with a Canadian star lighting up a Dutch oval.”
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