Vittorio Ghirelli and PK Carsport continues to be united for 2026, with both parties aiming to become the first three-peat champion in NASCAR Euro Series history.
The chase is on for Vittorio Ghirelli. Ghirelli confirmed his spot in the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series grid on 17 January 2026, once again staying with PK Carsport on his hunt to become EuroNASCAR PRO’s first three-time back-to-back champion.
Ghirelli successfully retained his crown in 2025 after a hard fought battle with adversaries Paul Jouffreau and Gianmarco Ercoli.
The Italian scored five wins, five pole positions and four fastest laps on his way to his second top class title. It was Ghirelli’s third overall championship title, having previously won the EuroNASCAR OPEN title in 2020.
“The NASCAR Euro Series and PK Carsport are a family,” said Ghirelli to nascar.eu. “I’m really proud to compete in this high-level championship, and I will go for the third ring in a row. It will be a battle, but we’re here for the fight and not scared of anyone, bring it on!”
Anthony Kumpen, PK Carsport’s team boss, is proud to see Ghirelli extend his contract for 2026.
Kumpen expressed all the positives of his current star driver, who’s ready to get back on the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro for the opportunity to become his team’s first three-time champion – Both Kumpen and Alon Day had already won two titles with PK.
“I’m really happy with what he did last year, and I’m really happy he’s staying with us,” said Kumpen to nascar.eu. “Vittorio showed a lot of maturity in his driving, in his skills and everything.”
“Like the situation which happened at Brands Hatch. He didn’t have a lot of track time, but he stayed calm and made the best possible outcome of the weekend.”
“That’s champion worthy. If you can do that, if you can stay calm during those weekends and then still grab important points. That’s very good.”
“Also, in terms of racing skills, I think he was doing better last season than the seasons before. In some race situations, he really made good steps. And it’s not easy being the reigning champion and grabbing the title again; there’s a lot of pressure on you.”
Kumpen acknowledges that the road ahead will not be easy. The Belgian is wary of not only the continued threat of youngsters in EuroNASCAR PRO, but also of Ghirelli’s teammate Thomas Krasonis, who had a breakthrough season in his own right last year.
“Obviously, as [the current] double champion, the goal is to be champion again, but it’s always difficult,” Kumpen said. “There are other drivers who also perform well, other teams who want to beat PK Carsport.”
“His teammate also grew a lot. Krasonis had a great season last year with us, and he’s also a contender for the PRO title.”
“It will be a very interesting season for us as a team, with two cars fighting in the PRO for the wins and for the championship.”
“I’m looking forward to another great NASCAR Euro Series season and trying to be on top again. But I’m sure the other teams are also ready to try to kick our ass.”
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