Alumitec Racing welcomes Ofek Eliyahu and Wayne Carroll Jr. as the EuroNASCAR OPEN driver of the No. 48 team and crew chief for 2026.
Alumitec Racing continues their preparation for the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season with the announcement of two new key personnels to join the already announced Gianmarco Ercoli and Romain Iannetta.
Israeli driver Ofek Eliyahu steps up to EuroNASCAR OPEN as the full-time driver of Alumitec’s new No. 48 entry, with veteran American crew chief Wayne Carroll Jr. also signed as the team’s chief engineer for 2026.
“Alumitec Racing is proud to announce the arrival of a new driver in its OPEN Division: Ofek Eliyahu, a young Israeli talent whose rapid progression and consistent performances have attracted attention across European paddocks,” announced Alumitec.
“Alumitec Racing is [also] proud to announce the appointment of Wayne Carroll Jr as Crew Chief, marking a major milestone in the team’s technical and sporting structure as it pursues its long-term ambitions.”
Both Eliyahu and Carroll Jr. were officially announced by NASCAR Euro Series on 13 February, although Carroll Jr. was already revealed as part of Alumitec’s personnel on 10 February.
“We are extremely proud to welcome Ofek Eliyahu to drive our #48 car,” said Alumitec’s team boss Alain Lord Mounir to nascar.eu. “He combines intelligence, composure, and raw speed. His mindset aligns perfectly with our philosophy: precision, hard work, and continuous progress.”
“Wayne is a true racer. He has worked with top-level drivers and knows exactly how to structure a team to perform at a consistently high level. His arrival fits perfectly with our vision of building a strong, credible organization focused on winning.”
Eliyahu rose through the ranks through championships hosted by the Israel Automobile & Karting Association (ILAKA).
The driver from Kadima was the champion of the 2023 Israeli National Time Attack championship in the 245–340 horsepower category and the 2024 Radical Israel Championship.
His success on the local stage pushed Eliyahu to make a bid for international motorsport in 2025. He found an opportunity with the NASCAR Euro Series, entering the Rookie Challenge division for the penultimate round at Oschersleben.
Eliyahu performed competitively, finishing as runner-ups behind perennial Rookie Challenge winner – and 2025 champion – Jose Antonio Peñalta.
A few months after his Rookie Challenge outing, Eliyahu is set to make his full-time entry to the series in the highly competitive EuroNASCAR OPEN division.
“I am honored to represent Alumitec Racing and to drive the #48 car,” said Eliyahu to nascar.eu. “This is a major step in my career, and I am ready to give everything for the team.”
Wayne Carroll Jr. boasted a crew chief career spanning more than two decades in NASCAR’s three main series.
Carroll Jr. first entered NASCAR in 2004, when he crew chiefed Steve Grissom for one race with the backmarker GIC-Mixon Motorsports outfit.
The 57-year old from North Arlington stayed as a dependable journeyman from there on out, primarily working in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
His best year came in 2022, where he partnered Bayley Currey for the full season in the No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet team. The pair finished 20th in the standings with a best result of tenth in New Hampshire.
Before joining Alumitec, Carroll Jr. worked full-time in what used to be called the Xfinity Series in 2025.
Originally crew chiefing Kyle Sieg in the No. 28 RSS Racing Ford, he moved over to Alpha Prime Racing mid-season to work on APR’s fleet of drivers in the No. 45 Chevrolet.
Now, Carroll Jr. is set for his most unique experience just yet as he moves over to Europe to begin his duty as the chief engineer for Alumitec’s No. 11 and No. 48 entries.
“Alumitec Racing is an ambitious, well-structured, and determined team,” said Carroll Jr. on his signing to nascar.eu.
“I’ve been impressed by the long-term vision and the level of professionalism. I’m looking forward to working with the drivers and the entire staff to build something strong and competitive.”
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