Team Bleekemolen announced the signing of Vinnie Meskelis, confirming the rookie as Michael Bleekemolen’s teammate in the No. 76 team for 2026.
Vinnie Meskelis and Michael Bleekemolen will become teammates in the No. 76 Team Bleekemolen Toyota Camry, forming a partnership that NASCAR Euro Series describes as “a classic ‘Master and Apprentice’ story playing out at 250 kph”.
The announcement follows upon Meskelis’ initial signing, which the Brazilian-American had made shortly after his successful NASCAR Recruitment Test participation.
At the time, Meskelis confirmed that he will be racing in EuroNASCAR PRO straight away, but he did not reveal which team he’s signed for.
Meskelis’ reveal as part of Team Bleekemolen – the reigning Teams champion – showed that he’s held on a high regard by the EuroNASCAR paddock.
The 20-year old from Dallas, who recently finished on the podium in his Trans-Am TA2 debut at Sebring, expressed his desire to fight for wins right from the get go.
“After driving the car for the first time, I knew immediately that this was the right next step for me,” said Meskelis to nascar.eu. “I’m looking forward to making an impact and fighting for wins all season long.”
For Michael, the announcement confirms his full-time return to EuroNASCAR OPEN. Michael made an ill-fated attempt to compete in EuroNASCAR PRO at the start of 2025, having initially given the reins of his OPEN ride to rookie Bruno Mulders.
However, Michael quickly saw Mulders’ potential and gave him an unexpected promotion to EuroNASCAR PRO starting from the second Vallelunga race.
With Mulders going double duty for the rest of the season, Michael returned to EuroNASCAR OPEN where he drove for both Rette Jones Racing – as a substitute for the absent Gill Linster – and Team Bleekemolen.
He finished his year 18th in the EuroNASCAR OPEN standings, the second best part-timer behind 16th place finisher Valerio Marzi.
Still capable of fighting competitively at a ripe old age of 76 years old, Michael is hoping to continue scoring Legend Trophy podiums on his seventh season in EuroNASCAR.
“Probably I’m the oldest driver of the field, but still competitive,” said Bleekemolen to nascar.eu. “I hope to score some podiums in the Legend Trophy this year again and have some nice and fun races.”
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