Buckle up, racing enthusiasts—the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series Finals have exploded onto the scene with a jaw-dropping start that could redefine the championship! PK Carsport's talented duo, Vittorio Ghirelli and Thomas Krasonis, demolished track records during free practice, giving their Belgian team based in Hasselt a massive advantage as they gear up for the crucial qualifying sessions and races that will crown the champions of Europe's premier NASCAR series. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this dominance a sign of unbeatable skill, or could unexpected twists in the upcoming events shake things up? Let's dive into the details and see what unfolded on day one.
In the PRO division, Vittorio Ghirelli roared to the forefront, proving once again why he's a top contender for the title. His blistering best lap of 1:36.784 didn't just top the leaderboard—it obliterated the existing track records for both qualifying and racing, which were previously held by Stienes Longin and Alon Day back in 2021. For beginners wondering what this means, track records are the fastest times ever set on a circuit, and smashing them shows incredible speed and precision. The Italian driver, piloting the #24 Chevrolet Camaro, is chasing consecutive championships, and his practice performance screams determination to make that dream a reality. And this is the part most people miss: Ghirelli's edge could come from his team's deep familiarity with Circuit Zolder, turning local knowledge into a strategic weapon.
Paul Jouffreau, trailing Ghirelli by just four points in the standings, fired back with a solid second-place finish. The Frenchman is also battling for the Junior Trophy, where he claimed the top spot ahead of Liam Hezemans. Thomas Toffel impressed in fourth with his THT by Race Art Technology car, securing the lead in the Challenger Trophy for skilled amateur drivers. Thomas Krasonis rounded out the top five overall and grabbed third in the Junior Trophy. Fabrizio Armetta held steady in sixth, while Gianmarco Ercoli's seventh-place result means he'll need to push hard for Saturday's qualifying. Garrett Lowe, Martin Doubek, and Davit Kajaia completed the top 10, with Kajaia nabbing second in the Challenger Trophy. Max Lanza, in 18th overall, clinched third in that same trophy. For those new to NASCAR, trophies like the Junior and Challenger recognize achievements in specific categories, adding layers of excitement beyond the main title.
Switching gears to the OPEN division, Thomas Krasonis wasn't content with just PRO success—he dominated here too, leading the practice session with a lightning-fast lap of 1:37.525. Like his teammate Ghirelli, he smashed the previous OPEN records, which were set in 2023 by Paul Jouffreau during his first title win. Could this be a lucky omen for Krasonis, who aims to become the first Greek driver to claim a NASCAR championship? It's a bold ambition that sparks debate: Does breaking records guarantee victory, or will the pressure of history weigh him down?
Gil Linster, known for his speed at Circuit Zolder, secured second place overall and topped the second timed session, outpacing the quick Dutch newcomer Bruno Mulders. Mulders led the Master Trophy, which celebrates emerging talents in OPEN. Sandro Tavartkiladze and Valentino Gambarotto followed in fourth and fifth, claiming the top spots in that trophy. Thomas Toffel and Thomas Dombrowski finished sixth and seventh, while Martin Doubek, eyeing a third OPEN title, faces a tough challenge after eighth place. Behind him, a thrilling duel unfolded in the Legend Trophy between Claudio Cappelli and Melvin de Groot—Cappelli edged ahead in ninth, but de Groot was hot on his heels, just 0.127 seconds behind in tenth. Michael Bleekemolen wrapped up the Legend Trophy in 18th, and Happinessa led the Lady Trophy in 21st. These close battles highlight how every fraction of a second counts in racing, and for newcomers, understanding these trophies can make the sport feel like a high-stakes puzzle of skill and strategy.
All this practice data will play a pivotal role in Saturday's qualifying, which sets the grid for the double-points Finals races. With just two races left in both PRO and OPEN, the race is on to identify the drivers and teams destined for glory in the official European NASCAR championship. Catch the live action on the EuroNASCAR YouTube channel and global TV networks, kicking off with qualifying at 09:50 CEST. But here's the controversial twist: Some fans argue that record-breaking practices like these predict champions, while others say real races bring unpredictable drama. What do you think—will Ghirelli defend his title, or could Krasonis make history as NASCAR's first Greek winner? Do you believe track records are overhyped, or do they truly foreshadow success? Share your opinions in the comments below and let's debate!
