For the 2025 season, the NASCAR Euro Series will have a completely new format. Five events will feature the revamped time-attack-based Rookie Challenge, which will provide rookies, talents, and gentleman drivers the best chance to get track time and get ready for PRO and OPEN races. The Club Challenge will be replaced by the new tournament, which will take place on Friday in three 30-minute segments. Participants will receive points for completing two timed sessions.
According to the division’s rulebook, “The Rookie Challenge is designed to train and prepare rookie drivers for future NASCAR Euro Series races.” “During private practice sessions held right before the premier NASCAR Euro Series events, it offers excellent track experience in a consistent and welcoming setting to discover the NASCAR cars and tracks.” The tracks hosting Rookie Challenge sessions are Valencia, Vallelunga, Most, Oschersleben and Zolder.
The division’s regulation states, “The rookie drivers for future NASCAR Euro Series races.” “During private practice sessions held right before the prestigious NASCAR Euro Series events, it offers beneficial track time in a friendly and consistent environment to learn about the NASCAR cars and tracks.” Valencia, Vallelunga, Most, Oschersleben, and Zolder are the tracks that host Rookie Challenge sessions. We’ll count the top five laps from both sessions that come closest to the reference time. The Rookie Challenge event is won by the driver with the shortest penalty time; if there is a tie, the winner is determined by the second-best lap time that is closest to the reference time.
As in PRO and OPEN, the winner receives 40 points, second place receives 35, third place receives 34, and so on. A bonus point is awarded for declaring and meeting a faster reference lap time. Three bonus points are awarded to the driver with the fastest reference time, two to the second-fastest, and one to the third-fastest. All points will be doubled at the Circuit Zolder for the EuroNASCAR Final. Following the sessions, the Rookie Challenge participants will receive trophies at a podium ceremony. The winner will earn the full entry fee for the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season in either the PRO or OPEN categories, while the second and third place finishers will also get third prizes overall will receive 50% of the entry fee.
