Bremotion signed Julien Rehberg for the 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season and they seem to have made a perfect match: the 18-year old German talent made a remarkable debut at the wheel of the 400 hp V8 beast at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia and topped the Rookie Trophy in both EuroNASCAR 2 races to complete a perfect sweep in his class. The Haltern am See native is surprised by his results but also eager to continue the streak when the series visits the Autodromo di Vallelunga for the NASCAR GP Italy on May 18-19.
Rehberg got acquainted with the #77 Chevrolet Camaro in the official Prologue on Thursday and immediately found grips at the wheel of the powerful car. He confirmed his steep learning curve on Friday in Free Practice by finishing 13th in the combined results, third in his Trophy. He improved on Qualifying by securing 12th place – and second in the special classification for the debutants – on the EuroNASCAR 2 grid.
In his maiden NWES race, Rehberg showed a strong run and minimized mistakes to take seventh in the overall result. That was enough to secure first place among the Rookie drivers, finishing ahead of Marko Stipp Motorsport’s Victor Neumann and Vict Motorsport’s Mario Ercoli to grab his first ever EuroNASCAR trophy. “I’m so speechless, I don’t know why I’m on the podium!” remarked the German after Race 1. “I thought I’m going to be in the top-20. I’m so exhausted, but this is just amazing!”
It was no coincidence that the German youngster was so quick on the 4.005 kilometer long circuit in Valencia, Spain. He confirmed his strong pace also in Race 2 on Sunday but had to fight hard for another win in the Rookie Trophy. He battled with Ercoli and Neumann while also trading positions with veterans Thomas Dombrowski and Thomas Krasonis for the overall results. The second class win not only handed him the lead in the special classification, but also sixth place in the overall EuroNASCAR 2 ranks.
“It’s like yesterday, P7 overall and P1 in the Trophy again, it’s unbelievable!” comments Rehberg at the Race 2 interview. “I’m so wet from the sweat, but it’s just an amazing weekend! I never thought I would be that good already.”
Ercoli and Neumann also showed a promising pace during the season opener under the sun of Spain and may join the battle for the newcomer’s crown in EuroNASCAR in Italy. Another driver will also try to fight back after an unlucky first race weekend: Simone Giussani. The Italian led laps in the Rookie Trophy in both races but was forced to retire early twice. Giussani showed a decent pace in Valencia and wants to show his true potential in his home race in Vallelunga.
The 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season continues with the NASCAR GP Italy at Autodromo di Vallelunga on May 18-19. Qualifying and all races will be broadcast live on EuroNASCAR’s YouTube channel and several TV channels from all around the world.
NWES PR
