Vittorio Ghirelli passed his new challenge at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R) with flying colors. The reigning NASCAR Euro Series champion was invited to one of NASCAR Canada Series’ most awaited rounds as part of the drivers exchange program created by NASCAR Europe and Canadian entrepreneur Martin D’Anjou. Ghirelli impressed the thousands of fans who visited the iconic street circuit located in the heart of Quebec and was on course for a strong top-10 finish in the #50 Rousseau Metal / Festidrag.tv Chevrolet when a late mechanical failure forced the Italian’s retirement from the race.

After shaking down the car at Circuit ICAR Mirabel, Ghirelli showcased over the weekend the potential European NASCAR drivers can express by matching the pace of some of the most skilled drivers in Canada on a track and a car he didn’t have any experience with. However, window net issues cost the NASCAR Euro Series champion a chance to give his best in Qualifying, limiting the Italian to the 14th place on the grid.

“We had a bit of an issue as my window net wasn’t tightened up and I couldn’t adjust it from the inside,” explained the Fasano native. “Officials called us in for safety reasons. We managed to put in two laps, but my preparation lap wasn’t good. My fronts weren’t there because I didn’t manage to scrub them well in the out lap and on the second lap my rears were going everywhere. I think I had six tenths to one second in my pocket. Anyway, it was a pleasure to be in the top-15 on my debut in the Canada Series.”

The race was held for a scheduled distance of 60 laps, making tire and brake management an important factor in the run for the checkered flag. Ghirelli chose to save his tires and brakes, aiming to make his push in the final 10 laps of the race. With 29 cars on track, the Italian navigated just outside the top-10 for the majority of the race and avoided a close call on lap 30 when he narrowly dodged a three-car collision in front of him. But on lap 43 the #50 Camaro gave up. Ghirelli quickly found a safe spot to park and exited his car safely, but it meant an early end for the NASCAR Euro Series points leader.

“It was a pity for the mechanical failure,” said Ghirelli after the race. “The throttle pedal broke when we were running eleventh. I had a good pace because I was saving tires and brakes throughout the race. I wanted to save until the last ten laps before pushing and I think top-7 was possible, but so many things can happen in racing.”

“The guys at the #50 team, Rousseau Metal and Festidrag.tv did an amazing job all weekend to help me out and get me up to speed straight away. I have to thank them and the NASCAR Euro Series for making this happen and hope to come back some day! This experience was amazing, this track had so much history, the competitors were very strong and I really enjoyed my time.”

Ghirelli will now switch his focus back to the NASCAR Euro Series, where he will resume his title defense starting from the NASCAR GP Czech Republic on 30-31 August, while Raphael Lessard, who finished a strong fourth in Trois-Rivieres, will jump in EuroNASCAR car for the September 20-21 NASCAR GP Germany at Oschersleben to complete the exchange.

With three rounds remaining and two double points paying Playoffs round, the second half of the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series season will be a make or break for the Italian in his quest to bring the title back to himself and PK Carsport once more. Tune in to EuroNASCAR’s YouTube channel to watch all qualifying and races and be sure to stay updated on social media for more updates.

NASCAR Euro Series PR