- NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals preview: Ghirelli targets historic third championship
- NASCAR Euro Series OPEN Finals: Toffel and Lessard battle for the title
- How do the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals work?
- Where are the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals taking place?
- When are the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals? Race schedule and UK start times
- How to watch the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals live and for free on DAZN
- Max Verstappen races at Portimão this weekend: Watch GT World Challenge Europe live and for free
Vittorio Ghirelli is two races away from making NASCAR Euro Series history as the 2026 championship reaches its dramatic conclusion at Circuit Zolder in Belgium this weekend.
The Italian arrives at the October 17-18 Finals leading the V8GP standings, aiming to become the first driver in the championship’s history to claim three consecutive titles.
However, his advantage is far from secure. Just 47 points separate the top six drivers, with former Formula 1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr., Jordan O’Brien, Thomas Krasonis, Garrett Lowe and Martin Doubek all remaining in contention.
There is also a fierce championship battle in the OPEN division, where Thomas Toffel leads Raphael Lessard by just 12 points heading into the season’s final two races.
With double championship points available throughout the weekend, four races across the two divisions will determine the 2026 champions.
Fans can watch the NASCAR Euro Series Finals live and for free on DAZN, with coverage available worldwide except in the Netherlands and Romania.
Watch NASCAR Euro Series live and for free on DAZN.
NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals preview: Ghirelli targets historic third championship
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The main storyline heading into Circuit Zolder is Vittorio Ghirelli’s pursuit of a third consecutive V8GP championship.
The PK Carsport driver secured the titles in 2024 and 2025 and now has the opportunity to become the first driver to win three successive championships in the series.
Ghirelli enters the weekend with a 31-point advantage at the top of the standings, but with double points available in both races, his lead could disappear quickly.
His closest challenger is Nelson Piquet Jr., who arrives following an impressive double victory at the Vallelunga semi-finals in Italy.
The Brazilian, who previously competed in Formula 1 and won the inaugural Formula E championship, has made an immediate impression during his first NASCAR Euro Series campaign.
However, the title fight extends well beyond the leading pair.
Jordan O’Brien and Thomas Krasonis are tied for third in the standings, both 42 points behind Ghirelli.
O’Brien secured his maiden NASCAR Euro Series victory at Autodrom Most earlier in the season, while Krasonis is looking to add the premier V8GP championship to the OPEN title he won in 2025.
Krasonis is also Ghirelli’s teammate at PK Carsport, adding another intriguing dimension to the championship battle.
Garrett Lowe and Martin Doubek complete the top six, both 47 points behind the leader.
Lowe is searching for his first NASCAR Euro Series victory, while Doubek brings extensive experience and two previous OPEN championships into the decisive weekend.
With six drivers covered by such a narrow margin, the final two races could produce a significant shake-up in the championship standings.
NASCAR Euro Series OPEN Finals: Toffel and Lessard battle for the title
The OPEN championship is shaping up to be another major attraction at Circuit Zolder.
Swiss driver Thomas Toffel has led the standings since the opening race of the season, winning three times and establishing himself as one of the division’s most consistent performers.
But Canadian driver Raphael Lessard has closed the gap to just 12 points after winning both races at the Vallelunga semi-finals.
Lessard now has the opportunity to win the title by securing victories in both Finals races, regardless of Toffel’s results.
Behind the leading pair, several other drivers remain mathematically in contention, including Claudio Cappelli, who is also chasing success in the Legend Trophy.
With double points awarded in both OPEN races, consistency and avoiding mistakes will be crucial as the championship reaches its conclusion.
How do the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals work?
The NASCAR Euro Series features two principal racing divisions: V8GP and OPEN.
Both championships will conclude at Circuit Zolder, with each division contesting two races across Saturday and Sunday.
The Finals are particularly important because double championship points are awarded, increasing the opportunities for drivers to overturn their rivals’ advantages.
A maximum of 176 points is available across the two races in each division, meaning even drivers who enter the weekend some distance behind the championship leader could still claim the title.
The challenging Circuit Zolder layout is expected to place a premium on qualifying performance, overtaking opportunities and avoiding incidents as the drivers fight for every position.
Where are the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals taking place?
The championship concludes at Circuit Zolder in Belgium, a historic motorsport venue that has regularly hosted the European NASCAR season finale.
The event forms part of the American Festival NASCAR Finals, combining championship racing with American-themed entertainment and additional motorsport categories.
Alongside the NASCAR Euro Series, the weekend will also feature racing from the Belcar Endurance Championship and Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux.
The venue’s demanding corners and heavy braking zones create opportunities for close battles, making Zolder a fitting location for the final championship showdown.
When are the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals? Race schedule and UK start times
The 2026 NASCAR Euro Series Finals take place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, with qualifying and four championship races across the weekend.
The schedule below shows the start times in the United Kingdom.
| Session | Date | Start time (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| V8GP qualifying | Saturday, October 17 | 8:40am BST |
| OPEN qualifying | Saturday, October 17 | 9:25am BST |
| V8GP Final 1 | Saturday, October 17 | 12:45pm BST |
| OPEN Final 1 | Saturday, October 17 | 4pm BST |
| OPEN Final 2 | Sunday, October 18 | 9:35am BST |
| V8GP Final 2 | Sunday, October 18 | 12:50pm BST |
The V8GP races are scheduled for 18 laps or 45 minutes plus one lap, while the OPEN races will run over 15 laps, subject to their respective time limits.
How to watch the NASCAR Euro Series 2026 Finals live and for free on DAZN
The 2026 NASCAR Euro Series Finals at Circuit Zolder will be available to watch live and for free on DAZN across supported territories worldwide.
Coverage is available globally excluding the Netherlands and Romania.
Fans can follow the championship battles involving Vittorio Ghirelli, Nelson Piquet Jr., Thomas Toffel, Raphael Lessard and the rest of the field through the DAZN website or app.
The first championship race begins on Saturday, October 17 at 12:45pm BST, with the final V8GP race scheduled for Sunday at 12:50pm BST.
Watch NASCAR Euro Series live and for free on DAZN.
Max Verstappen races at Portimão this weekend: Watch GT World Challenge Europe live and for free
There is another major motorsport event to enjoy this weekend, with four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen competing in the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season finale at Portimão on Saturday, October 17.
The Dutchman will share a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham in a three-hour endurance race featuring a 61-car field, with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi and Arthur Leclerc also among the competitors.
The race begins at 5pm BST on Saturday and will be available live and for free on DAZN in supported territories, including France, Spain, Portugal and Brazil. DAZN does not hold rights for this race in the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands or Australia.
