Racing in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series provides the best opportunities to cross the Atlantic and compete in NASCAR in the US. It does it not only thanks to season prizes – championship and trophies winners are all rewarded with a race overseas – and the official programs like the unique International exchange that brought Frederic Gabillon to make his NASCAR Pinty’s Series debut, but also through the international exposure the series grants and the initiative of the NWES teams.
After NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Jennifer Jo Cobb made her European debut in April at Valencia with the Racing-Total team, Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing recently announced that 21-year-old German NWES driver Justin Kunz, Cobb’s teammate in Valencia, will make his Truck Series debut on the #0 Chevrolet Silverado at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on August 26.
“I am so happy to have this opportunity as It is a big step in making my dreams come true. NASCAR is the most popular racing series in the world and I want to be the first NASCAR champion from Germany!” said Kunz, who will rely on his Euro NASCAR road course experience to quickly adapt to the powerful trucks on the twisty Canadian road course.
Kunz made his NASCAR Whelen Euro Series debut in 2016 racing in the ELITE 2 Division and scored three top-5 finishes since then. His first podium finish came this year on June 31st with the second place in the Saturday Race at Tours Speedway. In 2018 Justin moved to the Racing-Total team, adding an ELITE 1 Division program alongside the ELITE 2, with finish of 12th at Franciacorta, Italy.
“My biggest challenge may be to explain to Justin that our bodies are very expensive to fix even the slightest damage,” joked Cobb, “but if I did not believe in him I would not have invited him to race with us and against me. I think he has what it takes on and off the track to be successful.”
Kunz will join two-time Champion Anthony Kumpen, reigning Champion Alon Day and former Euro NASCAR driver Anthony Gandon among the NWES drivers who competed in the US in one of the top three national series.
The Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is scheduled for Sunday August 26 at 8:30pm CET.
Credits: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Stephane Azemard