The NASCAR Recruitment Test has once again demonstrated why it’s the best way for drivers to discover the official European NASCAR championship. Ten drivers from a very diverse range of countries and backgrounds joined the fully booked sessions on December 4-5, 2025 and were left mesmerized by the experience of driving the thundering V8 cars that power the series. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of NASCAR Euro Series’ CEO and President Jerome Galpin, the aspiring competitors shared the wheel of four machines that all ran smoothly during the sessions.

With the tests completed, they are now looking forward to the possibility of competing in the 2026 season that will begin at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Spain on April 18-19. Here’s what some of the drivers said about the NASCAR Recruitment Test, which will make its return with a second date on January 30th, 2026 at NASCAR Euro Series’ testing facility in Fontenay-le-Comte. Drivers from anywhere in the world can apply by visiting nascar.eu/recruitment.

The Recruitment Tests began on December 4th with Dutch racer Beitske Visser and American up-and-comer Vinnie Meskelis sharing the car together in Circuits de Vendee. Visser’s participation made the headlines in the build-up to the Tests and the two-time runner-up of W Series showed her expertise behind the wheel with her quick adaptation.

The opportunity for Visser to join the NASCAR Recruitment Test was made possible thanks to her sim racing team BS+COMPETITION. The German organization has supported Garrett Lowe’s journey as a “hybrid racer” with Bremotion, including in the Recruitment Tests where Lowe made his first laps inside the NASCAR Euro Series car prior to his successful maiden campaign in 2025.

“I really enjoyed my first time in a NASCAR Euro Series car! Completely different from what I’m used to, but definitely awesome. Rain from start to finish, but I loved every moment of it!” posted Visser on her Instagram profile, while Meskelis said he’s hopeful to join the series in 2026.

On December 5th, it was time for more drivers to experience the exciting cars that made NASCAR Euro Series one of the best touring car championships in Europe. The cast remained as diverse as ever, with a trio of Finnish drivers with experience in both rallying and circuit racing making the trip to France to join the Recruitment Tests. Rasmus Pentti, Ossi Pohjanharju and Henri Timonen all enjoyed their time and agreed that the car is “amazing to drive”, a sentiment that’s also being ringed upon by the other participants.

Jens Beeusaert of Belgium joined the Recruitment Test “because it’s a really awesome opportunity to get to know the cars and try to get into professional motorsport”. Sean Canivet already experienced professional motorsport with the Funyo sports cars, but said it’s always good to expand your boundaries and these are machines for the young Frenchman to level up his game for the future.

American driver Michael Polasek, who also has plenty of sim racing background just like Lowe, said this after his time in the Recruitment Tests: “This is my first time driving anything like the EuroNASCAR car and I have to say, it’s a lot of fun! You can really control it and it feels like a big go-kart with the way you can control both the brakes and the throttle. It’s very challenging to drive on the limit, but I’m having a lot of fun with it so far and I hope to race in one of the divisions next year!”

Fellow American Matthew Salgado saw the Recruitment Test as an opportunity to realize his dreams as a racing driver. Croatian’s Duje Ribaric shared a similar vision, showcasing NASCAR Recruitment Test’s willingness to be open to drivers from all levels of experience.

“I’ve got no background in racing besides sim racing for the past couple of years. As soon as I saw NASCAR Euro Series had this drivers Recruitment Test, I immediately jumped on it and wanted to get some experience in a real car. After driving for two sessions, I immediately felt comfortable with it! It’s a very fun car to drive and it emphasizes the driver’s skill. I didn’t push myself to the limit as it’s my first time, but I definitely love this car,” said Salgado following the Test.

“I came all the way from Croatia and I came here with the hope of a racing career here,” expressed Ribaric. “I’ve been a dedicated racing fan ever since I was a kid and drove a lot of simulators throughout the years. The car feels nice, I feel the similarities with the simulator, but I underestimated the brakes. The brakes are pretty heavy compared to the simulator, as is the throttle. But it’s quite a lovely experience here, the people here are pleasant and I really am a big fan of this. Hopefully I can drive them more.”

NASCAR Euro Series PR