The short-track stock car racing world will turn its attention to the United States from February 5-14, 2026, and a current NASCAR Euro Series Champion will be right in the mix: Thomas Krasonis, who clinched the OPEN title in 2025. The Greek is set to compete in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in the challenging Pro Late Model Division. This marks the second time since 2023 that the talented 24-year-old will join the grid for one of the most highly regarded grassroots racing spectacles in America.

Krasonis is slated to run a total of six oval races on the demanding half-mile Florida track, which is strategically located near the Daytona International Speedway – site of the season-opening NASCAR Daytona 500 on the World Series’ final day. For this campaign, Krasonis will once again partner with Team Race Car Solutions with Jamie Skinner as his Crew Chief. With the invaluable mentorship of Alon Day, a four-time NASCAR Euro Series PRO Champion and the most successful driver in the championship’s history, the Athens native is aiming for his inaugural victory on an American oval.

“From the first time I went to the World Series of Asphalt, I quickly learned the harsh realities of oval racing,” the 24-year-old commented. “After a strong reality check on how far behind I was compared to the Americans on their home turf, I realized that the only way to improve was to gain experience on ovals. The best place to do that is during the speedweeks at New Smyrna’s World Series of Asphalt. That is why every time I get the chance, I want to be there. This year, after a last-minute offer, I decided to do the entire event. Hopefully, as I always say, this time will be better than the last! I feel ready and prepared – let’s see what happens.”

The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing stands as a major highlight in the motorsports calendar, not just for Florida, but for the entire grassroots racing scene across the U.S. Over ten days, the event showcases everything from Modifieds to Super Late Models, attracting not only unique oval racing machinery but also the nation’s elite short-track drivers. Krasonis will face top-tier competition, eager to prove that European talents are equally capable of mastering the four tricky turns of the renowned oval in the Sunshine State.

NASCAR Euro Series PR