After a decade of competition in the NASCAR Euro Series and becoming the first female driver to compete in NASCAR Brasil, Italian driver Arianna Casoli is set to take the next step in her career, announcing her 2026 program in the United States with the NASCAR Late Model platform and the team MKM Racing Development.

Arianna Casoli paves the way for European female drivers in U.S. NASCAR competition as the first female NASCAR Euro Series driver to compete in the United States marking a significant milestone in her career and in the International NASCAR Series. Following the recorded female drivers to race in a U.S. NASCAR sanctioned series, she will became the first Italian in nearly 50 years, following in the trailblazing path of the legendary Lella Lombardi in 1977.

Arianna, also known as “Lady NASCAR”, adds another milestone in an already record-filled career: first woman to compete in NASCAR Brasil, five Lady Trophy titles and one Legend Trophy (for drivers over 40) secured in NASCAR Euro Series achieving more than 50 class victories.

She will focus on gaining experience on American short tracks with MKM Racing Development, working closely with the team to adapt her driving style to NASCAR Late Model stock car racing. The first step includes three races at the iconic Hickory Motor Speedway (North Carolina), known as the “Birthplace of NASCAR Stars.”

With over 100 race starts in the NASCAR Euro Series, Casoli has built her experience through consistency, determination, and a long-term commitment to the discipline. Her move to the U.S. marks a natural evolution of her career. With this new venture, she aims to break new barriers while building on a journey shaped over years of NASCAR competition.

“The United States is the cradle of NASCAR,” said Arianna. “After ten years in Europe, I knew it was time for a big change. At my age, this step isn’t guaranteed. I feel blessed to approach it with the same enthusiasm I had in my 20s. This move aligns perfectly with the path I’ve been building over the years. Oval racing in the U.S. is demanding, but I’ve always loved it. In Europe, ovals are no longer on the schedule, but I enjoyed Raceway Venray (half-mile oval) and Tours (short track). Even my debut in NASCAR Brasil was on an Oval. I’m motivated to learn, adapt, and push my limits, making the most of every opportunity on track, and showing once again that women in motorsport can pursue their dreams at any age.”

For European drivers, traditionally accustomed to road courses, transitioning to American short tracks presents both a technical and mental challenge: mastering oval racing lines, throttle control through corners, tire management, and constant close-quarters racing all require rapid adaptation. For Arianna, known for her technical approach and resilience, this represents a decisive step into the core of American stock car racing.

Late Model Stock Cars represent one of the most competitive and formative categories within NASCAR. With over 400 horsepower, lightweight construction, and no electronic aids, they demand precision and constant close-quarters racing on short ovals such as Hickory (0.363 miles), where traffic, continuous lapping, and high intensity leave little margin for error.

“We are proud to welcome Arianna to MKM” said Michael Klein, team owner of MKM Racing Development “With her experience in the NASCAR Euro Series competition, she adds strong racing knowledge to our program. At MKM, we’ve built an extremely experienced crew with a background at the top level of NASCAR, including being part of a championship-winning team in 2017. We field multiple cars every week in late model races across the Southeast, competing in one of the most demanding environments in the country. We’re excited to combine our expertise and guide her through this transition into American NASCAR with a strong development path.”

Female participation in top-level NASCAR remains limited, especially for drivers pursuing continuous careers and women over 40. In this context, Arianna Casoli’s journey is even more significant: entering the U.S. NASCAR Late Model Series, she joins only a handful of women continuing to break barriers and redefine the role of women in motorsport.

“This new adventure is driven by personal motivation but also by the desire to reconnect with that unique feeling of adrenaline and satisfaction that I had lost last season,” said Arianna. “I’m not focused solely on results; I’m chasing the positive vibes that setbacks had dampened. I want to show that it’s never too late to pursue a dream, and perhaps inspire the next generation, often hesitant to embrace change, especially women. American short tracks are demanding and require respect. Being a rookie makes it a true challenge, and that’s exactly what makes it thrilling.”

Arianna Casoli PR