Longin joins Kumpen in Florida for NASCAR events

While defending NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Anthony Kumpen prepares to make his fifth start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series competing in the Powershares QQQ 300 on Saturday, February 25, he won’t be the only European native competing in the sunshine state.

Joining Kumpen this year will be ELITE 2 division champion Stienes Longin. Longin will make his NASCAR racing debut in the US competing in the PPG/Tower Sealants Pro Late Model 100 at New Smyrna Speedway. New Smyrna Speedway sanctions races in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

“I can’t wait to take on this new challenge and I thank my main sponsor Vriends and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series for making this possible,” said the Belgian native, who won a record-setting eight times in the ELITE 2 Division in 2016. “I’m training a lot, both physically and mentally, and working on the simulator to be in top form. I don’t feel pressure for this debut, but I’ll have to learn quickly how things work in the US and the level is going to be really high. My competitors have much more experience than me and I’ll do my best to put up a strong performance.”

Four of Longin’s nine career wins came on oval tracks and the 25-year-old is sure the experience he gained through his first two seasons in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will be helpful in this first race overseas.

“I really like oval racing and I have been successful at it in NWES,” said the Leuven native. “The experience I gained in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will be fundamental in America to quickly adapt to a new car and a new track.”

Casoli to gain set time with NASCAR champion   

Also crossing the Atlantic to gain some valuable NASCAR experience will be Lady Cup winner Arianna Casoli. She'll take part in a full day of testing at New Smyrna Speedway with former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver and 1995 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner as coach.

“This is an opportunity I couldn’t hope to have just one year ago. I learnt a lot in 2016, from the car to the tracks, which were all completely new to me,” said the Italian driver. “This year we are working hard with CAAL Racing to improve our performances and this fantastic prize will give me me the chance to learn a lot of things I will use at Venray in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. I have to thank NASCAR and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series for this unique experience.”

Kumpen will be competing in his second consecutive NXS event at Daytona International Speedway for car owner Rick Gdovic.

The 2017 NWES season will hold its first official event of the season on March 3 with the NWES Prologue at the Autodromo di Franciacorta, Italy.