NASCAR Euro Series has announced the introduction of a major new initiative called the Rookie Challenge, set to begin in the upcoming 2025 season.
This new competition format is designed to replace the previous Club Challenge, with a focus on speed and consistency through time-attack-based events.
This exciting development aims to provide a comprehensive training ground for drivers looking to advance in the world of NASCAR, while offering an ideal environment for drivers to prepare for higher levels of competition in the PRO and OPEN categories.
The NASCAR Euro Series, established in 2008, serves as the official European division of NASCAR. Often seen as a stepping stone for drivers hoping to advance to higher levels of NASCAR competition, the series includes two main championships: the PRO Championship, which is the top tier, and the OPEN Championship, which offers broader accessibility to various drivers.
Organized by Team FJ, a company founded by Jérôme Galpin, the NASCAR Euro Series has quickly become a huge platform for aspiring racers. Team FJ is responsible for organizing and managing the series as well as the new Rookie Challenge.
Alongside the Rookie Challenge, the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series season will introduce an updated qualifying format for the PRO Championship, incorporating single-car qualifying sessions to set the grid, while the OPEN Championship will retain its traditional format.
The Rookie Challenge's sessions are to take place at some of Europe's most prominent circuits, such as Valencia, Vallelunga, Most, Oschersleben, and Zolder.
Three 30-minute sessions, with two being timed, will provide a unique opportunity to earn points based on performance.
Participation in the Rookie Challenge is open to all drivers who are 15 or older with proper licensing, excluding current PRO and OPEN drivers with a few exceptions.
The format allows for multiple drivers per car, with taxi driving permitted subject to Team FJ's authorization.
Overtaking zones have been designated to minimize accidents, and drivers are scored based on their ability to achieve lap times closest to their declared reference.
Scoring for the Rookie Challenge will mirror that of the PRO and OPEN categories, with points distributed from 40 for first place down to lower values for subsequent finishes.
Bonus points are on offer for setting and achieving fast reference lap times, while the EuroNASCAR Final at Zolder will see points doubled for participants.
The top overall finisher earns free entry to the 2026 season PRO or OPEN categories, while second and third place finishers receive half of their entry fees for 2026.
The rulebook states:
"The Rookie Challenge is designed to train and prepare rookie drivers for future NASCAR Euro Series races.
"It provides beneficial track time in a friendly and consistent environment during private practice sessions organised immediately prior to the prestigious NASCAR Euro Series events to discover the NASCAR cars and tracks."
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