Event : Nascar EU serie, Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet, 5.22.2026
American Revolution at Le Castellet: Nascar Rumbles Back to France in Thrilling Circuit Paul Ricard Debut!
After an agonizing eight-year hiatus, stock car racing has finally made its thunderous return to French soil! In a historic first, the American-born NASCAR phenomenon took over the iconic Circuit Paul Ricard, bringing its signature high-octane entertainment to the French Riviera.
NASCAR’s winning formula is beautifully brutal in its simplicity: pure driver talent over engineering politics. Every single contender grid-wide was armed with the exact same powerhouse—a roaring 5.7-liter V8 engine pumping out 400 horsepower. With the field restricted to three body styles (the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry) split across two fierce divisions (V8 GP and OPEN), the stage was set for an absolute dogfight.
When the dust settled, it was a dream weekend for the homegrown talent and Francophone drivers, who absolutely dominated the podiums across both categories!
V8 GP: The Kids Are Alright!
The premier V8 GP race turned into a masterclass by the Next-Gen, as two sensational junior drivers stole the headlines. France’s own Paul Jouffreau put on a clinic behind the wheel of his No. 3 RDV Competition machine, storming to a spectacular P1 finish on home soil. He was chased across the line by Greece’s Thomas Krasonis, who secured a brilliant P2 for PK Carsport. American challenger Jordan O’Brien rounded out the podium, salvaging a P3 finish for Hendriks Motorsports.
#3 - Paul Jouffreau (FR) – RDV Competition
#13 - Thomas Krasonis (GRC) – PK Carsport
#50 - Jordan O'Brien (USA) – Hendriks Motorsports
OPEN Division: Lessard Rules the Riviera
The action was just as fierce in the OPEN category. Canadian hotshot Raphaël Lessard flew the Francophone flag high, piloting the No. 11 Alumitec Racing car to a spectacular victory. French ace Thomas Dombrowski kept the local fans cheering with a rock-solid P2 finish for PK Carsport, while Luxembourg’s Gil Linster clinched the final step of the podium in the No. 50 Hendriks Motorsports entry.
#11 - Raphaël Lessard (CAN) – Alumitec Racing
#24 - Thomas Dombrowski (FR) – PK Carsport
#50 - Gil Linster (LUX) – Hendriks Motorsports
With roaring V8s, a packed crowd, and local heroes taking the crown, NASCAR’s grand return to France was an undeniable, checkered-flag triumph!
