Anthony Kumpen wins NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
The Belgian racing driver Anthony Kumpen won the Elite 1 of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series on the Circuit of Zolder. The Belgian racing driver Stienes Longin was crowned champion of Elite 2. Anthony Kumpen secured his second European NASCAR title.
In the thrilling season finale on the Belgian racetrack of Zolder, Anthony Kumpen had difficulties coming up to speed. After the first round, the Belgian driver came in sixth. Later he was nudged twice, which damaged the steering of his Chevrolet SS.
In the end, Anthony Kumpen was the seventh driver to pass the finish line. This was enough to secure his first place in the championship. The victory went to the Frenchman Frédéric Gabillon, who had to accept the second place in the final ranking.
For Anthony Kumpen, his second title was extraordinary: "I won on my home racetrack in front of my fans and sponsors. I have been racing for 20 years on this racetrack and I know everyone. That makes winning the title on this racetrack unique. I just had to win the title here! Plus, Jeff Gordon (four-fold NASCAR champion, ed.) came along to watch the competition!"
Stienes Longin became the Elite 2 champion. During the first part of the finale, the race driver had to deal with a breakdown. Due to electrical issues, his car could not leave the grid. However, he still managed to set the fastest time. That earned him the pole position for the second part of the finale, after which he won the race.