Zolder, Belgium –  A 12-race journey, continuous twists and turns, and a truly thrilling finale: this is how we can summarize Max Lanza’s assault on the Challenger Trophy of the 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. The Rome-native driver fought like a lion until the last lap of the last race, defying the odds with extraordinary determination and grit. In the end, just 3 points – out of 340 for the winner – separated Lanza from the 2024 title, leaving him in third place in a season that was nonetheless very positive.

“We gave it everything we had until the end, right down to the last meter. During the last lap of the last race of the season, I went all in for the final assault, but it wasn’t enough,” commented Lanza, who paid a high price for his retirement in Race 1. “On Saturday, we lost points that proved to be crucial in the end. I was involved in a crash early on, tried to continue, but at some point, my Camaro gave out, and we left precious points on the track.” However, a turn of events in Race 2 reignited his hopes: “At the start of Race 2, luck leveled the playing field with my rival, who was out right away and forced to make a comeback. It became a head-to-head between me and Dario Caso, usually a friend, but this time a tough rival. I needed to finish ahead of him and gain two positions. We did finish ahead of him, but not by the margin we needed, so we ended up just three points short of the result.”

Lanza remains optimistic, looking forward to the future: “We were in the fight until the end, and at certain points in Race 2, we were virtually champions. Things turned out the way they did, but I can say it was a great season. I’m happy because we were competitive throughout and never gave up, and that’s what matters most. Three drivers within three points in the final standings shows the level of competition. We’ll try again next year!”

Zolder and its 40,000 fans also witnessed the convincing return of Roberto Benedetti to the wheel of the #88 Camaro, following the injury the Italian driver sustained in Most. Third in qualifying, third in Race 1, and third in Race 2, Benedetti, still not at peak form, reaffirmed his status as one of the top contenders in the Legend Trophy of EuroNASCAR 2.

The 2024 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season has concluded on the track and now prepares to celebrate its champions in Charlotte, USA, at the traditional banquet organized by NASCAR.