Michelin extends NASCAR deal — in Europe

PARIS (July 23, 2013) — NASCAR's European stock car racing series has relaunched in partnership with sponsor Whelen Engineering Co. Inc., and the European partners have renewed the series' race tire supply contract with Michelin Motorsports.

The revised series, to be called NASCAR Whelen Euro Series through 2019, started life in 2008 as the Racecar Series and gained NASCAR affiliation last year, becoming the Euro-Racecar NASCAR Touring Series. It features NASCAR-style sedan-based race cars competing on ovals and road circuits across Europe.

Michelin has been the series' exclusive tire supplier since 2009, providing slick and grooved 15-inch race tires for dry and wet road conditions. The series rules require tires be in use for at least three hours before

The series was established by Team FJ, a family group based in Blois, France, and specialized since 1991 in sports cars and motor sport. The group continues as one of the key owners/promoters.

The series is considered a stepping stone for European drivers lookig to get into NASCAR in North America. The 2013 season consists of 24 sprint races in the Open and Elite divisions on six circuits: Nogaro, Dijon, Tours and Le Mans, France; Brands Hatch, England; and Monza, Italy; along with a 6-hour race at Motorland Aragon, Spain.

"This is a landmark day for the series," said Jerome Galpin, general manager of Team FJ, which owns and operates the European-based series. "Whelen's support of NASCAR at every level is exemplary and to have them on board with the Euro Series brings another level of prestige and support to the series."

Chester, Conn.-based Whelen Engineering is the "officially licensed" supplier of warning lights to NASCAR.

"NASCAR has been a tremendous partner for Whelen Engineering, and having our products at the tracks and used by teams is really at the core of what we're about," said Phil Kurze, vice president of motorsports for Whelen Engineering.

The championship is open to all levels of drivers (pros and amateurs aged 16 and above) in two divisions—Elite and Open—plus classifications in the different trophies.