NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, Nexteer Automotive Launch “Nexteer Road to Daytona”

Nexteer Automotive, a global tier one automotive supplier committed exclusively to wheel-to-wheel advanced steering and driveline systems, today announced its partnership with the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series to launch the “Nexteer Road to Daytona” program. This multi-level program will bring winning drivers from the European NASCAR series to the United States to race in different NASCAR Series.

“By partnering with the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and launching the “Nexteer Road to Daytona” program, we have the opportunity to increase our brand recognition among a global racing community, teams and fans alike,” said Frank Lubischer, vice president, global engineering and COO European division. “Our technology and vehicle integration knowledge is a competitive advantage for Nexteer, allowing us to engineer industry-leading steering and driveline products that deliver increased performance and driver-assist benefits for our customers.”

Each year, the program will grant eight drivers the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially move up the NASCAR ladder. The opportunities to race in NASCAR series in the United States will be granted to the winners of the following NASCAR Whelen Euro Series awards:

·         NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Champion – winner of the ELITE 1 Division.

·         ELITE 2 Division Champion – winner of the ELITE 2 Division.

·         Junior “Jerome Sarran” Trophy winner – highest placed ELITE 1 driver, 25 years old or younger.

·         Challenger Trophy winner – highest placed ELITE 1 non-professional driver (silver or bronze classification).

·         Gentleman Trophy winner – highest placed ELITE 2 non-professional driver.

·         Legend Trophy winner – highest placed ELITE 2 driver, 50 or older.

·         Rookie Cup winner – highest placed ELITE 2 young NASCAR driver in their first season in the series.

·         Lady Cup winner – highest placed ELITE 2 female driver.

The “Nexteer Road to Daytona” program started in February with 2014 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Champion Anthony Kumpen competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season opener in Florida.

“The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series is a true opportunity for every driver to live his American dream,” said Jerome Galpin, NASCAR Whelen Series president and chief operating officer. “This is what truly separates the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series from other racing series throughout Europe. With the support of NASCAR and great companies such as Nexteer Automotive and Whelen Engineering, the series is committed to helping European drivers reach the top level of NASCAR racing.”

In addition to current European NASCAR Series drivers, the “Nexteer Road to Daytona” also has a young driver development component. Drivers starting at age 14 will have a chance to enter a development program that will allow them to participate in test sessions behind the wheel of NASCAR Whelen Euro Series cars and race in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series, before entering the ELITE 2 Division when they reach the age of 16.

NASCAR PR