A New Era In Europe
Whelen Signs Entitlement Sponsor Deal Thru 2019
BLOIS, France – NASCAR, Whelen Engineering and Team FJ are pleased to announce a longterm partnership represented by the launch of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, the new name of the NASCAR European touring series.
The entitlement sponsorship deal is effective immediately and is through 2019. The first event under the new NASCAR Whelen Euro Series name will be July 6-7 at France’s Tours Speedway.
“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.”
The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series organizes unique championship auto racing events in Europe with well-known circuits.
In addition, Team FJ’s alliance with the tyre manufacturer, Michelin, ensures the development of the series for years to come. The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series has secured contracts with prestigious circuits for several seasons, while several other projects in an advanced stage are being finalized.
Agreements are in place with Motor Sport Vision, owner of Brands Hatch (England); Tours Evenements, promoter of the Tours Speedway (France); and the Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia (Spain).
This concept, like the event on the Tours oval last year and the American Speedfest at Brands Hatch in June, has enjoyed enormous popular success. The weekends appeal to spectators of all ages. The spectacular races, exhibitions of historic and prestigious US-based stock cars, and varied activities in the Fan Zone that provides unparalleled interaction between drivers and their teams and the public, are all ingredients which have won over fans throughout the world.
“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. “We enjoy helping to provide people with exciting weekend entertainment, and providing an opportunity for drivers, mechanics, crew chiefs and fabricators to display their talents. As we continue to expand our distribution throughout Europe, partnering with Team FJ is a natural fit.”
Whelen Engineering is a company specializing in the development and sale of audio and visual signalization and safety equipment for fire trucks, rescue, police and army security vehicles. The group, which employs 1400 people, has a worldwide impact and is based in Chester (Connecticut). Whelen is a moving force on the motor racing landscape, and has decided to link up with Team FJ to take part with the French squad in the development of the series in Europe.
“NASCAR is a globally recognized brand that is synonymous with excitement, family entertainment, and close door-to-door competition,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series. “And that’s exactly what the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series represents in Europe. We are extremely proud to partner with Team FJ and Whelen Engineering, and help take this series to the next level.”
In just five years, the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series – like its races – has enjoyed a quick and spectacular rise to prominence. Each week, more drivers, teams and fans have discovered this concept from the United States that is unique in Europe. The drivers entered in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series come from all over the globe to pursue their career in NASCAR racing. 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. The top drivers are also recognized at the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards, held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte (North Carolina, USA), along with the champions from all of NASCAR’s touring series.
History is on the move and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series is now, more than ever.
Sources: NASCAR PR