Victor Neumann has signed a contract with Marko Stipp Motorsport to compete in his first full-time season in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. The Frenchman will do double duty, competing in both championships: EuroNASCAR PRO and EuroNASCAR 2. The Strasbourg native will pilot the #47 Chevrolet Camaro and will compete for the overall championship as well as the Rookie Trophy in EuroNASCAR 2, while in EuroNASCAR PRO he will take on the Junior Trophy for drivers aged 25 and under. After making his debut in Club Challenge and EuroNASCAR 2 in 2023, Neumann is ready to climb the learning curve and become a contender for race wins.
The 25-year-old started his EuroNASCAR career off on the right foot. Driving for Marko Stipp Motorsport, he immediately won the Club Challenge at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. In his EuroNASCAR 2 debut at the demanding Indy Circuit of Brands Hatch, Neumann climbed into the top-10 in his first competitive NASCAR race and finished third among the Rookie Trophy drivers. The Frenchman quickly adapted to the 400-horsepower V8 cars without any electronic aids and cannot be ruled out as a strong contender for the 2024 season.
“The car is one of the main reasons I came to EuroNASCAR,” said Neumann. “It is such a good feeling to drive a 5.7l V8 NASCAR car with an H-pattern gearbox and zero electronic aids. It’s pure racing. The series is well organized and you feel like you are listened to as a driver. The organization helps you wherever they can, it’s a professional environment that supports you to perform at a high level. Both championships are very competitive and as a rookie it’s better for me to have the goal and the will to learn. I am working very hard to have the physical and mental strength. I will work hard to be fast and consistent in every session.”
Neumann aims to maximize the results and fight for the top positions in both championships. “The rookie title should be on the table for me,” he said. “I also want to be a contender for the Junior Trophy. Overall, I just want to have a say at the front as soon as possible.” Neumann, who works as a Formula 1 expert host and simulator coach, is fully focused on his racing career and has found an experienced team in Marko Stipp Motorsport, which has been competing in EuroNASCAR since 2017 – from 2019 under the Marko Stipp banner.
Team owner Marko Stipp said: “Victor had a very impressive Club Challenge run with us at Valencia last year. We’ve never lost touch and it’s fantastic how far we’ve come from a single Club Challenge event to running a full car with him this season. We share the same hunger for success, so we’re very happy to be taking this step with Victor.” The Frenchman added: “Chris [Liemann, Team Manager], Marko and I already have some history together as I won a Club Challenge event with them in Valencia on my debut.”
“I had long conversations with them to talk about my plan and they proved to be the right ones to match my efforts and do everything they can to make me successful,” continued Neumann. “Being a Gasoline Gladiator really excites me and I’m looking forward to being in their car again.”
Marko Stipp Motorsport is looking forward to kicking off the season at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on April 13-14, with the German team’s home race taking place at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben on September 21-22. All races will be broadcast live on the EuroNASCAR YouTube channel.
Featured image by Marko Stipp Motorsport