What Is 2022 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series was the 11th season of the European NASCAR-style stock car racing championship, featuring 12 races across 6 countries from April to October 2022, with Alon Day winning his third title.

Key Facts

The 2022 season ran from April 9 to October 30, 2022, with 12 races held across 6 European countries.
Alon Day won his third Euro Series championship, becoming the most successful driver in series history.
There were 31 different drivers competing across the Elite 1 and Elite 2 divisions.
The series used NASCAR-specified Gen-6 body styles adapted for European circuits.
The season finale at Circuit Zolder in Belgium drew over 15,000 spectators.

Overview

The 2022 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series marked the 11th season of Europe’s premier NASCAR-sanctioned stock car racing series, bringing American-style oval and road course racing to international audiences. Organized by EuroNASCAR, the series blends NASCAR traditions with European motorsport culture, drawing fans from across the continent.

This season emphasized parity and driver development, with a balanced schedule of short tracks, road courses, and temporary ovals. The championship attracted a diverse field of drivers from over 15 countries, showcasing the growing appeal of stock car racing in Europe.

12 races were held across six countries: Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, starting April 9 at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The series operated under a two-division format: Elite 1 for top-tier drivers and Elite 2 for up-and-coming talent, each with its own points structure.
Alon Day claimed his third championship in 2022, surpassing Ander Vilarino and Giancarlo Berini to become the most decorated driver in series history.
Races featured 300–400 horsepower V8 engines in modified Gen-6 NASCAR chassis, adapted for tighter European circuits with enhanced aerodynamics.
The series introduced a new tire compound from Goodyear, improving grip and durability on mixed-surface tracks, especially in wet conditions.

How It Works

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series follows a unique format that blends NASCAR traditions with European racing logistics, including reverse-grid qualifying and heat races to determine starting positions.

Format: Each race weekend includes two qualifying heats and one main event. The top 10 from the first heat start in reverse order in the second, setting the grid for the main race.
Points System: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with 40 points for a win and bonuses for leading laps and stage wins introduced in 2022.
Car Specifications: All cars use a 4.2L V8 engine and a standardized chassis built to EuroNASCAR safety and performance regulations, ensuring close competition.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors must hold an FIA license and pass NASCAR safety training; Elite 2 is restricted to drivers under 25 or without prior Elite 1 experience.
Team Structure: Teams field one or two cars, with major teams like 4 Motors and Raceway Motorsport investing in full-season entries and technical development.
International Calendar: The 2022 schedule spanned 6 countries and included street circuits like Zolder and permanent facilities like Brands Hatch, maximizing exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series compares to other major stock car and touring series in Europe and North America:

Series	Races (2022)	Chassis Type	Top Speed	Champion
NASCAR Whelen Euro Series	12	Modified Gen-6	165 mph	Alon Day
NASCAR Cup Series	36	Next Gen	190 mph	Joey Logano
DTM	14	GT3-based	185 mph	Renee Rast
British Touring Car Championship	30	TCR-spec	140 mph	Tom Ingram
Formula Regional European	20	Single-seater	170 mph	Oliver Bearman

The Euro Series stands out by offering NASCAR-style racing outside North America, with shorter seasons but high-intensity competition. While not as fast as DTM or Formula Regional, it emphasizes driver skill on mixed layouts and provides a unique blend of American motorsport culture in Europe.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was pivotal for the growth of stock car racing in Europe, serving as a proving ground for international talent and a bridge between NASCAR and global motorsport communities.

The series helped expand NASCAR’s global footprint, with live broadcasts in 40+ countries and partnerships with regional broadcasters like Motorsport.tv.
Young drivers like Venturini Motorsports’ Lucas Luhr used the series as a stepping stone to U.S.-based NASCAR development programs.
Teams invested in sustainability initiatives, including biofuel-compatible engines and carbon offset programs for transport logistics.
The championship boosted local economies, with events like the Brands Hatch round generating over $1.2 million in regional tourism revenue.
Women in motorsport gained visibility through drivers like Tommy Catalano, who competed full-time and inspired new grassroots participation.
The 2022 season laid the groundwork for a 2023 expansion to Eastern Europe, with confirmed talks for races in Austria and the Czech Republic.

With increasing investment and fan engagement, the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series continues to redefine stock car racing’s role in the global motorsport landscape.