Jeffrey Earnhardt To Race At Brands Hatch – Will Drive The #55 Whelen – Amai.fr Chevrolet Camaro
Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of all-time NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, and nephew of Sprint Cup front-runner Dale Jr, will compete in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (NWES) when it returns to Brands Hatch as the headline act at American SpeedFest III on Sunday 7 June.
The 25-year-old North Carolina native will drive the number 55 car, as he does in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in North America, with the car emblazoned in a distinctive livery showcasing series title sponsor Whelen. This will be Earnhardt’s first appearance in European motor racing, following many competitive showings in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series, and 24 Hours of Daytona in recent years.
Reigning NWES Champion Anthony Kumpen recently competed in one of the regional American-based championships, the K&N Pro Series East at New Smyrna Speedway, but this marks the first time that an active driver from one of NASCAR’s big three categories has appeared in the NWES. American SpeedFest III has established itself as the showpiece event of the NWES calendar, making it the perfect occasion for a big name to appear, further strengthening the NASCAR’s trans-Atlantic links.
Earnhardt said: “This is my first time racing in England and I’m really excited to have this opportunity. I look forward to driving in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series next weekend. My NASCAR XFINITY Series team sponsor, Fronius, has European roots so it will be great to meet more of their team. Should be a lot of fun to see all the race fans in England. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this to make this happen. See y’all soon!”
Jerome Galpin, President/CEO of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, commented: “We are very happy to have Jeffrey racing with us at Brands Hatch. The Earnhardt family is one of the most famous in motorsport and it demonstrates, once again, the close relationship between the European and American NASCAR series. More and more drivers are crossing the ocean: Euro drivers to race NASCAR in the USA and US drivers to join the Euro-NASCAR pack which is fast becoming one of the premier series in Europe. English fans will have a great opportunity to attend a unique event – we are ready to roar!”
David Willey, Brands Hatch Motorsport Events Manager, added: “The Earnhardt name resonates not just with NASCAR fans, but all of us who are involved with motor racing across the globe. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Jeffrey and hope to see him competing at the sharp end at American SpeedFest III and put on a great show for the fans on the Indy circuit.”
