NASCAR WHELEN EURO SERIES-FERRANDO WINS IN ELITE 2 RACE 2

USPA NEWS - Thomas Ferrando (#37 Knauf Racing Ford Mustang) won his third career race with a late pass on yesterday´s winner Gianmarco Ercoli (#9 Double T by DAV Racing Chevrolet SS) to complete the climb from fourth on the grid to the top step of the podium in the ELITE 2 Race 2 of the Valencia American Fest.

The 17-year-old french talent brought debutant Knauf Racing Team to Victory Lane for the first time. Ferrando lost some positions at the start, but quickly came back, delivering a brilliant overtake on Lietz (#67 GDL Racing Ford Mustang) and taking advantage of an eventful third lap ““ which resulted in a drivethrough penalty for Lietz and many positions lost for Longin ““ to climb up to second place, while at the front Ercoli was building a 2-second advantage. Ferrando eroded the italian margin and finally took the lead with three laps to go to cross the finish line celebrating his first win of the season.

“What a wonderful day! The crew made an outstanding job on the car and we constantly improved during the weekend,“ said Ferrando. “It is amazing to win with the Knauf colors, and have all the Knauf group in Victory Lane. Now we have to keep going and continue improving.“
Florian Renauer (#5 Dexwet Renauer Team Ford Mustang) came from sixth on the grid to a close third behind Ercoli to score important points for the championship, while Nicki Petersen (#44 GDL Racing Racing Ford Mustang) and Salvador Tineo Arroyo (#1 Active Racing Competition Ford Mustang) completed a top-5 even younger than yesterday´s, averaging less than 20 years of age.

Martin Van Hove (#21 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), Francesca Linossi (#99 GDL Racing Dodge Challenger), Stienes Longin (#11 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), Carole Perrin (#54 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS) and Eric DeDoncker (#98 Motorsport 98 Ford Mustang) completed the top-10.
With his podium finish, Renauer also took the first position in the Rookie Cup, edging three other rookies: Nicki Petersen, Salvador Tineo and Martin Van Hove, who ended up just in front ofFrancesca Linossi closed the race in seventh position. She was the first contender in the Lady Cup. Carole Perrin took second thanks to her ninth place. Defending champion Erika Monforte (#88 Euro Kart Racing Chevrolet Camaro) was third.