Arianna Casoli expands Stock Car experience to the USA, set to joins MKM Racing Development in NASCAR Late Model
- RACERS
- 5 hours ago
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Arianna Casoli will take a historic new step in her motorsport career in 2026, announcing a programme in the United States in NASCAR Late Model stock car category with MKM Racing Development.
Italian driver Arianna Casoli will take a historic new step in her motorsport career in 2026, announcing a programme in the United States in NASCAR Late Model stock car category with MKM Racing Development. The move marks a milestone both personally and for international NASCAR competitions, as Casoli prepares to become the first Italian driver in nearly 50 years to compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned series in the United States.
Following more than a decade competing in the NASCAR Euro Series and making history as the first woman to race in NASCAR Brasil, Casoli continues to expand an already record-filled résumé: known as “Lady NASCAR,” she has established herself as one of the most experienced female drivers in international stock car racing, claiming five Lady Trophy titles and one Legend Trophy for drivers over 40 in the NASCAR Euro Series, alongside more than 50 class victories accumulated throughout her career.
Her transition to American racing represents a natural evolution after over 100 race starts in the European NASCAR division, where she built her reputation through consistency and long-term commitment to the category. By competing in the United States, Casoli also becomes the first female NASCAR Euro Series driver to race in American NASCAR competitions, further strengthening the connection between NASCAR’s international championships and its US roots.
The move also carries historical significance for Italian motorsport, as she follows the trailblazing example of Lella Lombardi, the last Italian to race in a US NASCAR-sanctioned series in 1977.
Casoli’s 2026 programme will focus on gaining experience on American short tracks, working closely with MKM Racing Development to adapt her driving style to the demands of Late Model stock car racing. Her first competitive outings will include three races at North Carolina’s iconic Hickory Motor Speedway, widely known as the “Birthplace of NASCAR Stars,” a venue renowned for shaping generations of American stock car talent.
“The United States is the cradle of NASCAR,” said Arianna. “After ten years in Europe, I knew it was time for a big change. At my age, this step isn’t guaranteed. I feel blessed to approach it with the same enthusiasm I had in my 20s. This move aligns perfectly with the path I’ve been building over the years. Oval racing in the U.S. is demanding, but I’ve always loved it."
"In Europe, ovals are no longer on the schedule, but I enjoyed Raceway Venray (half-mile oval) and Tours (short track). Even my debut in NASCAR Brasil was on an Oval. I’m motivated to learn, adapt, and push my limits, making the most of every opportunity on track, and showing once again that women in motorsport can pursue their dreams at any age.”
The switch to American short-track racing presents a considerable challenge for European drivers traditionally accustomed to road courses. Mastering oval racing techniques requires rapid adaptation both technically and mentally; for Casoli, whose career has been defined by resilience and a methodical approach to development, the programme represents an immersion into the core of American stock car racing culture.
Late Model Stock Cars form one of NASCAR’s most competitive developmental platforms. Producing more than 400 horsepower and featuring lightweight construction without electronic driving aids, the cars demand precision and consistency, particularly on tight short ovals such as Hickory’s 0.363-mile layout, where constant traffic and relentless racing intensity leave minimal margin for error.
MKM Racing Development team owner Michael Klein expressed confidence in the collaboration and the experience Casoli brings to the programme. “We are proud to welcome Arianna to MKM,” he said. “With her experience in the NASCAR Euro Series competition, she adds strong racing knowledge to our program. At MKM, we’ve built an extremely experienced crew with a background at the top level of NASCAR, including being part of a championship-winning team in 2017. We field multiple cars every week in late model races across the Southeast, competing in one of the most demanding environments in the country. We’re excited to combine our expertise and guide her through this transition into American NASCAR with a strong development path.”
Casoli’s entry into the US NASCAR Late Model scene also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women pursuing long-term careers in stock car racing, particularly drivers over the age of 40, where female representation remains limited. Her move therefore carries extra importance, as she continues to break barriers within the sport.
“This new adventure is driven by personal motivation but also by the desire to reconnect with that unique feeling of adrenaline and satisfaction that I had lost last season,” said Arianna. “I’m not focused solely on results; I’m chasing the positive vibes that setbacks had dampened. I want to show that it’s never too late to pursue a dream, and perhaps inspire the next generation, often hesitant to embrace change, especially women", she explained. "American short tracks are demanding and require respect. Being a rookie makes it a true challenge, and that’s exactly what makes it thrilling.”
As she embarks on this new chapter, Casoli’s transition to American NASCAR competitions represents both a personal challenge and a historic moment for one of the pioneering figures for European women in stock car racing while opening another pathway between NASCAR’s international and the American platform.