Fan-favourite Arianna Casoli made her Euro NASCAR series return at Hockenheim and equalled her best season result, after having to sit out the fifth round at Venray Speedway.
Italian driver Arianna Casoli was back behind the wheel of her #54 Caal Racing stock car with positive results during this past weekend in Hockenheim, Germany, for the penultime round of the Nascar Whelen Euro Series championship.
The German round took on great importance in Championship standing's perspective due to double points being assigned in the Semi-Final rounds.
Misfortune hit Arianna during qualifying, when a fuel pump issue didn't allow the #54 "Giallona" Chevrolet to take part in the session.
But her crew worked hard to fix the issue and the #54 entry was ready to make the grid on Saturday: "Great job by the Caal Racing guys, now the car is OK and ready for the race"- said Arianna before the first weekend's race.
Starting from the back of the group, the #54 Caal Racing driver had a solid Elite 2 first race, making up positions until she crossed the finish line in 18th place and brought home the Ladies Trophy victory.
The race was won by Giorgio Maggi, who defeated four-time winner Lasse Soerensen in a tight battle for the lead.
Arianna started Race 2 on Sunday from the 12th row on the grid, and with a good start, she carried momentum and moved past some rivals in the initial laps of the race.
The race was defined by several cautions that the Italian lady driver was able to exploit, thanks to some well-managed restarts.
At the end of 16 laps, the chequered flag was waved and Arianna brought her #54 Caal racing car to a 15th place finish, as she proved a positive feeling with the German racetrack.
"This race was a battle. I also finished second in the legend trophy, so great result for me, I'm really really happy." - commented Casoli.
"Yesterday the physio after the race worked very well and today it was way better. The car was amazing and I pushed as much as I could. I stayed with the group and I fought throughout the race. Every restart was very tough because in the middle it was very challenging, but I loved it!".
Dextet DF1 Racing #66 Lasse Soerensen won the second race after Saturday's second place, followed by Czech Hugo Desadeleer and Italian Racers Motorsport driver Alessandro Brigatti.
Arianna is now 19th in the Elite 2 overall championship standings and will be back in action for the last seasonal NASCAR Whelen Euro Series round in Zolder on 5-6 October.
In Arianna's words:
Every restart was very tough because in the middle it was very challenging, but I loved it!"
Cover Ph: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series / Bart Dehaese