Happinessa signs with Rette Jones Racing by Hendricks Motorsport for 2026 Euro NASCAR season
- RACERS
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Happinessa will return to the NASCAR Euro Series for the 2026 season, joining forces with powerhouse outfit Rette Jones Racing by Hendriks Motorsport as she aims to defend her Lady Trophy title in the Open division.
Vanessa Neumann, better known as Happinessa, will return to the NASCAR Euro Series for the 2026 season, joining forces with powerhouse outfit Hendriks Motorsport as she aims to defend her Lady Trophy title in the Open division.
The German driver has signed to pilot the #30 entry operated by Rette Jones Racing by Hendriks Motorsport, as she aims to build on her rookie season to continue her development in the European NASCAR division, following a learning-focused campaign last season.
The move represents a significant step up in Neumann’s racing programme, as she transitions into one of the championship’s most successful and technically established teams. After gaining valuable experience during her debut season in 2025, where bad luck frequently hindered results despite promising development, the reigning Lady Trophy winner now targets consistent progress and stronger overall finishes.
Her best results last year included two 15th-place finishes, achieved amid a campaign affected by some technical misfortunes. With a full season of track knowledge now behind her, Happinessa heads into 2026 determined to translate experience into performance gains.
Hendriks Motorsport, long associated with race wins and championship success in the NASCAR Euro Series paddock, will field a female driver for the first time with Happinessa’s arrival.
"We are very happy to welcome Happinessa to the team this season," Hendriks stated. "Having a female driver in our line-up is something completely new for us, and it’s exciting to bring a fresh perspective into the team."
"Vanessa has already shown great determination and professionalism. We are optimistic that she will continue to improve her performance with us throughout the season," he added.
The programme is operated in collaboration with Rette Jones Racing, whose managing partner Mark Rette praised the German driver’s achievements and potential.
“Vanessa brings a tremendous amount of energy, professionalism and global reach to this program,” said Rette. “Partnering her with us gives her the equipment and environment to continue developing as a driver, and we’re proud to have her represent Rette Jones Racing with Hendriks Motorsport in the No. 30 Ford this season.”
Alongside her motorsport career, the 36-year-old Madeira-based racer balances work as a professional model, content creator and owner of her own social media agency. However, Neumann’s ambitions extend well beyond visibility, with prior experience at the Nürburgring Nordschleife highlighting her commitment to building a long-term career in racing and exploring future opportunities, including potential competitions in the United States.
"I can’t wait to fight again for the Lady Trophy and to focus on performance with my new racing team," Happinessa said following the announcement.
The 2026 season kicks off at Valencia Ricard Tormo Circuit on 18-19 April, and features four regular-season double-header rounds and two playoff double-headers, with the championship ending in October in Zolder, Belgium.