Thomas Krasonis: A NASCAR Euro Series Champion's Journey - From Rookie to Victory Lane
Unpredictable Glory in the OPEN Division:
In the NASCAR Euro Series, joining the OPEN division and instantly contending for the championship is a remarkable feat, given the series' notorious unpredictability. Taming these V8 beasts without driving aids and mastering the art of car setup is a challenging journey.
Thomas Krasonis, a Greek sensation, embarked on this path in 2019, and his story is one of perseverance and triumph. It took him seven years to finally claim the NASCAR Euro Series OPEN title in 2025.
Valencia's Flash of Brilliance:
After a promising 2024 season with Marko Stipp Motorsport, Krasonis joined the powerhouse team PK Carsport. At the season opener in Valencia, Spain, he stunned the garage with a pole position, just 0.088 seconds ahead of Claudio Capelli. This wasn't a fluke; Krasonis proved it in the race, winning by a massive four-second margin over Gil Linster.
But the road to glory isn't without setbacks. In the second race, a fender-bender with teammate Thomas Dombrowski sent Krasonis to the back of the pack, while reigning champ Martin Doubek took the win.
Consistency Pays Off at Vallelunga:
At the iconic Autodromo di Vallelunga in Italy, Krasonis showcased his consistency. He qualified on pole and dominated the first race, leaving Bruno Mulders in his dust. Despite not having the fastest car, he wisely settled for fourth in the second race, accumulating crucial points.
This strategy paid dividends, as Krasonis took the points lead after four rounds, narrowly ahead of Schober and Dombrowski.
Brands Hatch's Rain-Soaked Drama:
Brands Hatch witnessed a legendary moment when rain poured down during the race. While Melvin de Groot seized the opportunity for his maiden win, Krasonis struggled, finishing 20th. But he bounced back on Sunday, clinching second place behind Doubek after setting a lap record.
The rain-soaked race shuffled the championship standings, with de Groot taking the lead.
Czech Mastery and Dominance:
At the Autodrom Most in Czechia, veteran Doubek initially proved his mettle in qualifying. But Krasonis showed his class in the race, winning after a thrilling battle. He took the championship lead after the regular season, just five points ahead of Doubek.
German GP: A Solid Step Towards Glory:
In Germany, 17-year-old Mulders claimed pole, but Krasonis kept his focus on the championship. He finished second, accumulating valuable points. Doubek's handling issues resulted in a disappointing seventh-place finish, hurting his title defense.
Belgian Finale: Emotions Run High:
At the NASCAR Euro Series Finals in Belgium, Krasonis started strong with a second-place qualification. He clinched the victory in the first race and practically secured the championship. On Sunday, he needed only to start to become the champion, and he did so with a solid third-place finish.
Krasonis' journey is a testament to his dedication and passion. In the NASCAR Euro Series, winning requires more than just showing up; it demands mastery. Krasonis' achievement will be celebrated at the NASCAR Banquet in Charlotte, USA, alongside other top finishers.
And here's the twist: Could Krasonis' success be attributed solely to his talent, or did the unpredictability of the series play a part? The OPEN division's reputation for surprises makes it a thrilling yet challenging arena. What's your take on this? Share your thoughts on whether Krasonis' victory was a result of skill, luck, or a perfect storm of both.
