Thomas Krasonis couldn’t have imagined a better start to his sixth NASCAR Euro Series season! The first Greek professional racing driver finished the three-day race in triumphant fashion at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit, celebrating the first victory of his career in the PRO class of the NASCAR Euro Series!

Starting from the first position on the grid, Krasonis masterfully managed the rolling start procedure and despite the pressure he was under in the first corners from the highly experienced Yvan Muller, he stayed in the lead and gradually increased his gap up to five seconds! Despite the fact that halfway through the race there was a yellow flag all over the track, Krasonis was not affected, maintained his pace as the race continued and was the first to see the chequered flag!

The victory takes on even greater significance, due to the development of the OPEN class race that preceded it. This is because Krasonis, again starting from pole position, was hit from behind in the first corner, resulting in a tête-à-tête and a 15th place finish. Nevertheless, he didn’t lose his concentration and tried to climb up the standings, but nine laps from the end he pitted so that his mechanics could quickly repair the bonnet of the car, which had been damaged by the impact. He returned to the race and finished 18th.

“First of all, I would like to thank my sponsors, Costamare and Dodoni. Of course my coach Alon Day, my family, my team owner, the guys from PK, my friends, everyone who has been by my side over the years. Without them, none of this would have come to fruition,” said an emotional Krasonis. He added: “It’s been six years in this league and in 24 hours we have achieved two wins! We broke every record here this weekend and I hope we can make it to the title at the end of the season, always with hard work and above all humility.”

Krasoni’s win put him at the top of both the overall PRO and Junior Trophy standings for drivers aged 25 and under, with 75 points.

Thomas Krasonis is again competing in both the PRO and OREN divisions of the NASCAR Euro Series this year, driving the number “13” Chevrolet Camaro of the Championship’s top team, Belgian PK Carsport, in all races.

Supporters of Thomas Krasoni’s efforts in the NASCAR Euro Series are Costamare Shipping Company and Dodoni Dairy.

The second round of the NASCAR Euro Series will be held on the weekend of 17 and 18 May at the Valelunga circuit in Italy.

After intensive preparation, with many hours in the gym under the guidance of Paul Tymbas, and following a specialised diet in order to be able to cope with the increased demands of this year’s Championship, Thomas Krasonis is ready to take on the battle of this year’s NASCAR Euro Series.

“We have come to Spain with a lot of excitement for the first race of the year. I feel completely ready with myself and I have complete confidence in my team. Our goal is a strong start to the championship!” the Greek driver stresses. He adds: “During the winter, together with Paul and his colleagues we worked very hard to improve all areas of fitness. And not only! Combined with the special diet I have been following, I feel ready to meet the increased demands of the season ahead. Our task is difficult, but the goal is clear. After all, as I said last year, there is a five-year plan underway, at the end of which we want to be in the United States and the NASCAR Cup Series.”

And he concluded: “I want to thank everyone who is close to me in this effort. First and foremost my sponsors, Costamare Shipping Company and Dodoni Dairy, who are making a great contribution to ensure that this journey continues to be a success. And of course the Antenna Group, who are embracing my efforts this year by broadcasting live all NASCAR Euro Series races.”