After first podium in Valencia: Rocca dreams of NWES title
Nicolo Rocca wants to win the 2021 EuroNASCAR PRO title together with DF1 Racing – In Valencia, the Italian already convinced with a podium result
Since 2013, Nicolo Rocca has been fighting for victory in the overall standings in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (NWES). So far, the Italian has been in the title fight right up to the last race twice – in 2016 and 2019 – but has so far been denied a championship win. He wants to change that in 2021, as the 27-year-old is set to attack together with DF1 Racing.
“That is definitely the plan as I have been fighting for the championship until the last event already twice in my NWES career and I know what I can do better,” answered Rocca the questions by ‘EuroNASCAR.com’ if he’s set to fight for the title . “DF1 Racing has also been working very hard over the winter to give me the best possible car and now it feels like we will be able to fight for top positions at all events.”
In 2015, Rocca won three races, however Ander Vilarino ultimately won the championship. The following season, he finished fourth – without a race win – just five points behind Anthony Kumpen. In 2019, the Italian had another good chance to take the NWES ring, however he was put in his place by Loris Hezemans, who was crowned the fourth NWES champion in history. Rocca is looking to become the fifth pilot to be honored in the United States at the official awards ceremony.
“Valencia was a good warm up for the season,” Rocca explained. “Considering that we had no winter testing, we missed out the first practice session and I was driving a bit more conservatively given it was the first event of the season, two top-5 finishes and a podium were a good start into the 2021 season. We are definitely aiming for more!”
“I really want to give the #22 crew and DF1 Racing the first race win with me at the wheel,” said the Italian, who already won races with CAAL Racing and PK Carsport in the past. “Winning with the third different team in NWES is the short term goal of mine. The Brands Hatch and Most events are coming up and I really like both tracks. But generally speaking, I will try to be as consistent as possible in all events to bring the title fight to the wire!”
Rocca has been driving for DF1 Racing from Austria since the 2020 season. Although he didn’t have the pace last year to challenge for victory in his #22 Chevrolet Camaro, both Rocca and the team have backed up their ambitions to attack at the front. The Italian is third in the overall standings after strong second and fifth place finishes in Valencia. The next race weekend takes place at Brands Hatch in the UK on July 3-4.
