Anthony Kumpen announces his comeback in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
Two-time EuroNASCAR Champion Anthony Kumpen is back – The Belgian will contest his home race at Circuit Zolder
Two-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (NWES) champion Anthony Kumpen will be back at the wheel for the next race weekend of the 2022 season. After his four-year suspension due to a positive doping test, the local hero will be back for his home races at the Circuit Zolder in Belgium.
“I’m so happy to be back and there’s no better place for a comeback than Circuit Zolder,” says Kumpen. “This is where I won the championship in 2016 when Jeff Gordon was there as Grand Marshal and also presented the championship trophy. NASCAR is my favorite class with its pure character and no electronic aids like ABS or traction control. In past seasons I was still involved with my team and now I’m back in the driver’s seat.”
Kumpen has been training for a while to prepare for his comeback and wants to be 100 percent fit, both physically and mentally. “We should be able to do well,” says the local hero from Hasselt. “It’s been a while since I’ve driven a EuroNASCAR car but I’ve been following the development of the series closely. I think we have what it takes to be up front at Circuit Zolder.”
It may not be only a guest appearance as Kumpen is considering a full-time comeback in the European NASCAR series, which he won in 2014 and 2016. The PK Carsport team boss knows the championship like the back of his hand and could immediately attack at the front again without any time needed to adapt.
“Maybe I’ll fight for the championship again in 2023 and drive the full season,” explains the Belgian. “I’m looking forward to working again with the whole EuroNASCAR family and putting on a good show for the spectators. We drive for the fans and it’s important to give them a fun event at Circuit Zolder. In the end it’s nice for all to be back on the EuroNASCAR PRO grid.”
Kumpen will again be driving the Chevrolet Camaro with his well-known starting number 24, he has already presented the design of the car on various social media channels. The next races will be held on October 8th and 9th on the traditional track in Zolder. After this race, which closes the regular season, the drivers have to drop their two worst results. At the final in Grobnik, Croatia, on October 29th and 30th, there will be double points.
