Combot about NWES debut with Marko Stipp: “Enjoyed it very much!”
Pierre Combot got a taste of EuroNASCAR for the first time in his career at the Circuit Zolder in Belgium – The Frenchman drove for Marko Stipp’s team
In his motorsport career to date, Pierre Combot has raced against many famous names in many different series. At the Circuit Zolder in Belgium, the Frenchman made his debut in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (NWES) for Marko Stipp Motorsport. The TV analyst for Canal+ in France replaced his compatriot and friend Romain Iannetta, who had referred Combot to the racing team and will return to the German organisation at the NWES finale in Italy.
“For me, it was the first experience in a NASCAR car,” said the 34-year-old, speaking to ‘Leadlap.net’. “You have to be very focused when you’re driving, but I really enjoyed the experience.” Combot was only able to compete in one race because the Chevrolet Camaro was heavily damaged after an accident in Sunday’s EuroNASCAR 2 race. He finished eleventh in qualifying and ultimately twelfth in Saturday’s race.
Duels with Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo
Combot’s racing experience to date has mainly been in karting and various open wheel series. He has also raced against numerous prominent names, such as Formula 1 drivers Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo.
“I enjoyed racing with these greats, but after that we went different ways in our sporting careers,” stressed the Frenchman. There are definitely still drivers Combot would like to race against. “I think someone like Fernando Alonso is a really good fighter on the track.”
Despite job as TV analyst: Combot remains a real racer
In the meantime, Combot’s main job is as a TV analyst. In his heart, he has remained a true racer. “I love racing. I love driving,” said the 34-year-old Frenchman. Accordingly, he relishes every opportunity to get to know new series and new cars. That’s why his start in a EuroNASCAR car fit perfectly into his concept.
EuroNASCAR differs in many respects from the championships in which Combot has competed so far. This is not only due to the car, which is significantly heavier and more purist than monoposto cars, but also due to the way the race weekend was run, as Combot was allowed to compete for the Challenger Trophy.
“There are special classifications for many drivers like the Challenger or Legend Trophy. So it’s not just about the overall standings,” summarized the Frenchman. The points system also appeals to the Frenchman, because in the NWES there are points for every position, which drives the drivers to battle for every place. Combot will not be involved in the finale in Vallelunga on October 30-31 because Iannetta is returning to the team.
