Leonardo Colavita: Hungry to win my first EuroNASCAR race
At 16 years and four days, Leonardo Colavita has gone down in NWES history as the youngest driver – In the 2022 season, he wants to win races
Leonardo Colavita made history during the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (NWES) race weekend in Grobnik, Croatia: at 16 years and four days, he pushed Ben Creanor off the throne as the youngest NWES driver in history and set a new record. After some good performances in 2021, the Italian wants to attack at the top of the EuroNASCAR 2 championship in the 2022 season, win races and battle for the title.
“The plan is to race in the EuroNASCAR 2 championship,” Colavita told ‘Leadlap.net’. “Our goal is to win the title.” To gain as much experience as possible in just three race weekends, Colavita pulled double duties in the EuroNASCAR 2 and EuroNASCAR PRO championships in 2021.
“It was an idea we had at the last second, two weeks before the race at Grobnik,” explained the Vict Motorsport youngster. “The team and I agreed that it was better to get track time in races rather than testing. That’s why we took advantage of having two categories and gained important experience.”
Full throttle in 2022
Colavita’s focus is fully on the 2022 season, which is why he doesn’t yet have any long-term plans for his NASCAR career. “What happens in 2023 and beyond depends on how things go next year,” said the talented racer, who is also happy about his record: “It’s always great to set records like this. I know I’m very lucky to compete here at the age of 16.”
“I think I have progressed very well in the races so far,” Colavita said about his performance in 2021. “I feel much more comfortable in the car now. I also have to thank my team for that, where I felt right at home. They helped me every step of the way.” His part-time season went “well,” but especially at Vallelunga, where he finished seventh and sixth, he became hungrier for victory.
“I’m taking that motivation into winter testing now,” the young talent said. “I certainly would have had a better chance at Vallelunga if I had been in my regular #9 car.” Colavita was involved in a heavy accident in the Club Challenge session that damaged his car. DF1 Racing stepped in and loaned its #77 car to the Vict squad so Colavita could start – fair play!
Highlights of the season
“On track, my personal highlight was definitely the last EuroNASCAR 2 race of the season, where I kept up with the best drivers at the front,” said the 16-year-old happily. “Off the track, it was great to learn from experienced drivers like Gianmarco Ercoli and Vittorio Ghirelli.” While the Italians all competed for different teams, they still took their young compatriot under their wing.
“The late evenings with the team were also great,” told Colavita, describing the team bond at the Italian racing team. “Vict Motorsport has supported me one hundred percent from day one!” The 2022 season kicks off on April 9 and 10 at the Hockenheimring in Germany. The circuit in Baden-Württemberg returns to the calendar after a two-year forced hiatus due to the Corona-pandemic and will be home to the season opener for the first time. Colavita will be back in the mix to try and attack at the front …
