Setback for DF1 Racing: Ander Vilarino will not compete in the 2020 NWES season
DF1 Racing will not have three-time champion Ander Vilarino onboard of the 2020 NWES season – The Spaniard has drawn the consequences from the COVID-19 crisis, but will be competing in the 2021 season
The COVID-19 crisis has forced the first driver from the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (NWES) to take a break: DF1 Racing driver Ander Vilarino will not compete in the 2020 NWES season fulltime, as he will have to concentrate on his family and his company in Spain. In 2021, the three-time NWES champion wants to attack again with DF1 Racing in the EuroNASCAR-PRO championship. But Vilarino does not rule out guest starts in 2020.
Spain was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and therefore Vilarino wants to minimize the risk for his family. According to the press release of the Austrian team, the Spaniard does not want to enter any airplane in the coming months. Nevertheless he hopes to be able to do some test days and his home race in Valencia in December. If there is the possibility of a guest start at another event, Vilarino wants to use it.
“CODIV-19 has a tremendous impact in the region, where I live in Spain and I have to concentrate on my family and my business, although in my heart I am still a racing driver,” the Spaniard said. “I thank the team for understanding my situation and for giving me free time in 2020 and I am also happy being back in 2021 with DF1 Racing. But I will continue to train and if the opportunity arises to race in Valencia or somewhere else in a two three days basis I will take this opportunity to keep in shape for the next season.”
DF1 Racing Head of Motorsport Norbert Walchhofer explains that the team completely understands the Spaniard’s decision. The Austrian said that “his living situation” has “priority”. Nevertheless, the team hopes that Vilarino will be present on the test days, as the experienced EuroNASCAR driver would surely play an important role in the preparation for the upcoming season.
