NASCAR history was made today as drivers took on the challenges of a wet oval for qualifying. Romain Fourniller took a strong pole position for the Elite Super Final while Vincent Gonneau took top honours in the Open class.
A enthusiastic crowd flocked to the Tours Exhibition Centre to watch EURO-RACECAR NASCAR Touring Series qualifying and witnessed the drivers take to a wet oval which dried throughout the session.
Fournillier took pole position with a brave lap on slick tyres, “It’s fantastic but still hasn't sunk in,” he said. “Until the race starts I will be keeping my feet on the ground. I was in my own bubble during the run, remaining calm and not panicking. It paid off and I’m really happy.”
The front row will be completed by another Romain (Iannetta) ahead of Javier Villa and Ander Vilarino. Guest racer and touring car veteran Yvan Muller took fifth place on the grid. Carole Perring also took to the track on slicks securing sixth place ahead of Ben Kennedy, Eric Hélary, Vincent Gonneau and Antoine Lioen who rounded out the top 10.
The Open Division was led by Vincent Gonneau who is competing in both classes ahead of Philippe Marie by half a second.
“It’s been good fun,” he said. “With so many challenges over this 600-metre track it was a genuine pole. The margin is important and I don't think it will be necessary to find the ultimate limit in the race. With my set-up the car eats up the track's bumps and everything is fine.”