Seven Years in the Making: Thomas Krasonis' Emotional NASCAR Euro Series OPEN Triumph
Imagine stepping into a high-octane world of raw V8 power, no driving assists, and fierce competition, then immediately contending for the championship. It’s a rare feat in the NASCAR Euro Series OPEN division, a series notorious for its unpredictability. But that’s exactly what Thomas Krasonis achieved, though not without a rollercoaster journey spanning seven years of relentless dedication.
From Rookie to Champion: A Story of Perseverance
Krasonis’ path to glory wasn’t paved with instant success. Since his debut in 2019, he’s been a sponge, absorbing every detail about these unforgiving machines and the intricacies of European stock car racing. It’s a world where mastering car setup and outpacing seasoned competitors takes time, a lesson Krasonis learned well.
2025: The Breakthrough Year
The 2025 season marked a turning point. After a strong showing with Marko Stipp Motorsport in 2024, Krasonis joined the powerhouse PK Carsport team. At just 23, he took the wheel of the No. 13 Chevrolet Camaro, aiming to compete in both divisions to maximize his track time and learn from the championship-winning Belgian squad.
Valencia: A Blaze of Glory, Then a Reality Check
The season opener at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, was a fireworks display for Krasonis. He stunned everyone by snatching the Stromwatches.com Pole Award by a razor-thin margin, then dominated the race, finishing almost four seconds ahead of Gil Linster. But the racing gods had a twist in store. In the next race, a fender-bender with teammate Thomas Dombrowski sent him tumbling to 19th place, a stark reminder of the series' unpredictability.
Vallelunga: Consistency Takes the Lead
At Vallelunga, Krasonis showcased his evolving skillset. While he didn’t have the outright speed to match race winner Martin Doubek, he drove a calculated race, securing a crucial fourth-place finish and valuable championship points. This consistency propelled him to the top of the standings after four rounds.
Brands Hatch: Rain, Chaos, and Resilience
Brands Hatch served up a weekend of extremes. Rain transformed the track into a slippery challenge, leading to a chaotic Saturday race where Krasonis struggled, finishing 20th. But he bounced back on Sunday, claiming a strong second place behind Doubek after setting a blistering lap record.
Most: Dominance and a Championship Lead
The Czech round at Autodrom Most saw Krasonis hit his stride. He dominated both races, leaving Doubek in his wake and seizing the championship lead. The regular season concluded with Krasonis holding a slender five-point advantage over the reigning champion.
Oschersleben: Playoff Pressure and Triumph
The playoffs began at Oschersleben, Germany. While Bruno Mulders claimed his first win, Krasonis focused on the bigger picture, securing a solid second place. Sunday’s race was a thriller, with Krasonis emerging victorious after a nail-biting battle, extending his championship lead to a commanding 35 points.
Zolder: Tears of Triumph
The finale at Circuit Zolder was a testament to Krasonis’ growth. He drove with precision and maturity, clinching victory in the first race and practically securing the title. Sunday’s race was a formality, and a third-place finish was enough to crown him the 2025 NASCAR Euro Series OPEN Champion. Tears of joy flowed as the 23-year-old realized his dream, seven years in the making.
A Champion’s Journey: More Than Just Speed
Krasonis’ story isn’t just about speed; it’s about dedication, passion, and an unyielding will to learn. The NASCAR Euro Series OPEN division demands every ounce of a driver’s skill, and Krasonis has proven himself among Europe’s stock car elite. His achievement will be celebrated at the NASCAR Banquet in Charlotte, USA, a fitting reward for a champion who earned it the hard way.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is the NASCAR Euro Series OPEN division truly the most unpredictable championship in motorsports? While its reputation for chaos is well-deserved, are there other series that rival its unpredictability? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
