February 15th was a special day for NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Lady Cup winner Arianna Casoli. The Italian successfully completed a full test day at New Smyrna Speedway at the wheel of a Pro Late Model under the supervision of former NCWTS Champion and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie Of The Year Mike Skinner as a prize for her success in Europe and she was all smiles when she climbed out of the car for the last time.
Casoli completed more than 100 laps on the fast half-mile oval located close the Daytona International Speedway, alternating on-track runs and coaching sessions under Mike Skinner’s guidance. The experience she gained racing in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series came to good use in her first day on a Pro Late Model car as her pace improved lap after lap. At the same time, the Reggio Emilia native believes that everything she learned during the test will positively impact her racing in Europe in a constant evolution of her NASCAR career.
Casoli met different NASCAR executives in Florida and the Italian was impressed by the welcome she received from the entire NASCAR family.
“Everybody in NASCAR makes you feel at home and it is something unique, there is a cooperation between organizers, teams and drivers you can’t find anywhere else. Having Jerome Galpin (NWES President/CEO) and Joe Balash (NASCAR International Liaison) by my side and meeting George Silbermann (NASCAR Vice President, Regional and Touring Series) and Bob Duvall (NASCAR Senior Director, Business Development) was incredible,” concluded the Italian.
Arianna Casoli will be back on track on March 3 at the Autodromo di Franciacorta for the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Prologue, while the NWES season will officially start at Valencia, Spain on April 8-9 with the Valencia NASCAR Fest.