NASCAR Brasil will introduce a notable novelty this weekend with the debut of the Autódromo Internacional de Mato Grosso, in Cuiabá (MT), on the category’s calendar. From July 30 to August 1, the drivers will contest the fifth round of the season, with the Night Challenge as the main attraction—a new format featuring two races held on Saturday at night.
Among the competitors arriving prepared for the new challenge is Denis Navarro, a Cavaleiro Sports driver since the team joined NASCAR Brasil in 2026. The São Paulo native returns to the track aiming for a strong performance in one of the season’s most demanding rounds.
The Mato Grosso circuit, stretching 4,450 meters with 13 corners, was designed to deliver tight battles and numerous overtaking opportunities. Quick adaptation to the layout will be one of the main factors influencing the drivers’ performance, especially on a track still unfamiliar to most competitors.
Beyond the novelty of the venue, Cuiabá’s climate will also pose a challenge. The characteristic heat of the capital of Mato Grosso, combined with the difficulty of contesting two races in a row on Saturday, will demand physical preparation from the drivers and efficient strategies from the teams.
After showcasing solid pace in the early rounds of the season, including securing pole position in Cascavel, Denis Navarro views the Cuiabá round as an opportunity to pursue a meaningful result and to rejoin the battle for the top spots.
“This is a round unlike anything we’ve had so far. I already raced the inaugural Stock Car event on this track in 2025, which was also at night and a very competitive race, so whoever adapts the fastest will have a significant edge. The circuit is quite interesting, with several overtaking points, and we’ll also face the challenge of night races. We’ve worked a lot during this break and I’m confident we can have a great weekend.”
With a consolidated career in Brazilian motorsport, Denis Navarro has accumulated experience in the South American Formula 3, Formula Renault, Brazilian Stock Car, and Stock Car series. The driver has also built a history of more than a decade with the country’s top teams, earning podiums along his career. In 2026, he began a new phase by joining Cavaleiro Sports in NASCAR Brasil.
The schedule for the fifth round of NASCAR Brasil begins on Thursday (30) with shakedown, extra practice, and the first free practice. On Friday (31), the drivers participate in the second practice, qualifying, and the Sprint Race, the race that will determine the pole position for the round. The finale takes place on Saturday (1), with the two Night Challenge races, which promise to be one of the most anticipated moments of the season.
