The NASCAR Brasil Series attended with prestige and participated, this Tuesday (25), in the test event of the new Autódromo Internacional Márcio Vaccaro, in Chapecó (SC). The program, held during the celebrations for the municipality’s 109th anniversary, brought together the public, drivers and representatives from different categories of national motorsport and marked the community’s introduction to the new track.
Representing NASCAR Brasil, the Santa Catarina drivers Felipinho Tozzo, Gui Backes and Bruna Tomaselli took part in the on-track activities, giving the public a first-hand glimpse of the category’s cars on the new circuit.
The NASCAR Brasil’s participation gained even greater significance because the new track is already confirmed on the category’s calendar. On October 30 and November 1, Chapecó will host the eighth round of the season, which will mark the start of the Playoff phase, with three races planned for the weekend.
For the CEO of the NASCAR Brasil Series, Thiago Marques, the arrival of the new racetrack represents an important advance for Brazilian motorsport and creates a special challenge for the category.
“It is very meaningful for NASCAR Brasil to participate in this moment in Chapecó and, above all, to return to the city for a round of the championship. We are talking about a new venture that arrives to strengthen motorsport in Santa Catarina and broaden the infrastructure available for the sport in Brazil,” he stresses.
“For NASCAR Brasil, starting the Playoff phase on a new track brings a special challenge, both for drivers and for teams. It will be a round with three races and, therefore, many opportunities and also a lot of responsibility for those contending for the title. We have high expectations to practically assess the potential of this racetrack and provide Chapecó’s audience with a high-level motorsport experience,” he emphasizes.
The staging of the round on an unseen circuit will add a strategic component to the championship battle. In addition to quickly learning and interpreting the new layout, drivers and teams will have to seek the best car setup over a weekend that will feature three races and carry significant weight in the fight for the title.
For Felipinho Tozzo (Chevrolet #57/Team RC), the home representative and one of the drivers who took part in the test event, racing in Chapecó will hold a special meaning.
“It is very special to be able to participate in this moment in Chapecó, especially as a local and having the opportunity to drive on a new racetrack that arrives with a very important structure for our state. I am sure it will be a very special weekend for all of us and for the public,” he mentions.
Gui Backes (Ford #28/AMattheis Vogel) highlights the challenge of arriving at an unmapped track. “Riding on a new track is always a very interesting challenge. We will need to learn the layout quickly, understand the braking points, the car’s behavior and find the best setup. And doing this in Chapecó, in front of the Santa Catarina fans and on our ‘home’ track, makes it all the more special,” he says.
For Bruna Tomaselli (Ford #97/SG28 by Pole Motorsport), the experience also represents an important opportunity in her career in motorsport.
“It’s a really cool opportunity to participate in this moment and to represent NASCAR Brasil on a track that is starting a new chapter in motorsport. For us drivers, it’s a huge challenge because everything will be new, but it’s also an experience that we’ll carry in our careers. I’m very excited to get to know the circuit, work with the team and take advantage of this chance to race in front of the audience from my state and Chapecó,” she concludes.
