Felipe Malinowski’s debut on oval tracks and in NASCAR Brasil’s rear-wheel-drive cars ended with a standout result in Curvelo (MG). Called to replace Ricardo Zonta in Cavaleiro Sports’ cockpit, the driver finished the second race of the seventh stage in second place, after starting eighth and advancing several positions throughout the race.
Malinowski began pressing for the lead in the final minutes. The driver had the advantage in the first corner and followed the leader until the decisive moments, but he could not complete the overtake. A safety car on the last lap also prevented another attempt to seize the lead.
“I spent the race studying the moves of the leader and I started closing in. I had an advantage in the first corner and I kept pace with her until the end. I tried a few moves, but she defended herself very well. I can only thank God, Shell and everyone who supports me. The first of many!”
The result capped a Sunday with a top-10 for Malinowski, who also finished the first race in ninth place. It was a big weekend for the driver, who until then had never competed in oval tracks nor raced NASCAR Brasil’s rear-wheel-drive cars.
Among the Shell representatives, Galid Osman also left Curvelo with an important goal achieved. The São Paulo native finished the first race in 13th and the second in eighth, results that secured his place among the top 12 and his qualification for NASCAR Brasil’s playoffs.
“It was a tough weekend, but we managed to finish one of the races in the top 10 and secure a playoff spot, which was very important. Now it’s about working to achieve good results in the two remaining races in this championship.”
The next phase of the championship will be contested in Chapecó (SC) and Brasília (DF). The round at the newly built Chapecó circuit is scheduled from October 30 to November 1.
