Pirelli Oval Challenge with NASCAR Brasil in Curvelo

September 16, 2026

The 2026 NASCAR Brasil season enters its final stretch with a distinct challenge for drivers and teams: the seventh stage of the championship, on September 19, will be held on the oval layout of Circuito dos Cristais in Curvelo (MG). It will be the third time the category competes at the Minas Gerais venue, with all races driven on Pirelli tires.

The oval track presents characteristics quite different from the mixed circuits traditionally used by NASCAR Brasil. With a length of 1,250 meters and running counterclockwise, Circuito dos Cristais requires the tires to endure a high level of wear and deliver consistency, especially due to the heavier workload on the car’s right side across the laps. For Pirelli, the stage represents another opportunity to test its tires in one of the most distinctive configurations in Brazilian motorsport.

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The tires developed specifically for NASCAR Brasil are brought to Minas Gerais by Pirelli. Built in the TH4 compound, the tires are produced at Pirelli’s Campinas (SP) factory and were introduced this season.

Camila Maluf, Commercial Director of Motorsport for Pirelli Latam:
“Curvelo is the only truly oval circuit we have on the Brazilian calendar, and because of this, we face unique characteristics on this type of track. On an oval, the tire is subjected to more constant work, especially in the corners, and the right side of the car ends up being more demanding. Therefore, it is essential to work with a tire that offers endurance and consistency throughout the entire race, maintaining the level of performance even as the track evolves.”

Jake Thompson

Jake Thompson

I'm Jake Thompson, a motorsport journalist born and raised in North Carolina, where NASCAR weekends were basically family holidays. I’ve been covering everything from Formula 1 to rally raids for over a decade, blending sharp analysis with a fan’s heart. For me, writing about racing isn’t just a job — it’s the best seat in the house.