After the short summer break, the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series starts with the Czech GP, stopping at the picturesque Most racetrack, nestled in the woods on the Czech-German border. The drivers have intensified their efforts to earn important points in the battle for the 2023 championship and spirits have been inflamed as expected given the crucial moment of the season. Double V Racing arrived in the Czech Republic with the absence of PRO driver Stefano Attianese, and therefore concentrated all its energies on drivers Patrick Schober (EN2) and Viktor Schiffer (Club Challenge). In a weekend heavily influenced by rain but full of excitement, unexpected events and uncertainties, one thing is certain: the #27 FordMustang has confirmed itself as one of the fastest cars in the championship.
CLUB CHALLENGE
On Friday the Club Challenge took to the track to open the race weekend as usual. Viktor Schiffer wants to be on the podium once again after the joy of Vallelunga.
The first of the three rounds, however, reveals a problem with the clutch of the #27 Mustang and Schiffer is forced to return. It was a fight against time for the mechanics who once again had to fix the problem in record time. Viktor missed the second stint and was back on the track for the third, but bad luck was still in the air: a couple of good laps, just enough time to get a feel for the car, and then another problem: the gearbox locked up and the Austrian driver returned to the pits in a despondent mood. The #27 cannot continue. After a meticulous inspection, the confirmation arrives: the entire gearbox needs replacement. This time, Schiffer has to settle for a P7.
EN 2
Schober is called for reconfirmation after the excellent performance at the Italian Grand Prix and arrives focused and determined. Heavy points are needed to re-enter the Top-5. The Qualifying session goes well, with the young Austrian stopping the clock in sixth place overall.
Race 1 is a true masterpiece: the Ford Mustang #27 is fast, transmission problems were overcome, and Patrick drives with great skill. On the seventh lap, he overtakes Davidson and sets off in pursuit of Jouffreau, but the entrance of the safety car forces the drivers to postpone any duels. The restart occurs on the final lap; everything must be tried. Schober is a master in these situations and succeeds in yet another masterpiece: both he and Jouffreau manage to overtake Linster, who goes from second to fourth. Patrick is in P3! The final lap is under control, and the race ends with the young driver’s first podium of the season.
Race 2 is heavily affected by heavy rain: Schober starts again from P6, but he is fast on wet surfaces and still aims for the podium. However, the rain turns out to be a boomerang: a problem with the windshield forces Schober to return to the pit after a few laps. He finishes in P20 with many regrets and few points.
