Sven van Laere, a prominent driver in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, has announced his immediate retirement from racing due to medical reasons. In a heartfelt post shared on social media, van Laere expressed his sadness over having to leave the sport he has cherished for 27 years.
He shared with his fans, as quoted by Euro NASCAR:
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the end of my active motorsport career due to medical reasons. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be part of the motorsport community for more than 27 years.
“As an active gentleman driver, I had the opportunity to compete against some of the greatest drivers on a national and international level. Drivers who made their names in the past, who are making their names in the present, and who will make their names in the future.”
Reflecting on his career, van Laere shared memories of competing alongside some of EuroNASCAR’s most renowned figures, including Marc Goossens, Gianmarco Ercoli, Lucas Lasserre, Max Lanza, and Michael Bleekemolen.
Goran Kovacic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images
“Over the years, I have had the honor of competing in some great championships. Perhaps the best of them all, because it’s more than just a championship, was the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series run by the Galpin family.
“Not only the championships, but also the teams created great memories. Among them is my Italian motorsports family, CAAL Racing. It’s the team I drove for the last two seasons. This will always put a big smile on my face, grazie mille!”
Sven’s future plans are set, albeit away from the driver’s seat. He intends to channel his passion and experience into supporting his son, Maxim van Laere, who is stepping into the racing world through karting.
Maxim will proudly carry the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series colors on his go-kart, a nod to his father’s career.
“I will enjoy the races from the sidelines.”
The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series is losing a respected driver known not just for his speed but for his sportsmanship and camaraderie.
NASCAR Whelen Euro Series: Current Standings
- Vittorio Ghirelli – 283
- Liam Hezemans (J) – 275
- Paul Jouffreau (J) – 273
- Gianmarco Ercoli – 258
- Lucas Lasserre – 245
- Tobias Dauenhauer – 237
- Martin Doubek – 228
- Marc Goossens – 221
- Ulysse Delsaux – 216
- Ryan Vargas (J) – 213
- Thomas Krasonis (J) – 204
- Vladimiros Tziortzis – 195
- Sebastiaan Bleekemolen – 193
- Massimiliano Lanza (C) – 185
- Victor Neumann – 170
- Thomas Toffel (C) – 166
- Dario Caso (C) – 164
- Riccardo Romagnoli (C) – 164
- Fabrizio Armetta – 162
- Nick Strickler – 161
- Thomas Dombrowski (J) – 156
- Jack Davidson (J) – 125
- Max Marzorati (J) – 78
- Kenko Miura (C) – 75
- Liam Lambert (C) – 68
- Patrick Lemarie – 44
- Frederic Perriat (C) – 40
- Julien Rehberg (J) – 39
- Simone Giussani (J) – 38
