NWES – ELITE 2 Semi Final 1 – Ferrando Wins Third In A Row

Thomas Ferrando (#37 Knauf Racing Team Ford Mustang) was unstoppable in the first ELITE 2 Semi Final at the Autodromo di Franciacorta and won his third consecutive race, the sixth of the season, closing in on Stienes Longin’s record of 8 wins and further consolidating his points lead.

Ferrando took the lead from polesitter Ulysse Delsaux (#3 RDV Compétition Ford Mustang) after a fierce battle on lap 9 and mastered two restarts to take the checkered flag 1.5 seconds ahead of Nicki Petersen (#33 Mishumotors Chevrolet SS).

“It was a very intense Semi Final here at the Autodromo di Franciacorta”, said Ferrando. “In the beginning Ulysse was pretty fast. I had to overtake him quickly to maximize the result. I think we‘ve done a great job on the car during practice. The whole Knauf team is just amazing. I also hope to break Stienes Longin wins record of 8 races this season and win the championship. Even if I don‘t win tomorrow it‘s important to score as many points as possible to have a comfortable situation in the Zolder Finals.”

Petersen, who also won the Rookie Cup, took advantage of a late restart to climb on the podium for the second consecutive race in the eventful Semi Final 2, this time ahead of a Roberto Benedetti in top form, who finished third and won the Legend Trophy and gave his The Club Motorsport Team its best result since joining NWES.

“It was a really tough race today. My car was fantastic but there were many contacts, cautions and restarts in this Semi Final,” said Petersen. As a driver you get a little bit nervous when something like this happens. During the last restart I was in third position and I knew that I needed to push as hard as I could to get to the front. It ended up well and I finished second and for this I have to thank my fantastic team. It is awesome to work with this crew and especially with Lucas Lassere, who is my teammate here in Italy.”

Marconi Abreu (#47 RDV Competition Toyota Camry) put up a solid performance and grabbed the 4th position, ahead of Mirco Schultis (#70 Mishumotors Chevrolet SS).

Carmen Gil Boix (#1 Caffi Motorsports Ford Mustang) first in the Lady Cup and sixth overall. The young Spanish driver scored her best result of the season at the wheel of the #1 Alex Caffi Motorsrport Ford Mustang, expanding her lead in the Lady Cup over Arianna Casoli, who grabbed her first career top-10.

Race Control investigated numerous situations and final results will be published on. Further information will be given on Sunday morning at 8:30 am CET.

The ELITE 2 Division will be back on track on Sunday morning at 10:20 am CET (4:20 am ET) and the ELITE 2 Semi Final 2 will be streamed live on Fancschoice.tv and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Facebook page.