A Thrilling Finish at Autodrom Most
Gianmarco Ercoli claimed a dramatic victory in the V8GP Round 8 at Autodrom Most, a circuit nestled in the Czech Republic, after a harrowing opening lap that left him with a bruised thumb. The injury could have derailed his campaign, but the Italian driver pushed through the pain, navigating contact with teammate Thomas Toffel and still managed to cross the finish line first, marking his second win of the 2026 season.
The #11 Alumitec Racing Ford Mustang, driven by Ercoli, was not the only standout performance; Raphael Lessard, also aboard a Ford Mustang, captured the OPEN class victory, adding another highlight for the Italian team. Thomas Toffel, Ercoli’s teammate, finished in second place, matching his career‑best result in the top division of the NASCAR Euro Series and underscoring the competitiveness of the field.
In the Junior Trophy classification, Garrett Lowe earned a special classification win with a podium finish that delighted fans, while Czech favorite Martin Doubek secured a top‑five spot, further enriching the local narrative. Lowe’s achievement was complemented by a strong showing from Davit Kajaia, who climbed from 22nd to 14th, collecting valuable bonus points and silverware in the Challenger Trophy.
The race also saw Vittorio Ghirelli retire early due to mechanical issues, a setback that hurt his championship aspirations, while Jordan O’Brien’s teammate, the driver of the #50 Hendriks Motorsport Ford Mustang, was forced out with throttle problems that ended his day prematurely.
With the regular season now concluded, the focus shifts to the playoffs, scheduled for 19‑20 September at the Autodromo di Vallelunga in Italy. The postseason will feature double points, raising the stakes for drivers aiming to cement their positions before the final showdown.