Gianmarco Ercoli intent on making his mark in Whelen Euro Series

This week Motorsport.com continues its series of stories to offer NASCAR Whelen Euro Series fans get to know the drivers and stars of the only NASCAR sanctioned series outside of North America.

This week Rome, Italy native Gianmarco Ercoli is featured in this ‘Getting to know’ highlighting his success in both Elite 1 and Elite 2 divisions in the European-based stock car series.

Ercoli is a 22-year-old driver who starting racing in karts in 2007 in Italy and throughout Europe and quickly enjoyed success. He began competing in the NWES in the ELITE 2 division in 2014 at Brands Hatch and led his first laps in the series on the oval course at Tours, France later that same year.

The Italian driver scored his first ELITE 2 win in the 2015 season opener at Valencia, Spain and went on to win the ELITE 2 title with a clutch performance in the season finale at Zolder.

Ercoli moved up to ELITE 1 in 2016 finishing eighth in the final standings and he’s collected four wins, one pole and 17 top-5s in 34 ELITE 2 races and four top-5s in 15 ELITE 1 races.

When he’s not racing, he works as a truck and van driver in his father’s company.

Career Highlights

•        2016 8th in points in first complete ELITE 1 season
•        2015 ELITE 2 Division Champion

1. How long have you been racing and what was the first race you competed in and what kind of car did you drive?

I started my career in karting when I was 7 years old in 2003 and after several years of successful racing in go-karts I decided to move directly to the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

2. How long have you been competing in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series?

I made my NASCAR debut in 2014 in that season’s second event at Brands Hatch. I immediately loved the series and the track, which I’m particularly fond of.

3. What made you decide to compete in the NWES?

I chose NWES because I’ve always loved American cars. When I was a little kid I loved play with toy cars and one of them was a NASCAR. I don’t know why, but I was particularly attracted by the little plastic piece reproducing the safety net. Growing up I watched NASCAR races in TV and on the web and I became a fan, because races are so competitive and tough, with a lot of door-to-door battles. Kind of the opposite of what we’re used to here in Europe. There’s plenty of action from the first to the last lap.

4. What makes being a part of the NWES special to you?

The fans and the relationship we have with them! There’s nothing like this in Europe. We have such a great following, with a lot of kids and families and they are all so enthusiastic about NASCAR and the attractions surrounding our races. The events are incredible and spectacular and then there are the cars: with absolutely no electronic aids, the give you the pleasure of pure driving, you really enjoy motorsports.

5. How have your fans responded to you being a part of NASCAR in Europe?

My fans are really passionate and they love NWES. Many of them didn’t know the series at first, but after discovering it they were really surprised by the quality of the racing and the cars’ performances.

6. What or where is your favorite track on the schedule?

My favorite track is definitely Venray because I’m very good on ovals and I even prefer them to road courses. I can’t wait for July 15, when we’ll go to Venray and I will try to finally get the win that slipped through my fingers last year.

7. Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?

My favorite hobby was playing 5-a-side football with friends, but unfortunately last year I got injured, so I returned to the swimming pool, an old passion of mine. Swimming is a very healthy sport, maybe I can’t blow off as much steam in the pool as I can playing football, but it’s still awesome.

8. If you weren't a race car driver, what do you think you would do instead of racing for a career?

If I didn’t become a racecar driver, I’d probably be a swimmer, because I was very good at it. It’s a completely different world compared to motorsports, but I’d be at ease. 

9. Who has been the biggest influence in your life and/or racing career?

My greatest inspiration in and outside the car is my manager,  Onofrio Veneziani,  who is an extravagant person but is still teaching me many things about everything. I owe him a lot because he played a big role in me joining the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series when he made me the core of a project: the Racers Motorsport team. We are facing some difficulties, but I’m sure we will come out of it stronger, as we did in 2015, when we won the ELITE 2 title. We’ll find our way back to Victory Lane.

10. Tell me something about you that would surprise your fans?

I’m not really the usual racecar driver. Many of my competitors would be always testing on track. I instead log a lot of miles on open roads with my daily job and I consider it interesting training. I respect the law, but there’s a lot to learn in the Rome traffic. If we’ll race at the Coliseum one day, I’ll win for sure!