NASCAR Euro Series – United Together for 2026: Andreas Kuchelbacher and Speedhouse Extends Long-Time Rookie Challenge Collaboration

A true veteran of NASCAR Euro Series’ regularity time-attack division is back for the 2026 season. Andreas Kuchelbacher, the inaugural champion of Rookie Challenge, returns for another year of competition with the Speedhouse team, owned by legendary team boss and driver Lucas Lasserre. The fire in the Austrian’s heart continues to burn as the 46-year old is set for his eight season in the series – his fourth with Speedhouse.

“I’m really happy to confirm Andreas Kuchelbacher onboard at Speedhouse for the 2026 season in the EuroNASCAR Rookie Challenge division!” said Lasserre. “Andreas is a part of the Speedhouse Family and he’s my friend. It will be the fourth season with us and it’s an honor to have him again with us.”

“Andreas is determined and knows well of not only our car, but also the Rookie Challenge rules. The championship is very competitive, but Andreas will be ready to fight for the title. Our season last year was very strong with three cars in top-4 overall results, a testament to the top job done by our three spotters. Andreas’s decision to continue to drive again shows that we are always attractive, efficient with a perfect and fun atmosphere. Let’s go Andreas!”

Kuchelbacher performed competitively against the wave of newcomers that joined Rookie Challenge in 2025. The business owner from Großhoflein visited the podium two times, but a difficult round in the Finals at Zolder left him fourth overall in the standings. This result motivated Kuchelbacher’s desire to return in 2026, aiming to make his way back to the top-3 positions with the help of Lasserre and his team of talented engineers.

“I’m very happy to be entering my fourth season with Speedhouse and my eighth season overall in the NASCAR Euro Series,” said Kuchelbacher, who likes skiing and cycling in his spare time. “After winning the championship in 2017 and finishing third overall three times, twice with Speedhouse, my goal for the 2026 season is to finish in the top three again.”

“Last season, I narrowly missed this, finishing fourth overall in the championship with two podium finishes: second in Vallelunga and third in Most. Speedhouse has always done an outstanding job with a unique team spirit, which is why I chose to stay with them. An additional reason is my friendship with team principal Lucas Lasserre.”