NASCAR Euro Series – Old Guard Meets New Blood: Team Bleekemolen Sets the Stage for 2026
The garage area is buzzing as the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series season approaches, and Team Bleekemolen just dropped a bombshell lineup that perfectly captures the “anyone, anywhere” spirit of the sport. In a move that bridges a half-century age gap, the #76 Chevrolet will feature a unique duo: Dutch racing icon Michael Bleekemolen and American rising star Vinnie Meskelis. It is a classic “Master and Apprentice” story playing out at 250 kph.
At 76 years old, Michael Bleekemolen isn’t just a driver; he’s a living testament to racing longevity. Taking the wheel of the #76 – matching his age – the Aerdenhout native former Formula 1 driver returns to the OPEN division as the undisputed elder statesman of the grid. While most of his peers have long since traded the cockpit for a rocking chair, Bleekemolen remains a fixture in the paddock, still deeply involved in his “Race Planet” business when he isn’t trading paint on the track.
“Probably I’m the oldest driver of the field, but still competitive,” Bleekemolen remarked. “I hope to score some podiums in the Legend Trophy this year again and have some nice and fun races.” His eyes are firmly set on the Legend Trophy, where he expects to be a perennial podium threat. After sharing the ride with Bruno Longhetti last season, he’s ready to mentor a new face from across the Atlantic.
Stepping into the PRO Division side of the #76 entry is 20-year-old Meskelis. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, he brings a heavy dose of American flair to the European circuits. A mechanical engineering student at UT Dallas by day and a country music singer by night, Meskelis impressed scouts during the recruitment tests in France.
His arrival isn’t just about lap times; it’s a strategic bridge between continents. Meskelis has been named an official brand ambassador for the series in the United States and Brazil, aiming to bolster the championship’s profile in two of the world’s biggest racing markets.
“After driving the car for the first time, I knew immediately that this was the right next step for me,” Meskelis said. “I’m looking forward to making an impact and fighting for wins all season long.”
The dynamic is clear: Bleekemolen provides the steady hand and decades of race craft, while Meskelis brings the raw aggression and technical mind of a modern engineer. For Team Bleekemolen, the #76 represents more than just a car – it’s a multi-generational assault on the trophy case. When the green flag drops in 2026, all eyes will be on whether this “odd couple” of the asphalt can turn their diverse backgrounds into a championship-winning formula.
