CHAMPION PROFILE: Ander Vilariño
Spaniard 2-For-2 In Whelen Euro SeriesDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In just two seasons, Ander Vilariño has gone from NASCAR neophyte to standard bearer.
After winning six of 12 races en route to his first NASCAR Whelen Euro Series title in 2012, was it possible for the resident of San Sebastián, Spain, to have an even more prolific season in 2013?
Just as it did a season ago, the year got off to a flying start for the 34-year-old driver of the No. 2 TFT/Banco Santander Chevrolet by winning the season-opening races at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro, France.
“It was one of my season’s key moments,” explains Vilariño. “In race two, I was penalized with a drive-through for a contact with Frédéric Gabillon. I exited pit lane in sixth position and I pushed hard to recover. I was third at the beginning of the last lap, but when my team saw me crossing the finish line I was first! Nobody could believe it and it was an incredible feeling.”
The successful outcome, despite the penalty, was due to his ability to never give up, one of the Spaniard’s trademarks.
"Your will to win must be stronger than others’. This is what I repeat to myself every day," he said.
The early season wins kicked off a record-breaking stretch for Vilariño. The two victories quickly multiplied to six with two-race sweeps at Dijon, France and Great Britain’s Brands Hatch circuit.
The six-race win streak established a modern era NASCAR touring series record among currently sanctioned series. The previous mark of five in a row was shared by five drivers that included the likes of NASCAR Hall of Famer Richie Evans and nine-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik.
CHAMPION CREW CHIEF: TONY PEREIRA
The advantage in the standings proved to be particularly useful before going to Tours Speedway for the season’s oval race that did not meet Vilariño’s expectations with eighth and 10th-place finishes.
"Tours was definitely my biggest disappointment this year,” said Vilariño. “I arrived there with six wins in a row and I was convinced that it would be another excellent weekend for us. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way."
The sub-par performances didn’t put the points lead in danger, but the summer break allowed the Vilariño camp to take stock and get refocused.
| POS | DRIVER |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ander Vilariño |
| 2 | Frédéric Gabillon |
| 3 | Yann Zimmer |
| 4 | Romaine Iannetta |
| 5 | Anthony Garbarino |
"Our team’s secret is that we are a family,” said Vilariño. “We work together and we support each other. In difficult times, we don’t give up. We reflect on the problem and find solutions to come out even better. This is what happened after Tours Speedway. We sat at a table, we discussed, conducted tests, then at the next race in Monza, we made the pole position and won a race."
The Monza win in September was very important since points are doubled in the semifinals and finals.
“Since playoff races award double points, it was fundamental to start with a win,” he said. “It was a great psychological bonus that allowed me to settle for third place in the second race.”
After the weekend in Italy, the Whelen Euro Series moved on to the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans, France for the season’s finals. Just like at Nogaro six months before, the 2012 Le Mans scenario replicated itself. Vilariño preferred a tactical approach in order to avoid making mistakes and ruining his chances to be crowned champion.
A pair of fourth-place finishes secured the title for Vilariño, but the final margin was just four points over Gabillon, who closed the season with four wins in six outings.
Racing wherever it is done – Europe, U.S. or Australia – comes at the expense of family time and no one can attest to that more than the spouse.
"Ander works a lot. He tries to be the best in everything he does, both physically and mentally,” said Vilariño’s wife, Irune, who accompanies him to all series events. “I think it is in this area that he found the key to success."
For the season Vilariño scored seven victories with 10 top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. In two championship seasons, he has won a dominating 13 of 24 races.
"Being a NASCAR champion for a European driver is something strange,” said Vilariño. “Two years ago this title didn’t exist. For me this is a dream came true twice and I think many others will want to compete now to add this title to their résumé."
Vilariño and his TFT/Banco Santander team will be presented with the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series championship trophy on Saturday, Dec. 14 as part of the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards ceremony in the Crown Ballroom of the Charlotte (N.C) Convention Center inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The awards ceremony is slated to be streamed live online in three languages – English French and Spanish – at www.nascarhometracks.com.
At A Glance
