In a thrilling conclusion to her rookie season, Happinessa crowned her NASCAR Euro Series journey by clinching the Lady Trophy title at Zolder, proving that determination and skill can overcome even the steepest learning curves. But here's where it gets even more impressive: despite entering the season with minimal motorsport experience, she consistently went toe-to-toe with far more seasoned drivers in the Open division. And this is the part most people miss—her ability to adapt to a challenging car and new circuits while battling technical issues that limited her track time in the latter half of the season.
Her final weekend at Zolder was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. In the first race, Happinessa started strong, climbing to 17th position by the end of the first lap, showcasing her growing confidence and speed. However, a mid-race spin dropped her to 21st, forcing her to fight her way back into the top 20. She eventually finished 18th overall, securing another Lady Trophy award and setting a personal best lap time of 1:42.480—a testament to her relentless improvement.
The second race on Sunday morning began promisingly, with Happinessa navigating through chaos to reach 15th position early on. Yet, misfortune struck again when a spin on lap two and subsequent braking issues, stemming from earlier damage, forced her into an early retirement. But here’s the controversial part: was it bad luck, or did the pressure of the season finale expose areas where her experience still falls short? Regardless, her performance at Zolder highlighted her potential and resilience.
Throughout her debut season, Happinessa not only mastered a demanding car and new tracks but also impressed in the Open division, finishing 17th in the overall championship standings before the finale. Her participation in the NASCAR Euro Series Rookie Challenge sessions and consistent efforts in free practice and qualifying underscored her commitment to growth. While technical challenges and on-track incidents tested her, she emerged as the Lady Trophy champion, a remarkable achievement for any rookie.
As she looks ahead to 2026, Happinessa’s rookie season serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible with grit and passion. But we want to hear from you: Do you think her success is a sign of greater things to come, or will the competition catch up as she moves into her sophomore season? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
