Thursday morning (30) was marked by a special moment of integration between motorsport and the community. On the eve of the fifth stage of the 2026 NASCAR Brazil season, which will be held at the Autódromo Internacional do Mato Grosso, in Cuiabá, drivers from various categories participated in a visit to the Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital, bringing messages of support, hope, and encouragement to patients, families, and professionals of the institution.
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During the event, visitors were able to get up close to some of the NASCAR Brazil cars of Mato Grosso native Jorge Martelli and the Copa Truck truck of driver Diogo Moscato, which will be active during the competition weekend. Also present were NASCAR Brazil drivers Dudes Castroneves and Copa Hyundai HB20 driver Márcio Lopes, also a Mato Grosso representative.
For Jorge Martelli, competing at home is already a source of pride, but starting the weekend with a solidarity action makes the stage even more special. “Whenever we have the opportunity to participate in an action like this, we realize the true reach of the sport. Today we did not come to talk about results or racing, but about affection, hope, and encouragement. Seeing the smiles on the faces of children, adults, and families shows us that small gestures can make a big difference. As a Mato Grosso native, being able to live this moment in my land has an even more special meaning and motivates us to get on the track representing each one of them,” Martelli highlighted.
The director of the Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital, Renata Oliveira, thanked the drivers for their presence and emphasized the positive impact that initiatives like this provide to patients. “It is a great joy to receive all of you. Patients look forward to these visits with great expectation because they bring wonderful energy into the hospital. These moments make a huge difference in treatment, both for children and adults. For a few moments, they can forget the disease, renew their hopes, and feel the affection of people who came to share their time and attention. We are very grateful for this gesture of solidarity,” Renata said.
Diogo Moscato, Copa Truck driver, also highlighted the importance of participating in initiatives that bring sport closer to society. “We live motorsport at high speed and always focused on results, but moments like this make us see what really matters. Entering the hospital, talking to patients, and seeing so many examples of strength and determination is something that touches us deeply. If we manage to bring a smile or a few minutes of joy to those facing such a difficult battle, we already leave here winners. This energy and this learning accompany us onto the track and into life,” Moscato said.
The initiative also included the participation of Turismo 1.4 Brasil drivers: JP Velarde and Kléber Ignácio, reinforcing the spirit of unity among the categories that share the event schedule in Cuiabá.
More than just racing on the tracks, the drivers dedicated part of the day to talking with patients, taking photos, signing autographs, and providing moments of joy and relaxation. The visit moved patients and families, especially the children, who were able to get up close to their idols and the competition cars. Smiles, hugs, and words of encouragement turned the morning into an unforgettable moment for all present, demonstrating that the strength of motorsport goes far beyond the fight for positions on the tracks.
The schedule for the fifth stage of NASCAR Brazil will continue in the coming days at the Autódromo Internacional do Mato Grosso, with practice sessions, qualifying, and races, also bringing together Copa Truck, Copa Hyundai HB20, and Turismo 1.4 Brasil in one of the biggest events in national motorsport.
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