The fifth stage of NASCAR Brazil 2026 will mark a special moment for Jorge Martelli. The Team RC driver, who represents Mato Grosso in the competition, will face the outer ring of the Autódromo Internacional de Cuiabá for the first time with the Chevrolet Camaro #87. The race is scheduled for August 1st and will be held in the Night Challenge format.
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Born in Tapurah, Martelli already knows the mixed circuit of Cuiabá, but will now have a new experience on a 2,800-meter track, made up of long straights and wide-radius curves. The configuration demands high speed, precision, and careful car setup to ensure performance and stability during the race.
With artificial lighting and a duration of 1h10, the stage will also have a mandatory pit stop, increasing the importance of strategy and harmony between drivers and teams. The Mato Grosso circuit is one of the few in Brazil with characteristics close to North American ovals, making the Night Challenge one of the most distinctive races on the calendar.
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Two-time NASCAR Brazil champion in the Challenge class in 2024 and 2025, Martelli highlights the motivation to compete in front of the local audience and represent the State in a historic stage: “It is always a great pride to race representing Mato Grosso, especially in a stage held in Cuiabá. I know the mixed circuit, but now we will have a completely different challenge on the outer ring. It will be a new experience for all of us, with higher speeds and a very different race dynamic. I am very motivated for this debut and confident in the work of Team RC,” he states.
The driver also emphasizes that adapting to the new track will be decisive to achieve a good result. “The outer ring requires a lot of confidence in the car and great precision to maintain speed in the curves. It will be important to take advantage of every lap of the practice sessions to understand the behavior of the Chevrolet Camaro and arrive well prepared for qualifying and the race,” he says. “The expectation is to have a consistent race, represent our State well, and seek a result that rewards all the team’s work,” he adds.
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The night stage of NASCAR Brazil 2026 takes place between July 30 and August 1.
