German-American stock car racing team
3Friends Racing, doing business as 3F Racing, is a German stock car racing team that will debut in NASCAR starting in 2024. They field the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro part time for Ryan Vargas in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. They plan to compete part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, fielding the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 . The team was founded by the German entrepreneur Dennis Hirtz (former Marketing Director of Phoenix Racing (German racing team)) and two other friends, who have since left the project. The team is now managed by Hirtz and his Marketing Director Paul Wiedeler.[1] 3F Racing will also have a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and have their shop on RCR's campus in Welcome, North Carolina.[2]
History
NASCAR Cup Series
Car No. 30 history
The team had announced their plans on July 18, 2022, but was not widely known about until August 3, 2022 when a NASCAR Reddit user discovered the team.[3] The team's initial plans were to run the final five races of the 2022 season, starting with the Bank of America Roval 400. Hirtz stated that "Our driver for the Roval will be a two time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner with a strong European background, and for the remaining races we will field a very experienced and well known US American NASCAR driver."[4] The team did not announce their drivers and sponsors for 2022 in their initial announcement. Many fans speculated that Justin Allgaier would be the driver for the oval tracks as he was a follower of the team on social media when they were first discovered. Fans also speculated that Earl Bamber would be the driver for the Roval since he has extensive sports car racing experience in Europe, including two 24 Hours of Le Mans wins (matching Hirtz's description), and he has made a NASCAR start previously (the 2020 Xfinity Series race at the Daytona Road Course).[5]
On October 6, Hirtz told TobyChristie.com that the team would be delaying their debut until 2023. He stated that the team plans to run ten Cup Series races in 2023 with hopes to run full-time in 2024.[2]
On July 18, 2023, it was announced that Ryan Vargas would be signed as the teams director of team and driver development, as well as being the reserve driver for the No. 30.[6]
Driver Development Program
This program lays the groundwork for you to climb the ranks into one of NASCAR's prestigious national series. Serving as a crucial link between European talents and the American racing sphere, we equip you with the on-track prowess and business acumen needed for a triumphant debut in the industry.
Partnered with a team of devoted motorsport experts, we'll be by your side every step of the way, ensuring your development process is nothing short of exceptional.
NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
On September 12, 2023, the team announced it would be fielding the No. 30 for Vargas at the GP Germany on September 23 and 24, 2023. The team finished 10th in both races.
The team followed up a few weeks later at an appearance at the GP Belgium finishing 15th and 11th in both races. The team finished 27th overall in the points standings.[7]
