From International Podiums to Elite Coaching: French Racecar Driver Nicolas Navarro Brings his Expertise to SpeedVegas
Though exhilarating for many, getting behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle capable of reaching 60 mph in under two seconds is no small feat. What better way to harness that power — and experience the thrill of high-performance driving — than under the guidance of a professional race car driver? This summer, SpeedVegas is turning that dream into a reality as Nicolas Navarro, a French racing sensation and seasoned coach, joins their team. With a career spanning circuits from France to the Middle East and accolades in both racing and coaching, Navarro is set to bring his unmatched expertise to the desert tracks of Las Vegas.
“My favorite part of coaching my students is really seeing how they evolve over the laps, the days or the seasons,” says Nicolas Navarro, who has been coaching and supervising automotive driving courses for over 15 years. “There’s nothing more satisfying, for example, than seeing someone who sits behind the wheel of a supercar for the first time with apprehension and fear of accelerating, and who ends up after a few laps with great trajectories, a big smile and the desire to do it all over again.”
Over the years Navarro has proven himself to be an effective and sought after coach through his work for some of Europe’s most notable schools and organizations, including GT Drive, Driving Evolution, Renault Sport, Porsche France, Ferrari West Europe, BMW France, All Road Management and others.
“I started out working for other companies, but soon set up my own business,” explains Navarro who founded NRT Events in 2007. “This enabled me to work directly with young pilots, coaching them and helping them to progress. I accompanied them on test days and also on race weekends. At the same time, I worked with driving schools to accompany customers who came to do a few laps behind the wheel of exceptional cars such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.”
Navarro’s expertise isn’t just theoretical — it’s deeply rooted in his own experience as a decorated race car driver. Before becoming a sought-after coach, he made a name for himself on the international racing scene, collecting titles and podium finishes across prestigious single-seater and GT championships.
After an impressive run in Formula Campus (F4) where he finished as the Vice-Champion of France, he moved up to the highly competitive Formula Renault 2.0 series– the springboard for many F1 drivers– where he earned the coveted Rookie of the Year title. Continuing with his success, Navarro went on to secure multiple podiums in the French and European GT Championships, as well as a pole position and a podium in the Speedcar Series, where he competed against Formula 1 drivers such as Jean Alesi and Jacques Villeneuve. Proving his skill behind the wheel at every level, he also finished 4th in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo European Championship with several podium finishes.
He says, “Every lap is an opportunity to progress, every mistake a chance to learn, every victory the result of invisible work.”
Navarro’s journey into the elite world of racing and coaching began back home in the Haute-Savoie region of France when he received his first go-kart from his father as a birthday present at the age of 10. From that moment, he was hooked. After a year of impressive lap times his father began entering him into races– and that is where he really began to shine. In his first year he landed several podium positions and in 2003 he finished 3rd in the French championship in the ICA category. A rather high category in the karting world hierarchy, this finish signalled that Navaro could have a career behind the wheel of a race car.
“Karting is excellent preparation for driving a race car,” explains Navarro. “Many racing drivers started with go-karting. It teaches you a lot, particularly how to take a corner with the right trajectory, the ideal moment to brake, and when to accelerate… Completing several seasons of karting helps you learn to handle the pressure of a race weekend, maintain focus, and manage a race effectively.”
Navarro’s achievements on the track were undeniable — competing against some of the best in the sport, securing podiums in multiple championships, and proving himself in both single-seaters and GT racing. But while he was focused on his own progression as a driver, another passion started to take shape: helping others unlock their potential behind the wheel.
“It all happened quite naturally and in parallel with my participation in races. I wanted to share my skills and experience with young drivers who were just starting out,” Navarro recalls. “For me, coaching is a really fascinating profession. It allows me to put my experience at the service of others, to pass on my knowledge and my passion.”
What started as occasional mentorship soon evolved into a full-fledged coaching career. Whether training aspiring professionals in single-seaters or guiding first-time supercar drivers, Navarro brought the same level of precision, discipline and dedication that made him a successful racer. In 2008 Navarro received his Professional Driving Diploma (BPJEPS), a mandatory certification for high-performance driving coaches in France– one that sets a rigorous standard not mandated in the US.
He says, “For me, the most satisfying feedback is really seeing the evolution of my students, their progress and the fact that they are really reaching the goal we set together.”
Over the years Navarro has coached clients ranging from ordinary people and supercar owners to professional racers looking to shave seconds off their time. Some of his professional racing clients include Ferrari GT driver Thomas Neubauer, and Audi GT driver Simon Gachet.
“Working with Nicolas is a unique experience thanks to his technical expertise and his ability to explain things clearly and in a way that suits my level. He has not only helped me improve my driving but also manage the pressure of race weekends, which has boosted my confidence,” explains Simon Gachet. “His passion for motorsport is inspiring and motivates me to always give my best, both on and off the track. In addition to being an excellent coach, he builds trust and always knows the right words to motivate me during challenging times.”
When Navarro began working with Gachet in 2011, the young driver was stepping into a single-seater for the first time. Over the years, Navarro guided him through his development in Formula Renault Eurocup and ALPS, where they achieved standout performances — including victories against future Formula 1 drivers like Nyck de Vries and Charles Leclerc. As Gachet progressed, Navarro’s role evolved beyond just refining driving techniques like braking and trajectories. He became a key figure in Gachet’s race preparation, helping him with physical conditioning, stress management, and strategic race execution.
Now a professional driver competing at the highest levels of GT racing, Gachet’s success is something Navarro takes immense pride in. “Simon is the driver I’ve coached the longest,” he reflects. “It’s a great satisfaction for me to have contributed to his success.” This long-term mentorship exemplifies Navarro’s approach — his coaching extends far beyond the track, ensuring his drivers develop the mindset, fitness, and focus needed to perform under pressure.
Navarro’s ability to help elite drivers like Gachet refine their skill is a testament to his expertise — but his coaching isn’t reserved for professionals alone. Whether mentoring aspiring racers or helping everyday enthusiasts experience the thrill of high-performance driving, his philosophy remains the same– build confidence, improve technique, and maximize potential behind the wheel.
And this summer, he will be bringing that same approach to SpeedVegas, a premier motorsport destination designed to give clients an authentic, high-adrenaline driving experience. The venue is divided into three distinct sections: a karting track, a drifting circuit, and the main racetrack, where drivers can unleash the power of high-performance supercars. Each section offers unique challenges, making it the perfect playground for Navarro to apply his extensive expertise.
His background in karting, where he first developed his racecraft, makes him an ideal mentor for those starting out on the karting circuit, teaching them essential skills in race lines, braking control, and cornering techniques. His years in GT and single-seater racing, competing against some of the best drivers in the world, give him the experience to guide clients through the main track, where they’ll have the opportunity to push a fleet of some of the most sought-after supercars to their limits.
“I would like my clients to finish their session with a big smile, having made the most of the performance of the car they drove, and with only one desire: to do it all over again,” admits Navarro.
At SpeedVegas, Navarro will be coaching clients in an elite lineup of vehicles, including Ferrari models such as the 488 GTB, F8 Tributo, 488 Challenge Evo, 488 Pista, and the hybrid-powered 296 GTB; Lamborghini’s Huracán series, including the high-performance STO and Tecnica; Porsche’s precision-engineered 911 GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 RS, and 718 Cayman GT4/RS; as well as McLaren, Aston Martin, and other exotic supercars. Each of these cars demands a unique driving approach, from handling the raw power of a Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo on track to perfecting the balance and aerodynamics of a Porsche GT3 RS. Another highlight of Navarro joining the team is that he will personally be driving wishful clients on “drifting ride-alongs,” a unique experience that has been voted one of the best thrills in Las Vegas. During these ride-alongs clients will get to see what it feels like to drift at high speed around corners and truly understand how much skill and finesse goes into Navarro’s driving– an experience that could be guided by none-other than a highly trained driver.
With his decades of racing experience and coaching expertise, Navarro will be more than just an instructor — he will be a mentor, helping clients unlock the full potential of both car and driver. Whether guiding a first-time supercar driver through their initial laps or fine-tuning the technique of a seasoned enthusiast, his presence at SpeedVegas promises to elevate the experience for everyone.
