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Alex Labbe took a top 5 in the NASCAR Pinty's Series opener at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. (Photo-Mike Sullivan/RaceCanada.ca)

By: Go Fas Racing Canada 
May 24 2017 

Bowmanville, Ontario – The NASCAR Pinty’s Series kicked off its 2017 season last Sunday onto the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for the Can-Am 200. Behind the wheel of the Ford Fusion Can-Am/Kappa No. 32, young driver Alex Labbé fought all day against the deluge of Mother Nature to grab his first top-5 of the year.

Starting 5th on the grid, the young protégé of Go FAS Racing has launched the race under quite unpredictable weather conditions. Early in the race Labbé did not push it too hard since he anticipated some various neutralization in the first half of the race. Fortunately his strategy paid off because with only 22 laps completed a pilot slipped dangerously bringing the entire field under the yellow flag. The No. 32 team’s crew chief, Mario Gosselin took advantages of caution and called his driver to the pits for much needed adjustments to the car according to the current rather dry conditions.

The modifications applied have given remarkable power to the ride. A few laps later, Alex was back among the top-10 and managed his way to the 7th place. “Mario made the right adjustments,” explains Alex Labbé. “As soon as I came out of the pits, I made several passes and I did not give respite to the others. The Ford Can-Am/Kappa was fast, but when the rain struck, it quickly became very hard to drive. It was a tough fight for everyone, we couldn’t see a thing on the backstretch. ”

A Result That Aligns With The Main Goal

The team supported by BRP (Bombardier’s recreational products) leaves Bowmanville sits in 5th in the drivers and owners’ standings. Labbé added: “The most important thing for us this year is to be constant. We are very satisfied with our weekend and we remain focused on our goal to win the championship.”

Alex Labbé will head to Charlotte to take part in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday. While the Go FAS Racing team will be back on track on June 3 at the Delaware Speedway.

Loyal Partners

All Can-Am, Kappa and Cyclops Gear have been supporting Alex Labbe in the NASCAR Pinty’s season with Go FAS Racing in 2016. Labbe has finished seventh in the championship standing with a first win at the Autodrome Chaudière, four pole positions in qualifications, six top-5 and eight top-10 in 12 starts.

Event: Can-Am 200
Series: NASCAR Pinty's
Location: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville
Format: 200 miles, 51 laps.
Start/Finish: 5th/5th
Team: Go FAS Racing