- Details
- Category: Oval Racing
June 9, 2023
Over his 11 NASCAR Pinty's victories, L.P. Dumoulin has won at five of the 11 active tracks in the series. However, there is one oval on the schedule that has plagued the driver - Autodrome Chaudière.
Across his seven starts at the Vallée-Jonction, Que. bullring, Dumoulin has amassed two podium finishes, four top-fives, five top-tens, two E3 Spark Plug Pole Awards, and has led 338 laps, a record at the track. Last year he won the pole, led 54 laps, and finished fourth.
“We very often obtained good results at Autodrome Chaudière. It is also a track that I know very well because it is like our test track," said Dumoulin. "I like the track, with its 18° banked turns, but also the atmosphere as there are always thousands of race fans in the grandstands for our annual race there.”
Labelled one of the more unique tracks on the series circuit, Chaudière stands apart with its iconic, bright green walls, and tight, side-by-side racing. It is also one of the most high-octane and dramatic for drivers and fans.
“Everything will depend on the number of full-course yellows. If there are yellow flags early in the event, we all know the expression 'yellows bring yellows',” said Dumoulin. “On the other side, if we’re able to make a long run on the green, it’ll be important to be patient, avoid contact and aim for the points.”
After a winless 2022 season, Dumoulin is optimistic that a checkered flag is coming. The No. 47 team visited Chaudière for a test session during the most recent off-weeks and feel that they are starting to build positive momentum.
“The [test] session was successful, we were able to find small things to improve on the car, which gives us great confidence for the race on Saturday,” explained Dumoulin. “No matter where the race takes place, our tests are always done at the Autodrome Chaudière because it’s not only a demanding track but also the closest to our race shop, in Trois-Rivières.”
“I will obviously work very hard to bring car #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare Dodge on the way to victory but I am also thinking of the championship.”
Guenette to Race Dale Earnhardt Tribute Paint Scheme with GM Paillé
Alex Guenette recently announced that he and Ed Hakonson Racing would be joining forces with GM Paillé for the three Quebec races this season.
Additionally, the No. 3 GM Paillé/ASSA ABLOY Chevrolet will sport a special paint scheme to celebrate NASCAR’s 75th anniversary - a Dale Earnhardt GM GoodWrench tribute.
“I’m very primed for this association. I have been talking with Jean-Claude [Paillé] for a long time and we are happy to come up with this partnership for 2023,” said Guenette.
Debuting this Saturday at Autodrome Chaudière, fans will also be able to see the paint scheme on track at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (August 5 & 6), which Guenette won last season, and at Circuit ICAR (August 26).
Sam Fellows Returns with GM Paillé Backing
Earlier this week, Sam Fellows announced that he would be making his return to the series with a new sponsor and new car number.
Fellows will compete under the newly minted Fellows McGraw Racing (FMR) name. The FMR team will compete with Chevrolet Camaro race cars provided by GM Paillé Racing and will sport the No. 87.
While the number of races has yet to be determined, Fellows indicated the team intends to compete at both ovals and road courses, starting with the Bud Light 300 at Autodrome Chaudière this Saturday.
“First off I have to thank JC Paillé for his help on this, being able to race with Paillé equipment and represent the brand is an incredible honour,” said Fellows.
In addition to the support from GM Paillé, the FMR entry will be supported by longtime sponsor AER Manufacturing, along with support in Quebec from Canadian mattress company Polysleep. The FMR number 87 will sport a livery that pays tribute to Ron Fellows’ 1999 AER NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series winning car with NEMCO Motorsports.
“When I think back on my family’s history in NASCAR, the number 87 is the one that sticks out to me. I remember Dad [Ron Fellows] winning races in the 87 with sponsorship from AER and Bully Hill Vineyards. That partnership with the Nemecheks and crew chief Brian Pattie was truly a winning combination.”
NASCAR Pinty’s Series etc.
Mathieu Kingsbury will be making his first start of the 2023 season this weekend at Chaudière. The Blainville, Que. native made four starts last year, with his best finish of 14 coming at the Vallée-Jonction, Que. and at Circuit ICAR.
A number of other oval drivers will be back this weekend. Donald Theetge is one driver that has an impressive resume at Autodrome Chaudière. He’s led 128 laps, has three top-fives and a pole award. Last year he started second alongside Dumoulin but after struggles late in the race, he finished 21st. Newfoundland and Labrador drivers, Josh Collins and Brandon McFarlane will also be back this weekend for their second start of the 2023 season.
The Bud Light 300 at Autodrome Chaudière will stream live on TSN+ in Canada and on FloRacing in the United States at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The race will broadcast on tape-delay on TSN on Saturday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. and on RDS2 on Sunday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Race Bud Light 300
Date / Start Time Saturday, June 10, 2023 / 5:30 p.m. ET.
Track / Location Autodrome Chaudière (Vallée-Jonction, QC)
TV TSN: Saturday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. ET / RDS2: Sunday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. ET
Live Stream Canada: TSN+ USA: FloRacing
Nouvelles et notes de la série NASCAR Pinty's - Louis-Philippe Dumoulin à la recherche d'une première victoire dans les Chaudières
Parmi ses 11 victoires en NASCAR Pinty's, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin a gagné sur cinq des 11 circuits actifs de la série. Cependant, il y a un circuit ovale à conquérir : l'Autodrome Chaudière.
Lors de ses sept départs à Vallée-Jonction, au Québec, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin a obtenu deux podiums, quatre top-5, cinq top-10, deux bourses E3 Spark Plug Pole et a mené 338 tours, un record sur ce circuit. L'année dernière, il a décroché la pole position, mené 54 tours et terminé quatrième.
« Nous avons très souvent obtenu de bons résultats à l'Autodrome Chaudière. C'est aussi un circuit que je connais très bien, car c'est en quelque sorte notre piste d'essais », mentionne le triple champion de la série. « J’apprécie la piste, avec ses virages à 18° ainsi que l'ambiance, car il y a toujours des milliers d'amateurs de course dans les tribunes pour notre course annuelle à cet endroit. »
Considérée comme une des pistes uniques de la série, Chaudière se distingue par ses murs emblématiques d'un vert éclatant et ses courses serrées où les pilotes roulent côte-à-côte. C'est aussi l'un des circuits les plus intenses et spectaculaires pour les coureurs et amateurs.
« Tout dépendra du nombre de neutralisations sur l'ensemble de la course. S'il y a des neutralisations en début d'épreuve nous savons tous que les jaunes attirent les jaunes », explique Louis-Philippe Dumoulin. « D'un autre côté, si nous sommes en mesure de faire un long relais sur drapeau vert, il sera important d'être patient, éviter les contacts et se battre intelligemment pour accumuler des points au championnat. »
Après une saison 2022 sans victoire, Dumoulin est optimiste en vue de remporter des victoires cette saison. L'équipe n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Groupe Bellemare s'est rendue à Chaudière pour une séance d'essais au cours des dernières semaines et estime retrouver son rythme d'attaque.
« La séance d'essais a été un succès, nous avons trouvé des détails à améliorer sur la voiture, ce qui nous rend confiants pour la course de samedi », souligne Louis-Philippe Dumoulin. « Peu importe où la course a lieu, nos essais sont effectués à l'Autodrome Chaudière parce que c'est non seulement une piste exigeante, mais aussi celle qui est la plus près de notre atelier mécanique, à Trois-Rivières. »
« Je vais évidemment travailler très fort pour amener la voiture n°47 WeatherTech Canada / Groupe Bellemare sur le chemin de la victoire, mais je pense aussi au championnat. »
Guénette participe à un programme en hommage à Dale Earnhardt avec GM Paillé
Alex Guénette a récemment annoncé que lui et Ed Hakonson Racing s'associaient à GM Paillé pour les trois courses au Québec cette saison.
De plus, la Chevrolet no3 GM Paillé / ASSA ABLOY arborera une peinture spéciale pour célébrer le 75e anniversaire de NASCAR - un hommage à Dale Earnhardt GM GoodWrench.
« Je suis très enthousiaste à l'idée de cette association. Je discute depuis longtemps avec Jean-Claude [Paillé] et nous sommes heureux d'en arriver à ce partenariat pour 2023 », explique Guénette.
Lancé ce samedi à l'Autodrome Chaudière, les amateurs pourront également admirer le lettrage unique de la voiture, en piste au Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (5 et 6 août), que Guénette a remporté la saison dernière, et au Circuit ICAR (26 août).
Sam Fellows de retour avec le soutien de GM Paillé
Plus tôt cette semaine, Sam Fellows a annoncé qu'il ferait son retour dans la série avec un nouveau commanditaire et un nouveau numéro de voiture.
Fellows courra sous le nouveau nom de Fellows McGraw Racing (FMR). L'équipe FMR utilisera des Chevrolet Camaro fournies par GM Paillé Racing et portera le numéro 87.
Bien que le nombre de courses n'ait pas encore été déterminé, Fellows a indiqué que l'équipe a l'intention de participer à la fois à des circuits ovales et routiers, en commençant par le Bud Light 300 à l'Autodrome Chaudière ce samedi.
« Tout d'abord, je dois remercier Jean-Claude Paillé pour son aide. Avoir l’opportunité de courir avec l'équipement Paillé et représenter la marque est un honneur », s’exclame Fellows.
En plus du soutien de GM Paillé, l'équipe FMR sera appuyée par le partenaire de longue date AER Manufacturing, ainsi que par l'entreprise canadienne de matelas Polysleep au Québec. Le numéro 87 de FMR sera lettrée en hommage aux succès de la voiture de Ron Fellows en série NASCAR Craftsman Truck en 1999 avec NEMCO Motorsports.
« Quand je repense à l'histoire de ma famille en NASCAR, le numéro 87 est celui qui me vient le plus à l'esprit. Je me souviens que mon père [Ron Fellows] a gagné des courses avec la 87, avec l'aide de AER et Bully Hill Vineyards. Ce partenariat avec les Nemechek et le chef d'équipe Brian Pattie était vraiment une combinaison gagnante. »
Séries NASCAR Pinty’s etc.
Mathieu Kingsbury prendra son premier départ de la saison 2023 ce week-end à Chaudière. Le natif de Blainville, Québec, a pris part à quatre courses l'an dernier, son meilleur résultat (14e) ayant été obtenu à Vallée-Jonction et au circuit ICAR.
Plusieurs autres pilotes de circuit ovale seront de retour cette fin de semaine. Donald Theetge est un pilote qui a une feuille de route impressionnante à l'Autodrome Chaudière. Il a mené 128 tours, a obtenu trois top-5 et une pole position. L'an dernier, il a pris le départ en deuxième position aux côtés de Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, mais il a terminé 21e, après avoir connu des difficultés en fin de course. Les pilotes de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, Josh Collins et Brandon McFarlane, seront également de retour ce week-end pour leur deuxième départ de la saison 2023.
Le Bud Light 300 à l'Autodrome Chaudière sera diffusé en direct sur TSN+ au Canada et sur FloRacing aux États-Unis à 17 h 15 ce samedi 10 juin 2023. La course sera diffusée en différé sur TSN le samedi 17 juin à 17 h 30 et sur RDS2 le dimanche 25 juin à 17 h 30 HE.
Course Bud Light 300
Date / Départ samedi 10 juin 2023 / 17 h 30 HNE.
Piste / Lieu Autodrome Chaudière (Vallée-Jonction, QC)
TV TSN : samedi 17 juin à 17 h 30 HNE / RDS2 : dimanche 25 juin à 17 h 30 HNE
Diffusion en direct Canada : TSN+ USA : FloRacing
- Details
- Category: Oval Racing
June 8, 2023
Saint-Eustache, Quebec – It's already time for the third round of the NASCAR Pinty's season. Autodrome Chaudière will host the 300-lap race this Saturday evening. Kevin Lacroix will be commandeering the #74 NAPA Synthetic Motor Oil |Valvoline car for the Bud Light 300.
Kevin Lacroix is currently sitting third in the championship ahead of the upcoming round, just 13 points behind the leader, Treyten Lapcevich. At last year's event, Lacroix came out on top despite having an underperforming car. He was able to fight his way into the Top 5, but had to settle for 13th place as a result of picking up a late-stage puncture with 20 laps to go.
"We held a pre–season test with our new car at Autodrome Chaudière," explained Kevin. "It went really well, so I'm hoping to repeat that performance for this event. I'm certainly aiming for a Top 3, and I think we've got the car to do it. However, people always get their elbows out at Autodrome Chaudière, so we'll have to be patient and strategic, and think more about points than the victory."
Lacroix has had a satisfactory start to the season, finishing 3rd at Sunset Speedway, followed by a 4th place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, collecting some valuable points to put in the bank. Autodrome Chaudière is a 1/4-mile oval track that holds no secrets for him. In 2019, he finished 2nd in an action-packed event, while the local hero Raphaël Lessard took the win.
The practice session at 11:20am will kick off Saturday's event. Individual qualifying will take place at 4:00pm, followed by the Bud Light 300 at 5:30pm.
About Lacroix Motorsport: Lacroix Motorsport is a race team created in 2015 from Sylvain Lacroix and Serge Bourdeau’s idea. They wanted to race for pleasure on road tracks in the Canadian NASCAR series. After Kevin Lacroix’s first two wins, and seeing his son’s potential, Sylvain decided to participate full-time in the series. Lacroix Motorsport is not only a team in the NASCAR Pinty’s, in fact, Dany Lacroix, Kevin’s brother, also races in the STCH Cup Formula Tour 1600 in Kent Class.
Lacroix Motorsport stems from an idea and passion. By creating this team, world snowmobile champion, Sylvain Lacroix has made it a family affair.
- Details
- Category: Oval Racing
June 8, 2023
Berthierville, Quebec – GM Paillé joins forces with Alex Guenette for three races in 2023, as the driver will sport the colors of the #1 GM dealer in Canada for the Quebec races of the NASCAR Pinty’s series.
Debuting next Saturday at Autodrome Chaudiere, this new association will also be effective for the NASCAR Pinty’s races at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, on August 5-6, and at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, on August 26.
Guenette, winner of the NASCAR Pinty’s race at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières last year, is thrilled to partner with GM Paillé for select races in 2023. “I’m very primed for this association. I have been talking with Jean-Claude for a long time, and we are happy to come up with this partnership for 2023,” said Guenette,
Guenette, whose family owns recreational products dealers Motos Illimitées and Ducati Montréal, also shares common values with GM Paillé.
“This partnership will go beyond racing. We are the best in our respective industries, and we are working on a long-term association for both our businesses. I can learn a lot from Jean-Claude and I am sure that both our dealers can benefit from this association,” explained Guenette.
“Values of excellence, family and teamwork are in our blood, and we think that Alex will be an excellent ambassador for the Paillé brand. We are proud to have him as a part of our big family,” added Jean-Claude Paillé, CEO of GM Paillé.
Guenette will be at the wheel of the GM Paillé/ASSA ABLOY n°3 Chevrolet Camaro prepared by Ed Hakonson Racing team, in collaboration with Choko Authentics and Fast Eddie Speedwear. The n°3 will display a special livery for NASCAR 75th anniversary, as a tribute to 7-time NASCAR Cup champion and 1998 Daytona 500 winner, Dale Earnhardt, famous black GM Goodwrench n°3 Camaro.
This partnership is also an excellent visibility for GM Paillé. “We are convinced that motorsport is an excellent vehicle for marketing and promotion, and we reassess that belief with this partnership with Alex. As we value excellence, we are persuaded that the GM Paillé brand can be at the top of the leaderboard during those races,” concluded Mr. Paillé.
Alex Guenette will be on track this Saturday, as the NASCAR Pinty’s series is at Autodrome Chaudière in Vallée-Jonction, QC. Practice session is scheduled at 11:20 AM, qualifying at 4 PM, and the green flag for the Budweiser 300 will drop at 5:30 PM.
- Details
- Category: Oval Racing
June 8, 2023
Vallée-Jonction, Québec – This Saturday marks NASCAR Pinty’s first even on Quebec soil this season. It will also be Thomas Nepveu's first time racing in Quebec in several years.
The young driver from Oka will be behind the wheel of the #24 Evirum | Home Hardware Nepveu car for the Bud Light 300, a 300-lap event at Autodrome Chaudière in Vallée-Jonction. It's a homecoming affair for Nepveu, who hasn't raced in Quebec since his karting days.
The Autodrome Chaudière, known for its trademark lime green walls, is the steepest track in Quebec, with a 7 degree variation between the bottom and top of the track, for a total incline of 18 degrees.
The 1/4-mile oval track located in the heart of the Beauce region is the cradle of Quebec stock car racing. Several renowned drivers have driven on its asphalt, including Raphaël Lessard and Alex Labbé.
Thomas is well prepared coming into this event and very determined, having completed his very first NASCAR Pinty's test there last fall. "I can't wait to get back on track at Vallée-Jonction, and to go racing in Quebec again," said Thomas. "We managed to qualify well in the first race of the season at Sunset Speedway, and I hope to be able to do so again on Saturday night."
He went on to say that "racing at Autodrome Chaudière is an honour, especially given the history that permeates this track. The ownership group has done a lot of great things to help young people move up the motorsport ladder, and they have enabled drivers to compete in many different stock car classes."
Saturday's practice session starts at 11:20am, followed by individual qualifying at 4:00pm. Afterwards, the autograph session will take place in the grandstands at 4:30pm. The green flag for the Bud Light 300 will be waved at 5:30pm. The race will be broadcast live on the TSN+ app.
- Details
- Category: Oval Racing
June 7, 2023
Trois-Rivières, Quebec – After two events presented in May in Ontario, the 2023 NASCAR Pinty's season continues this Saturday, June 10 in Quebec, on the Autodrome Chaudière, an oval located in Vallée-Jonction, in the Beauce region. This will be the first of three events on Quebec soil this year for the drivers of the Canadian NASCAR series, on a quarter-mile track that Louis-Philippe Dumoulin knows perfectly. After taking pole position and then fourth in the race last year, the driver of car #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare will of course be aiming for victory, without forgetting that the saeson is still long and it’s important to think about the points that the Top 5 finish can earn.
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who is currently fifth in the standings, intends to take advantage of this event to gain even more positions: “We very often obtained good results at Autodrome Chaudière. It is also a track that I know very well because it is like our test track, when it comes time to test our oval car. No matter where the race takes place, our tests are always done at the Autodrome Chaudière because it’s not only a demanding track but also the closest to our race shop, in Trois-Rivières. I like the track, with its 18° banked turns, but also the atmosphere as there are always thousands of race fans in the grandstands for our annual race there.”
The driver of car #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare adds: "I can't wait to see all the fans in the grandstands and in the paddocks and I think we should give them a great show because this track allows the drivers to stay two wide in the turns and to fight side by side for a many laps.”
Three-time champion of the NASCAR Pinty's series, the driver from Trois-Rivières went with the Dumoulin Compétition team to do a test session last week at the Autodrome Chaudière. “This session was successful, we were able to find small things to improve on the car, which gives us great confidence for the race on Saturday. This is important because from this event, the pace of events will really accelerate, with Vallée-Jonction then Newfoundland, Toronto and the West tour; all of this by the end of July,” says Louis-Philippe.
Last year, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin led 54 laps of the Vallée-Jonction event. This time, with 21 drivers expected to take part in the race, he is aware that anything can happen. “It should be a typical short oval race. Everything will depend on the number of full-course yellows. If there are yellow flags early in the event, we all know the expression 'yellows bring yellows'. On the other side, if we’re able to make a long run on the green, it’ll be important to be patient, avoid contacts and aim for the points. I will obviously work very hard to bring car #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare on the way to victory but I am also thinking of the championship” concludes Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.
The free practice session will take place from 11:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by qualifying session from 4 p.m. Fans will be able to show up for the drivers' autograph session between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The start of the BUD LIGHT 300, a race of 300 laps, will be given at 5:30 p.m.
Event
BUD LIGHT 300
Track
Autodrome Chaudière (Quebec) - June 10, 2023
Broadcast
TSN app | TSN.ca | RDS (tape delayed) | FloRacing (USA)
Race
5:30 PM E.T. – nascar.ca/race-center/