First race on oval circuit – Autodrome Chaudière

Vallée-Jonction, Québec – A specialist of road circuits, it’s with eagerness that Jean-François Dumoulin successfully tackled the challenge of taking part in his first race on oval track at Autodrome Chaudière yesterday, behind the wheel of the #04 Dodge Bernier Crépeau / Groupe Bellemare / MIA. With the precious contribution of Éric Laperle, crew chief, the goal was met for the one who wanted to gain experience and, above all, to finish the race.

Action and strategy were the centerpiece yesterday for the hundredth event of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series, which was punctuated with eight caution (56/300 laps). Jean-François Dumoulin skillfully managed to avoid incidents, and maintained his position to finish in fourteenth place. Through learning and settings management, maintaining consistency and speed was complex in these conditions.

“It was a fantastic experience, the driving is completely different. The teammates were all motivated. It was a lot more intense than I thought; it wasn’t easy, especially after the first 100 laps. The #04 Dodge Bernier Crépeau / Group Bellemare / MIA was pushing. A few incidents made us lose laps and I was more comfortable on the outside than on the inside. The driving strategy during restarts will notably need improvement. During the last caution, we’ve tried another adjustment in order to improve the car. We will need to do our homework and show up with determination at Sunset Speedway,” explains Jean-François Dumoulin.

Second race on oval track for Jean-François Dumoulin

Sunset Speedway (Innisfil, Ontario) – The Leland Industries 300 presented by Johnsonville

Every track has its particularities. There are effects on driving to adapt to, and the mechanical tweaks that have to be made are just as important. Like series veterans, Jean-François Dumoulin will compete for the first time on the Sunset Speedway track this upcoming Saturday (June 20). Since its acquisition by new owners in 2009 (track in operation since 1968) – Mark Dilley, a veteran of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series, is one of the co-owners – the circuit has undergone improvement work (extended the track for 50', a pit road was added, and more) in order to be more accessible for fans and to host different important series.

“Adjustments will be made to the car, and with the advice of my crew chief, Éric Laperle, we wish to improve the speed and driving strategy for Sunset. Once again, we want to finish the race above all else, and develop the necessary skills to make our way across the traffic on the track,” shares the driver of the #04 Dodge Bernier Crépeau / Group Bellemare / MIA / Trois-Rivières Mitsubishi.

* The race will be broadcast on TSN on June 21 at 12 p.m. and on July 3 at 10 p.m RDS2.

FEATS AND HIGHLIGHTS JEAN-FRANÇOIS DUMOULIN

First podium in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series on May 17, 2015 (3rd place – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park)
The first Quebec-born driver to win twice the Rolex 24 in Daytona; 2004 (SGS and 2007 (GT).
The youngest racer to have been part of the Player's Development Team.
Champion of the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge GS, USA in 2003 (9 podiums).
Champion of the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sport Car Challenge ST, USA in 2002 (5 podiums).
In Montreal's 2009 edition of Nascar Nationwide, he finished his first race in the 7th position aboard a badly damaged car and wins the heart of numerous fans and reporters.
In 2000, earns a 2nd place championship win in the Motorola Cup Series in which he racked a 1st podium after having begun the race 52nd at the Molson Indy event in Ontario, Canada.

Bernier Crepeau Chrysler Fiat: With 25 years of experience, the family business has built an enviable reputation in the field of vehicle acquisition. If the future of this company is linked to the loyalty of its customers, it is also held by the reliability and strong communication of its team. This team is at your disposal, ready to listen to you, to hear you. Passion, care, and determination. A team willing to go the extra mile, with its ears wide open. http://www.berniercrepeau.com/.

Group Bellemare: Competitive and dynamic, Thomas Bellemare's innovative and growing family team is ready to take on any challenge. With support from senior members and a qualified team of managers, the third-generation Bellemares are reaching new heights. Built upon a solid past, the company moves forward with an exceptional team of experts and seeks a select group of clients. Our clients continue to benefit from our wide variety of services that target a large number of sectors. As a result, our visibility is constantly on the rise. Working with the Bellemare team has become a measure of success. Start off right by choosing a winning team! www.groupebellemare.com

MIA – Motorsports In Action: With over 50 years of combined Motorsport experience, MIA is making a name for itself in the industry in “La Belle Province”. Being trackside, situated at Autodrome St-Eustache, gives our clients “real time” results, testing their vehicles. One stop shopping is our strength, from high-end mechanics, exotic automotive maintenance, complete race car building and design to prestige paint and meticulous detailing. “Leave it, then enjoy it!” http://motorsportsinaction.com.

Trois-Rivières Mitsubishi is proud to be one of the first Mitsubishi dealers in Canada (opening in 2002). The commitment from Mitsubishi is defined by the quality, reliability and durability of its vehicles, notably with their 10-year warranty, the best in the industry! Pride, integrity and respect are the values of the Trois-Rivières Mitsubishi team. www.troisrivieresmitsubishi.com