By: Raphaël Lessard Racing
January 30 2017 

Cordele, Georgia - Raphaël Lessard, from St-Joseph-de-Beauce, launched his 2017 racing season with a Top-10 during SpeedFest 2017 at Crisp Motorsports Park today. Raphaël started 22nd only to finish 10th in the 200-lap race of the Champion Racing Association (CRA) series at the Watermelon Capital Speedway.

Returning for a second season at the helm of his Toyota Camry #99 FRL Express/Team Coach Imaging/Toyota-TRD/JBLAudio car prepared by David Gilliland Racing team, Raphaël had a race without major problems as he made his way up, passing experimented drivers. Having had a tough qualifying session after a mechanical breakdown prevented him from doing a good time, Raphaël did not stay long in the back of the pack as he climbed back, imposing his rhythm by reaching the 10th place after only 71 laps, and even making it to 9th position during the 138th lap.

As usual, Raphaël was able to pass his competitors using the outside line, an extremely difficult thing in oval races. At the end of the race, the car became harder to drive. Despite the return of his suspension issues , Lessard managed to keep his 10th position till the end of the race.

Raphaël will be back behind the wheel during the Rattler 250 in the SSS series at the South Alabama Speedway, March 16 -19. Meanwhile, the Beauceron driver will return home to “see the snow”, as per his words.

Raphaël Lessard: “It was an OK weekend. We had some mechanical issues in qualification because a piece broke in the rear of the car. During the race it was the same thing, we also had problems. At the beginning of the race, I was able to make a great comeback because I found a good outside line to use. After a pit stop where the team changed my tires, it went well for a few laps, but after that our suspension problem came back. All in all, I am happy that I brought it home in 10th place after what happened! I have to thank many times David Gilliland Racing team, the guys didn’t stop working on the car. Thanks to FRL Express, Team Coach Imaging, Toyota TRD and JBL Audio who are still supporting me this year”.