By: Dumoulin Competition
July 9 2017
Mirabel, Quebec – Jean-Francois Dumoulin started 11th in this 75-lap NASCAR Pinty’s Series race yesterday, aboard of his #04 Spectra Premium/ Bernier Crépeau / Groupe Bellemare / MIA car. He then spent the first 65 laps clawing his way through the pack on the shortened and spectacular track at Circuit ICAR (Mirabel, Québec). The hard-fought battle had him in the Top-5 group for what turned out to be several caution periods in those final ten laps, including the brutal restarts when anyone up front goes a little crazy taking their shot at winning.
Right in the middle of that battle, the Trois-Rivières veteran was struck down and out of the race when he ran into a problem in the fuel system of his car with three laps to go. Up to that point, the car had been perfect and Jean-Francois was in line for his best finish ever at ICAR. In the end, this race demonstrated the growing capabilities and professionalism of the #04 Spectra Premium/ Bernier Crépeau / Groupe Bellemare / MIA team, albeit without the satisfaction of the great finish they deserved.
After the race, Jean-Francois Dumoulin was able to see through his conflicting emotions: “We are certainly all thrilled by the overall performance of our car. Our comeback to the lead group and into a winning position after starting 11th is proof of the competitiveness of our car – our team certainly gave me a potential winner, perfect in every key area of performance. Restarts for example, are now a very strong area for us, allowing me to gain positions on every restart. This is a key element in a tight race like we had here and will have next weekend in Toronto, where we certainly expect to be with the leaders at the end.”
Next Race: Pinty’s Grand Prix of Toronto (ON) July 14 and 15, 2017.
Jean-François Dumoulin has done well over the years at the "Honda Indy of Toronto" in several types of cars. This year marks only his second participation in the NASCAR Pinty’s race here, at the wheel of his #04 Spectra Premium / Bernier Crépeau / Groupe Bellemare/ MIA car. This Jean-Francois Dumoulin first full season in the series, and the extra racing has helped him and his technical group to further develop the car, turning the whole team into potential race winners, especially on a track such as Toronto that J-F knows intimately. Good thing, as no errors are tolerated on the Toronto street layout, just like in Trois-Rivières, with cement walls all around both tracks. This type of track is J-F’s forte, when every move must be planned and executed perfectly to make to the end of the race and win.
“THE RACE AGAINST CANCER”
Our cause is a noble one, and it has certainly struck a generous chord amongst all of us, young and a little older – as most of us are... The tide of contributions is growing, as everyone is swept up in raising funds for the Québec Cancer Foundation. We were back at the track this weekend, looking to cover the rear trunk covers on both Jean-François et Louis-Philippe Dumoulin’s cars with names and commitments. We collected an additional $ 714,00 this weekend, bringing out total to date to: $ 2074,00.
Race results at: http://hometracks.nascar.com/results/nps-icar-7817-results
The race will be broadcast on TSN on Sunday, July 15 at noon as well as on RDS on Sunday, July 23 at 2:00 pm.
ABOUT PARTNERS
Spectra Premium Industries is a privately held company headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada. Spectra Premium is a team of more than 1,300 dedicated employees that specializes in auto parts manufacturing and distribution. The Company owns and operates four manufacturing plants and 17 warehouses. With its international distribution networks and unparalleled customer and after sales service, Spectra Premium is the automobile manufacturers’, auto technicians’ and handymen’s choice for reliable, quality parts and automotive systems. Trust your vehicle to Spectra Premium. spectrapremium.com
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. 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! 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!” 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. troisrivieresmitsubishi.com
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).
Caught the attention of the renowned Player's Driver Development Program scout (Formula Ford and Formula Atlantic), became one of the youngest drivers ever to be recruited, and was touted as a strong contender for the championship title in Formula Ford (1996 and 1997 seasons).
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 7th position aboard a badly damaged car and won the hearts of numerous fans and reporters.
In 2000, he was the Motorola Cup Series Vice-Champion, during a season that included a 1st place podium finish after having begun the race in 52nd position at the Molson Indy event in Ontario, Canada.