2016-07-06

Toonie Grandstand Admission Night Fires Up Peterborough Speedway Fans

Toonie Grandstand Admission Night Fires Up Peterborough Speedway Fans

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 




The 2016 campaign at Canada's Toughest 3rd of a Mile Paved Oval continues to roll, with amazing battles at every turn. Saturday, July 9th Pepsi presents the year's second Fan Appreciation Night, with Toonie Spectator Grandstand admission. Peterborough Speedway's home track Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun, Jiffy Lube Mini Stock, Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car and Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model divisions will be joined by the INEX Ontario Legends for an incredible show. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says it's a great chance to experience the best in short track stock car racing excitement.

 

"There aren't too many places where you can entertain a family of 5 for $10, but we've managed to put it together," said Josiasse. "Our drivers and race teams get pumped-up for these shows and love the opportunity to meet the fans who show their support week-after-week. Its more than just signing autographs and handing-out treats. They're building base of support that will last for years and that's a great way to create a new generation of fans."

 

For the Fan Appreciation/Toonie Spectator Grandstand Admission Night – Saturday, July 9th – pit gates will open at2:00, with the spectator areas unlocked at 4:00 and the first qualifying heat taking the Great Canadian RV green flag at 5:00.

 

Looking ahead at the schedule finds some of the year's biggest events and touring series ready to tackle the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City. The return of the APC Pro Late Model Series – with 4Fun, Renegade Truck and Thunder Car divisions – is Saturday, July 16th. Country 105 presents the Mid Summer Bash – featuring the Mini Stocks, Renegade Trucks, Thunder Cars, Late Models and the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series – Saturday, July 23rd. The Touring Chase for the Colours show – with the OSCAAR Super Late Models, Modifieds, Midgets, Pro Midgets; as well as Peterborough Speedway 4Fun and Mini Stock classes – is Saturday, July 30th.

 

Full schedule details, along with up to the minute news and results are always available atwww.peterboroughspeedway.com, by liking the track on Facebook or following it on Twitter. You can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone.


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Soirée Lightning Sprint 2016

2016-07-04

  

  

  

Pour diffusion immédiate  

  

  

  

Objet : Soirée Lightning Sprint 2016

 

-Autodrome Granby. Ce vendredi 8 juillet, en plus de nos classes régulières nous accueillons nos rapides Lightning Sprint pour leur seule visite annuelle. Une quinzaine d'entre eux nous ont déjà fait part de leur présence.

 

Modifié Metalia 50 tours  

François #1* et Steve #25* Bernier sont premiers dans les points devant Kayle Robidoux #46 et Steve Bernard #54. Dominic Dufault #63 est à égalité avec Bernard sur la 4ème place du cumul. Dimanche à Cornwall Mario Clair #22 a terminé 9ème dans la voiture #22D du propriétaire Roy Delorimier.

 

Sportsman Metalia 50 tours  

Martin Hébert #43 continue d'avoir le dessus sur Martin Pelletier #92, mais Dany Gagné #90 est maintenant égal à Pelletier sur la deuxième position du classement. Dany Gagné #90 était du côté de Cornwall dimanche, parti 15ème, il a terminé 6ème dans la course de 25 tours. Félix Murray #95 est encore quatrième au cumul de Granby et Alexandre Salvas #8 est de retour dans le top 5 au détriment de Michael Richard #3M.
 

Prostock 25 tours  

Jocelyn Roy #48 a 5 deuxièmes à son actif à l'Autodrome Granby en 2016, mais pas encore de victoire... Elle ne saurait tarder. Roy est premier au classement à 3 points devant Stéphane Lemire #115 qui connaît une saison de rêve. Bruno Cyr #33 est monté au troisième rang du cumul devant Steve Chaput #38 et Robert Larocque #07.

  

Lightning Sprint 20 tours

Jordan et Yannick Poirier #28 et #28P qui sont en tête de classement viendront croiser le fer ce vendredi. Alex Therrien #39 en troisième position du cumul souhaite réduire l'écart de 60 points entre lui et Jordan, mais Stéphane St-Laurent #29 n'est pas très loin de lui en quatrième place avec 3 points de différence. St-Laurent #29 qui a gagné au RPM le 30 juin dernier sa 11ème victoire après 10 ans d'abstinence, sera aussi présent sur notre piste. Enfin, nous retrouvons Pascal Lévesque #3 au top 5 du classement qui vient aussi vendredi.  Les vétérans Guillaume Neiderer #51 et Éric Sundborg #16 qui ont partagé le podium les deux dernières années à Granby tenteront de répéter l'expérience. Benjamin Malo #740 qui a débuté sa carrière l'an dernier, Alex Vigneault #21, Tomy Moreau #22 en 2014 et Sébastien Hébert #78H en 2013 ont tous levé la main en disant :  «présent vendredi». Michel Audy qui a laissé le volant en 2010 suite à un accident fait son retour en piste avec le numéro M14 ce vendredi au grand plaisir de ses fans. Les recrues Benoit Lafleur #8L, Xavier Lauzon #20 et Michael Benoit #25B viendront aussi tenter leur chance. Ce dernier n'a pas pu participer aux finales du RPM la semaine dernière étant donné un trouble électronique de moteur. La recrue la mieux positionnée au championnat, Sabrina Blanchet #79S devrait être là et à son avantage, car elle est à un seule point devant l'autre recrue Charles Bélanger #71.
 

À vendredi !  

  

Caroline Champigny, relationniste de l'Autodrome Granby  


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Craig Graham Comes off the Bench to Chase an Autumn Colours Spot

Craig Graham Comes off the Bench to Chase an Autumn Colours Spot

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

There has been no official mention of it. In fact, the only word beginning with the letter 'R' that is discussed around the family dinner table is 'racing'. Sunday, July 3rd Craig Graham climbed back into a racecar for the first time in nearly 2 years, with his sights set on a preferred Autumn Colours Classic starting spot at Peterborough Speedway's Chase for the Colours Pole Qualifying event.

 

Since his 7th place Pro Late Model finish at the 2014 edition of the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing, the 43 year-old from Orono, Ontario – who works as the Fixed Vehicle Operations Manager at Clarington Hyundai – has served as mentor, coach and raceday spotter for his son Brandt's effort in the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series. Even though he was turning his first laps in almost a couple of seasons, Graham says he quickly found his rhythm behind the wheel.

 

"Any rust I might have been feeling quickly went away after we made it to the race track for a few laps of practice," said the driver, while relaxing with a cold drink after the 60 lap feature. "We needed to get a feel for how the car would perform on a track that would be baking in the bright sunlight all day. I've always liked the extra distance races that allow us to put together a set-up that will let the car continue to perform as the race wears on."

 

The #98 machine worked well throughout the day, but with every driver on the tight, tricky layout fighting for the bottom groove, track position was at a premium. Graham would occasionally get as high as 2nd place in the running order, but lose the spots he'd gained when he was forced to restart on the outside after a caution flag. As the checkered flag waved, Craig Graham had logged a 6th place finish.

 

"It was a decent day, but when you have a strong crew effort by the crew and a good car, you're always hoping for a better finish," conceded Graham. "As our schedule permits, we might come back a couple of times again before the end of the year. Anything that'll give us some additional notes to work from will help a ton come October."

 

Brandt Graham will be in the running for the biggest payday of his young racing career when the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series returns to Sauble Speedway Saturday, July 16th. He'll need to start at the rear of the field for the 100 lap main event, but if he's able to claim the checkered flag, the 18 year-old will head home with a $1,000 bonus and add the title of "Boss of the Beach" to his impressive resume.

 

For 2016, Graham Racing is proudly supported by Full Circle Automation, Arcade Pools, J & M Restoration, Auto Care, Hot Rod Swag, Squirrel Head Music, DJD Graphics and Mayhew Graphics. Media and promotional services are provided by Clarke Motorsports Communications.

 

Follow the team at every race by checking @Graham_Racing on Twitter and the Graham 98 Racing page atwww.facebook.com. Look for www.graham98racing.com – an Image Factor web-site.


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Hackel Shines in WhistlePig Firecracker at Devil’s Bowl Speedway Dirt Track





ATTACHED PHOTOS (credit Devil's Bowl Speedway):


Conroy.jpg: Chris Conroy of Newport, N.H., in Portland Glass Mini Stock victory lane at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Duprey1.jpg & Duprey2.jpg: Rosen & Berger Renegade winner Bill Duprey (#44D) of Hydeville, Vt., (shown with WhistlePig Whiskey representative Larry Swanson in victory lane) at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Fireworks1.jpg & Fireworks2.jpg: A huge holiday fireworks display lit up the sky over Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Hackel1.jpg & Hackel2.jpg: Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified winner Bobby Hackel (#97) of Rensselaer, N.Y., (shown with WhistlePig Whiskey representative Larry Swanson in victory lane) at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Mini.jpg: Third-place finisher Mike Ryan (left), Portland Glass Mini Stock winner Chris Conroy (center), and runner-up Jason Porter (right) in victory lane at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Mod1.jpg: Third-place finisher Jackie Brown Jr. (left), Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified winner Bobby Hackel (center), and runner-up Justin Comes (right) in victory lane at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Mod2.jpg: Justin Comes (#51) and rookie Justin Severance (#4J) lead a pack of Sportsman Modifieds at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Mod3.jpg: Derrick McGrew (#27) and Tim LaDuc (#54) in Sportsman Modified action at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Renegade.jpg: Third-place finisher Brian Bishop Jr. (left), Rosen & Berger Renegade winner Bill Duprey (center), and runner-up Curtis Condon (right) in victory lane at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


SCoNE1.jpg: Third-place finisher Tyler Austin (left), Sprint Cars of New England winner Jake Williams (center), and runner-up Bobby Hackel (right) in victory lane at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


SCoNE2.jpg: Patrick Smith (#21) leads a group of SCoNE Sprint Cars en route to a qualifying heat race win at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Williams1.jpg & Williams2.jpg: Sprint Cars of New England winner Jake Williams (#73) of Center Tuftonboro, N.H., (shown with WhistlePig Whiskey representative Larry Swanson in victory lane) at Devil's Bowl Speedway.


Wood.jpg: Enduro Series winner Brett Wood of Georgia, Vt. in victory lane at Devil's Bowl Speedway.





Hackel Shines in WhistlePig Firecracker at Devil's Bowl Speedway Dirt Track

Williams takes Sprint Car sweep; Duprey, Conroy, Wood are holiday winners

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                 DBS-070516-1

 

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – Young Bobby Hackel is beginning to make a name for himself on the Dirt Track at Devil's Bowl Speedway, and on Sunday, July 3, he stole the show at the WhistlePig Whiskey "Firecracker" Independence Day Special by winning in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Sportsman Modified action and by very nearly winning in the Sprint Cars of New England.

Twenty-one-year-old Hackel – a fourth-generation racer from Rensselaer, N.Y. – started 10th on the 22-car Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified field and wasted little time in getting to the front.  He was inside the top-five after just one lap, and passed Chris Murray for the lead on lap nine.

Moments after Hackel took control, the race took a sad and tragic turn.  Veteran driver Ron Casey of Manchester Center, Vt., was stricken by an apparent medical emergency and veered off the track before impacting the retaining wall in Turn 2.  He was transported via ambulance to Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vt., where he passed away about three hours after the incident.  (A full statement regarding the situation is available at www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com.)

With one of the largest grandstand crowds in recent years on hand, the decision was made to continue the event.  A two-hour delay while waiting for Fair Haven Rescue to send a back-up ambulance was filled with a massive holiday fireworks show, and an on-track driver meet-and-greet session, and race fans remained upbeat and enthusiastic for the action to resume.

The fast, tacky track surface created wild action in the final 26 laps, with several crashes including flips by Vince Quenneville Jr. and Derrick McGrew; no injuries were reported in any of the crashes.  Hackel never wavered from the top spot despite repeated attempts from Middlebury, Vt., driver Justin Comes, who finished second.  Jackie Brown Jr. rebounded from a crash to finish third, followed by Tim LaDuc and Kenny Tremont Jr.  Tim Hodge, rookie Justin Severance, Jason Bruno, Justin Smith, and Billy Lussier completed the top 10.

Jake Williams of Center Tuftonboro, N.H., made it a clean sweep in his qualifying heat, the Dash for Cash, and the 30-lap feature for the Sprint Cars of New England (SCoNE).  Williams had a dominant car for most of the night, but SCoNE rookie Hackel nearly upset his bid for the win.  After starting 19th, Hackel flew through the pack to pull alongside Williams in a battle for the lead in the final laps.  Williams was able to shake Hackel off, though, for his third career SCoNE tour win and his first at Devil's Bowl.

Hackel finished second ahead of early leader Tyler Austin, Chris Donnelly, and Luke Greenwood, who started 18th.  Dan Douville, Will Hull, Chad Turck, Richie Simmons, and Chris Clark finished sixth through tenth.  Kevin Chaffee escaped injury after flipping his car in the feature, and both Clay Dow and Lacey Hanson walked away from a spectacular two-car flip in qualifying.

Bill Duprey of Hydeville, Vt., was in a class of his own in the Rosen & Berger Auto Recyclers Renegade division, dominating both the qualifying heat and the 15-lap feature race.  Duprey was unchallenged during the night and led every lap that he ran on the track.  Curtis Condon was the runner-up in the feature, followed by rookie Brian Bishop Jr., Lou Gancarz, and Paul Braymer.

Chris Conroy of Newport, N.H., was a first-time Devil's Bowl winner in the Portland Glass Mini Stocks, taking the checkered flag in a 15-lap race.  Jason Porter of Freeport, Maine, led laps early and settled for second place.  Mike Ryan was third ahead of Wayland Childs and Robert Garney.  Mike Whalen Jr. was uninjured in a two-time flip during qualifying.

Defending Enduro Series champion Brett Wood of Georgia, Vt., took the lead at lap 14 of his division's 40-lap event and sailed to the victory.  Following a thorough scoring recheck, Wood's son, Zach – who won a rain-soaked race on the Asphalt Track at Devil's Bowl the previous night – finished second with Cory Gray third.  Brandon Gray was fourth with Ethan White fifth.  Karl Raacke walked away from a high-flying roll with his police-themed car, which included flashing blue lights.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is back in action with the double-points Mid-Season Championship weekend on July 9-10.  The half-mile Asphalt Track races on Saturday, July 9, with the 3/10-mile Dirt Track running on Sunday, July 10.  Racing each night begins at 6:00 p.m. and includes a driver autograph session at intermission. Regular general admission each night is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for kids age 12 and under.

Devil's Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of Exit 2 off of U.S. Route 4 and just 20 minutes from Rutland, Vt.  For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112.  Devil's Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway and on Twitter and Instagram at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.

 

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS – WhistlePig Whiskey "Firecracker" Independence Day Special

Devil's Bowl Speedway Dirt Track – West Haven, VT

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Sunday, July 3, 2016

 

Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified Feature (35 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# - denotes rookie

1.       (10) Bobby Hackel, Rensselaer, N.Y.

2.       (5) Justin Comes, Middlebury, Vt.

3.       (6) Jackie Brown Jr., Hurley, N.Y.

4.       (8) Tim LaDuc, Orwell, Vt.

5.       (15) Kenny Tremont Jr., West Sand Lake, N.Y.

6.       (18) Tim Hodge, Vershire, Vt.

7.       (4) # Justin Severance, Pittsford, Vt.

8.       (13) Jason Bruno, Morrisonville, N.Y.

9.       (20) Justin Smith, Gansevoort, N.Y.

10.   (2) Billy Lussier, Fair Haven, Vt.

11.   (14) Jason Sanville, Canaan, N.H.

12.   (9) Derrick McGrew, Ballston Spa, N.Y.

13.   (1) Chris Murray, Fair Haven, Vt.

14.   (3) Jim Introne Jr., Hartford, N.Y.

15.   (16) Codie Aubin, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

16.   (11) Adam Pierson, East Corinth, Vt.

17.   (7) Vince Quenneville Jr., Brandon, Vt.

18.   (22) Brian Whittemore, Pittsford, Vt.

19.   (19) Wayne Stearns, Bradford, Vt.

20.   (21) Chad Miller, White River Junction, Vt.

21.   (17) Ron Casey, Manchester Center, Vt.

22.   (12) Scott Duell, Ballston Spa, N.Y.

Heat Winners: Chris Murray, Justin Comes, Tim LaDuc

Shiley Fabrication Hard Charger Award: Tim Hodge

Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award: Chris Murray

 

Sprint Cars of New England Feature (30 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# - denotes rookie

1.       (10) Jake Williams, Center Tuftonboro, N.H.

2.       (19) Bobby Hackel, Rensselaer, N.Y.

3.       (8) Tyler Austin, West Fairlee, Vt.

4.       (13) Chris Donnelly, Piermont, N.H.

5.       (18) Luke Greenwood, Hudson, N.H.

6.       (14) Dan Douville, Bridgewater, N.H.

7.       (11) Will Hull, Plainfield, Vt.

8.       (5) # Chad Turck, Pittsfield, N.H.

9.       (7) # Richie Simmons, Bradford, Vt.

10.   (3) Chris Clark, Vershire, Vt.

11.   (2) Patrick Smith, East Andover, N.H.

12.   (17) Steve Hutchinson, Goffstown, N.H.

13.   (1) Lauren Boisvert, Danbury, N.H.

14.   (15) # Marty Hutchins, Poultney, Vt.

15.   (6) # Mike Chaffee, Corinth, Vt.

16.   (4) Christine Boesch, Concord, N.H.

17.   (9) # Matt Hoyt, Campton, N.H.

18.   (12) Kevin Chaffee, Bradford, Vt.

19.   (16) Dennis McLeod, Concord, N.H.

Did Not Start: Lacey Hanson, Orwell, Vt.; Clay Dow, Barnstead, N.H.

Heat Winners: Patrick Smith, Jake Williams, Chris Donnelly

Dash Winner: Jake Williams

 

Rosen & Berger Auto Recyclers Renegade Feature (15 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# - denotes rookie

1.       (1) Bill Duprey, Hydeville, Vt.

2.       (2) Curtis Condon, Queensbury, N.Y.

3.       (10) # Brian Bishop Jr., Bridport, Vt.

4.       (6) Lou Gancarz, North Adams, Mass.

5.       (3) Paul Braymer, Granville, N.Y.

6.       (5) Joey Trudeau, Hague, N.Y.

7.       (9) Matt Mosher, Queensbury, N.Y.

8.       (7) Aaron Fachini, North Adams, Mass.

9.       (4) # Josh Bussino, Belmont, Vt.

10.   (8) Larry Bristol, West Rutland, Vt.

Heat Winner: Bill Duprey

Bond Auto Parts Hard Charger Award: Brian Bishop Jr.

 

Portland Glass Mini Stock Feature (15 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# - denotes rookie

1.       (5) Chris Conroy, Newport, N.H.

2.       (1) Jason Porter, Freeport, Maine

3.       (6) Mike Ryan, Vershire, Vt.

4.       (10) Wayland Childs, Chelsea, Vt.

5.       (8) Robert Garney, Fort Edward, N.Y.

6.       (4) Derrick Counter, Leicester, Vt.

7.       (7) Mike Lique, Lebanon, N.H.

8.       (3) Chris Cardarelli, Milton, Vt.

9.       (2) Brian Bishop Sr., Bridport, Vt.

10.   (9) # Cameron Kennedy, Rochester, Vt.

11.   (11) # Josh Swahn, Pittsford, Vt.

Did Not Start: Mike Whalen Jr., Peru, N.Y.; Shawn Moquin, Milton, Vt.

Heat Winners: Jason Porter, Chris Conroy

Bond Auto Parts Hard Charger Award: Wayland Childs

 

Enduro Series Feature (40 laps)

Pos.-(Car No.)-Driver-Hometown-Laps Complete

1.       (802) Brett Wood, Georgia, Vt. – 40 Laps

2.       (20) Zach Wood, Georgia, Vt. – 40 Laps

3.       (17) Cory Gray, Clarendon, Vt. – 40 Laps

4.       (00) Brandon Gray, East Thetford, Vt. – 40 Laps

5.       (22) Ethan White, Hinesburg, Vt. – 39 Laps

6.       (35) Jeff Murray, Georgia, Vt. – 39 Laps

7.       (33X) Andrew Lopes, Colchester, Vt. – 38 Laps

8.       (38X) Casey O'Connell, Burlington, Vt. – 38 Laps

9.       (76) Shawn Moquin, Milton, Vt. – 38 Laps

10.   (5) Kyle Botala, Grand Isle, Vt. – 37 Laps

11.   (30) Tommy Kudlacik, Milton, Vt. – 35 Laps

12.   (80) Zachary Garvey, Grand Isle, Vt. – 34 Laps

13.   (723) John Wiggins, Westford, Vt. – 34 Laps

14.   (18X) Jake Barrows, Middlebury, Vt. – 34 Laps

15.   (666) Andy Botala, Grand Isle, Vt. – 29 Laps

16.   (69) Karl Raacke, North Hero, Vt. – 28 laps

17.   (44) Craig Kirby, Winooski, Vt. – 27 Laps

18.   (29J) Brandon Rogers, Castleton, Vt. – 15 Laps

19.   (72) Kyle Rogers, Fair Haven, Vt. – 5 Laps

Did Not Start: Dom Guerrina, North Hero, Vt.; Kevin Keene, East Hardwick, Vt.

 

 

-30-


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Le jeune prodigue de retour devant les siens

Communiqué pour diffusion immédiate

Le 05 juillet 2016, Vallée-Jonction

Le jeune prodigue de retour devant les siens





C'est lors d'une conférence de presse qui a eu lieu plus tôt aujourd'hui au Cosmos Grande Allée animé par Martin D'Anjou le président de Festidrag Castro que la nouvelle est sortie; Raphaël Lessard sera du programme Pro-Stock du 5 août prochain à l'Autodrome Chaudière Vallée-Jonction.

À bord de la voiture #99 FRL Express/Team Coach Imaging/Toyota/JBLAudio entouré de l'équipe de David Gilliland Racing, le jeune prodige de la course automobile sera ravir ses fans pour sa seule présence dans une voiture Super Late Model au Québec pour la saison 2016.  De plus, il a été annoncé lors de la conférence que le #57 Cole Timm, champion défendant de la série CARD SLM sera aussi présent pour l'invitation Pro-Stock.

Son parcours

C'est sur le tracé de Vallée-Jonction que Lessard fait ses débuts en 2013 dans la classe Amateur et ensuite, lors de la même saison, en classe Sport Compact Élite. Le jour de son 12e anniversaire, Raphaël remporte sa première victoire devant une assistance déjà conquise par le talent du jeune pilote.

Il poursuivra sa progression en 2014 dans la Série Sportsman Qc où il coursera auprès de son père François Lessard. Il terminera au second rang du championnat des recrues.

À la fin de la saison 2014, il fait ses premiers essais avec la série PASS. Bien qu'il ne se qualifie pas pour la finale, la qualité de pilotage dont il fait preuve et la maturité en piste du jeune pilote convainc ses parents de faire le saut et inscrivent Raphaël pour la saison 2015 au championnat PASS North.

Entouré d'une équipe québécoise, il fait ses débuts en avril 2015 où il se qualifie au premier programme PASS North de la saison sur le tracé d'Oxford Maine Speedway, et ce devant des pilotes d'expériences. Le point culminant de la carrière de Raphaël Lessard est sans aucun doute sa 6e position à la course PASS de l'Autodrome Chaudière au-devant du pilote NASCAR #11 Denny Hamelin. La bataille qu'il livre à la vedette Nascar fait la manchette de tous les médias au lendemain du programme.

Rapidement, Raphaël attire l'attention de Robert Desrosiers qui voit en lui le potentiel  d'évoluer dans le stock-car professionnel. Desrosiers devient l'agent responsable de la carrière de Raphaël et lui décroche 4 courses d'essaies avec l'équipe de David Gilliland Racing. Un choix difficile doit se faire; Raphaël devra quitter son équipe québécoise afin de poursuivre sa progression.

 

Si certains demeuraient encore septiques quant à son talent d'évoluer dans une série de haut niveau, Raphaël Lessard et l'équipe DRG feront rapidement leur preuve en remportant un premier podium en carrière en Pro Late Model lors du célèbre World Series 2016 sur le tracé de New Smyrna en Floride avec une excellente 3e position.

Si le début de saison était annonciateur de succès, on peut dire que l'équipe Raphaël Lessard Racing n'aura pas déçu. Le 7 mai 2016, sur le tracé d'Hictory Motor Speedway lors du programme CARS Tour HKY Soup Kitchen Race to End Hunger 250, Raphaël remporte sa première victoire en carrière en Super Late Model devenant le plus jeune victorieux de la série. Non seulement un rêve qui devient réalité pour lui, mais qui soulève l'engouement des amateurs et médias.

Au premier rang du classement de la série CARS, Raphaël Lessard cumule depuis le début de la saison 5 tops 5 avec la série dont cette victoire qui a fait de lui la sensation de l'heure; un des plus grands espoirs en course automobile au Québec.

C'est sur notre tracé, le 5 août prochain que ses fans pourront le revoir en piste et auront l'occasion de participer à une séance d'autographe.

Pour vous procurer vos billets pour le combo du 5 et 6 août prochain à l'Autodrome Chaudière Vallée-Jonction, communiquer directement avec M. André Poulin au 581-998-7388.

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste 


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MILITARY NIGHT AND AUTOGRAPH SESSION HIGHLIGHTS SPEEDWAY 51 SATURDAY NIGHT PROGRAM

MILITARY NIGHT AND AUTOGRAPH SESSION

HIGHLIGHTS SPEEDWAY 51 SATURDAY NIGHT PROGRAM

 

            Another great weekend of racing highlights the card at Speedway 51 in Groveton, New Hampshire this coming Saturday night, July 11th as the Track will honor all Military personal in uniform with a free general admission ticket. The night will also offer an autograph session at intermission.

 

            The night will feature Speedway 51's best racers as the North Country Ford Late Models, the Sign Depot Tigers, Pepsi /Schweppes Street Stocks, and the AB Excavating Daredevils will all be in action. The past few weeks have seen ultra competitive racing in all divisions with several races not decided until the final laps. Post time is 5:30pm.

 

            The point standings are also tight as we close in on the mid-season championships on July 23rd. Derek Ming leads the way in the North Country Ford Late Models as he 322 points. Mike Bailey is in second with 300 points followed by a tie between Shawn Swallow 289, and Brad Bushey at 289. Walt Hammond Jr. rounds out the top five with 255 points. Brendon Moodie leads the way in the Sign Depot Tigers with 355 points, but Joel Hodgdon is just five points back at 350 in second. Mike Giroux with 316, Aaron Smith 314, and Colby  Bourgeous at 310 complete the top five. Bunker Hodgdon sits atop the Pepsi/Schweppes Street Stocks standings with 362 points. Just sixteen points back is Jared Plumley with 346 points. Cody Smith rides third with 320 markers and Peyton Lamphear and Jaden Perry are fourth and fifth with 306 and 300 points respectively. Kasey Beattie and Garrett Labounty are knotted up at the top of the AB Excavating Daredevils with 395 points each. Evan Hallstrom is right on their back bumpers with 385 points, and Kyle Labounty has a two point edge over Josh Plumley 357-355 for the remaining top five spots.

 

            Don't miss one lap of action of this weekend's event. Post time is 5:30pm. Don't forget the new teen admission pricing plan where all teenagers ages 13-16 get into the races for just $5. For more information on this event and others please visit our website at www.speedway51int.com, or call the Track hotline at 802-479-2074. Speedway 51 is located on Brown Road in Groveton, New Hampshire.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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2016-07-04

Une fin de semaine parfaite pour Rémy Audette !

Deux victoires en Championnat Touring Car canadien...

 

 

Une fin de semaine parfaite pour Rémy Audette !

 


 

Boisbriand (Québec), le 3 juillet  2016.– Aux commandes de sa Honda Civic Si aux couleurs de Dimensions Portes & Fenêtres, Rémy Audette a récolté deux victoires ce week-end sur le Circuit ICAR à Mirabel, lors des courses du Championnat Touring Car canadien (CTCC). Seul pilote de l'équipe Audette Racing inscrit à cet événement, Rémy a connu le week-end parfait, récoltant en plus le meilleur temps lors des qualifications et le record du tour dans chacune des épreuves à l'horaire.

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Disputées au Circuit ICAR à Mirabel, ces deux courses du Championnat Touring Car canadien (CTCC) étaient les premières en 2016 de Rémy Audette, qui ne prend part qu'à un programme très partiel dans la série cette année. Mais le pilote de l'équipe Audette Racing n'a pas manqué sa chance : « c'est une bonne fin de semaine. Non, en fait c'est la fin de semaine parfaite ! » a confié le pilote québécois, ancien champion de Formule 2000 aux États-Unis. Il résume ainsi la première course : « j'ai mené de bout en bout. J'ai vraiment poussé au maximum au début afin de me ménager une avance sur mes poursuivants et ça a très bien fonctionné. J'ai géré ma fin de course, je ne prenais plus aucun risque et, malgré cela, je croise le fil d'arrivée avec vingt-trois secondes d'avance sur le deuxième, c'est difficile d'espérer mieux ! ».

 

Après cette course parfaite samedi, Rémy Audette a connu un parcours un peu différent dimanche : « j'ai pris un bon départ, toujours depuis la pole position, mais l'Ontarien Scott Nicol est passé dans un trou de souris pour me ravir le premier rang au premier virage. Nous avons donc commencé une belle bataille qui a duré au moins cinq ou six tours, le temps pour moi de reprendre enfin la commande de l'épreuve » a indiqué le pilote Audette Racing. « Lorsque j'ai repris ma place en tête de la course, je savais que c'était gagné ! Mon avance au final est moins grande que la veille car la course a fini sous neutralisation en raison d'un accident plus loin dans le peloton, mais ça ne change rien à notre fiche parfaite » résume Rémy.

 

Deux courses disputées en 2016, deux victoires... Rémy Audette est évidemment ravi : « toute l'équipe a vraiment bien travaillé, la Honda Civic Si Dimensions Portes & Fenêtres a été fiable et performante du premier au dernier tour de piste. Je récolte le meilleur chrono aux qualifs, le record du tour dans les deux courses et la victoire dans les deux courses aussi. Que demander de plus ? » a conclu Rémy Audette.

 

Le prochain événement de Rémy Audette dans le série CTCC est fixé au Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, du 12 au 14 août prochain. Ce sera également la seule fois dans la saison que les trois pilotes de l'équipe Audette Racing seront en piste en même temps cette saison. Outre Rémy, son frère aîné Mathieu (Acura RSX) et son père François (Porsche Cayman) disputeront l'événement.

 

L'équipe Audette Racing bénéficie de l'appui de Portes Dimensions, Novatech, Soniplastics,  Verre Select, OPM, Omnitech, Extrucan, Milette Portes, Mec-Inov, Boulanger et Amusements Spectaculaires.

 

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Ranger Returns To Front At ICAR

Ranger Returns To Front At ICAR

Scores Fourth Win On Quebec Road Course, Takes NASCAR Pinty's Series Lead

 

MIRABEL, QUEBEC (July 3, 2016) – Not even a late-race caution could slow Andrew Ranger's return to Victory Lane at Circuit ICAR.

 

A year after coming up second on the 2.113-mile, 14-turn road course on the grounds of Montreal-Mirabel International Airport, Ranger dominated Sunday's Ecko Unlimited 100. It was the fourth win in six races at Circuit ICAR, and extended his NASCAR Pinty's Series career wins record to 22.

 

"It's almost a family here," Ranger said. "To win another race at home is fantastic."

 

Ranger's No. 27 Mopar/Pennzoil/Mopar Express Lane Dodge led 29 of the 30 laps.

 

Alex Labbe, who won the E3 Spark Plug Pole Award in Saturday's qualifying, came home second and defending race winner Kevin Lacroix was third. DJ Kennington and Elie Arseneau were fourth and fifth, respectively.

 

With the victory, Ranger retook the championship points lead by six from teenager Cayden Lapcevich. Lapcevich, 16, finished eighth in his first race at ICAR. Labbe is third in points, a point behind Lapcevich.

 

The weekend didn't start out looking good for Ranger. The Roxton Pond, Quebec, driver posted the fastest time in the first practice Saturday morning, but suffered an engine issue that prompted him to miss the second practice as the team swapped motors. He qualified second behind Labbe, who broke Ranger's 2013 track record.

 

In last year's race, Ranger chased Lacroix the entire race, which ran green to checkered without a caution. It was the first race at ICAR that Ranger didn't lead at least a lap. He was determined this year not to let that happen again.

 

On the second lap Sunday, Labbe left the bottom open slightly going into the Turn 1 hairpin and Ranger pounced to take the lead.

 

Ranger ran easily out front until a yellow flag for debris on Lap 22. On the subsequent restart, though, Ranger powered back into the lead and finished .883 ahead of Labbe and more than seven seconds in front of Lacroix.

 

Alex Tagliani finished sixth after getting knocked back from third on the final restart. Gary Klutt, Lapcevich, JF Dumoulin and Patrick Dussault rounded out the top 10.

 

The Ecko Unlimited 100 will air on TSN4/5 on Sunday, July 10 at 1 p.m., and on RDS2 on Saturday, July 23 at 2 p.m.

 

The NASCAR Pinty's Series will return to action on Saturday, July 16 with the Pinty's Grand Prix of Toronto as part of the 30th Toronto Honda Indy weekend.

 

Contact

Jason Christley

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications



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