OSHAWA, Ontario | This is where it all started for Kevin Lacroix in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series seven years ago and since then he has made the Mosport circuit a veritable playground.
This track, better known as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, proved fertile ground for the driver from Saint-Eustache, where he has five victories in 12 starts.
“I have a very good batting average at Mosport,” he said in an interview with Log. It’s a fast and technical track as I like them. »
The famous last corner
The key to success is to spare the mechanics and especially the tires to save the best for last.
In NASCAR, the last corner has in the past been the scene of memorable scrambles that, in some cases, ended badly.
“Vigilance is key,” said Lacroix. Do not give the chance to an opponent to be nearby at the entrance of the last corner to avoid being crushed. »
Three stops rather than two?
Sunday’s race could force the 26 entered to make a third stop at the refueling pit since a regulation prevents team members from replacing all four tires at the same stop.
“You can only change two tires [du même côté] at the same time, he explains. As we also have to stop for refueling on another occasion, it could be three stops. »
Quebec representatives have won the last 10 events contested at Mosport. In addition to Lacroix, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin (2), Andrew Ranger (1), Alexandre Tagliani (1) and Marc-Antoine Camirand (1) reached the top step of the podium during this successful series. These pilots will also be logical candidates for victory.
Photo Louis Butcher
Marc Antoine Camirand
The Quebec contingent will be completed by Ray Courtemanche junior, Louis-Philippe Montour, whose car is prepared by the Dumoulin Compétition team, Wallace and Dexter Stacey as well as Jean-Philippe Bergeron, who will be making his second start in the NASCAR Pinty’s series, but at his first on the road circuit.
“It’s an intimidating track, especially for me who haven’t had a lot of experience turning…right,” said Bergeron.
Guénette ski pass
They were to be 27 drivers to appear on the entry list, unheard of in the Canadian series since 2016, but Quebecer Alex Guénette withdrew.
“I caught a virus [non ce n’est pas la COVID-19] which prevents me from running at the end of the week, he indicated. But that’s only a postponement. »
The Terrebonne driver has signed an agreement with the renowned team of Dave Jacombs to compete in the five stages of the 2022 calendar presented on this road circuit.
THE 10 QUEBECERS REGISTERED AT MOSPORT
- Jean-Philippe Bergeron Saint Donat
- Marc Antoine Camirand Saint-Leonard-d’Aston
- Ray Courtemanche Jr. Montreal
- Louis-Philippe Dumoulin Three Rivers
- Kevin Lacroix Saint-Eustache
- Louis-Philippe Montour Boisbriand
- Andrew Ranger Roxton Pond
- Wallace Stacey Kahnawake
- Dexter Stacey Kahnawake
- Alex Tagliani Laval
Research: Louis Butcher | Source: nascar.ca