By: Deslongchamps Racing
September 18, 2024
September 18, 2024
Montreal, Quebec – Rising karting star Lucas Deslongchamps will be heading to the United States this fall to compete in the prestigious SKUSA SuperNationals (Supernats) from November 13 to 17 as part of the Rolison Performance Group (RPG).
At just 15 years old, Deslongchamps is making waves in the karting world. He currently leads the highly competitive Coupe de Montréal Championship in the Rotax Max Senior class, having placed in the Top 5 in every race this season. He notched a victory at Mont-Tremblant and finished second at both St-Célestin and St-Hilaire.
Despite his success, Deslongchamps won’t be able to claim the Coupe de Montréal title, as he will miss the season's final race. “It’s really unfortunate, but I won’t be able to become champion,” stated Lucas. He will be skipping the last round to focus on testing with RPG in preparation for November’s Supernats.
Competing with RPG, one of the top karting teams in North America, Deslongchamps will race in the X30 Senior class in Las Vegas. Before that, he will head to New Castle, Indiana, for testing with the team.
Deslongchamps’ talent behind the wheel has already caught the attention of many, including Jean-Frédéric Laberge. “Lucas is an extremely talented young driver, and I believe he has a bright future in motorsport,” said Laberge. “In 2023, he won 9 out of 10 races, finishing second in the one he didn’t win. He’s also competed in two Shifter races at the Mont-Tremblant karting circuit, finishing second in both, and he’s made three appearances at the Rotax World Championship.”
Although this will be Deslongchamps' first time competing at the Supernats in Las Vegas, he is no stranger to top-level competition. Earlier this year, he took part in the SKUSA Winter Series, racing in four events across two weekends. While he is not overly familiar with the X30 Senior competitors he will face in November, he is confident about the likely track layout.
“There’s a good chance the track will be similar to the one at Tremblant,” said Deslongchamps. “Every year, drivers vote on their favorite layouts, and it seems like our Québec circuit is the front-runner. We’re just waiting for confirmation.” The Supernats are typically held in the parking lot of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Although the elevation will differ, Deslongchamps is confident, as the corners will be familiar, and he knows the best overtaking opportunities.
“The goal is to advance Lucas as quickly as possible in the ranks of motorsports and give him all the tools he needs to succeed,” Laberge added, explaining why Deslongchamps will be joining the best karting team in the U.S. “No one has ever sacrificed a championship like he is about to. Lucas is determined and serious about his path. I’d love to see him rise through the ranks in the European style and eventually get into Formula racing. However, we’ll have to wait until he’s 16 before putting him behind the wheel of that type of car.”