Second race: June 13, 2015 – Budweiser 300 - Autodrome Chaudière

Trois-Rivières, Québec – Behind the wheel of the #04 Dodge Bernier Crépeau / Groupe Bellemare / MIA, Jean-François Dumoulin will take part in his very first race on oval circuit this Saturday, June 13 at Autodrome Chaudière, Vallée-Jonction, Beauce, Québec. The combination of crew chief Éric Laperle’s expertise and of the elder Dumoulin brother’s talent is undoubtedly a winning combination to undertake this new style of driving.

With a podium in-hand (3rd place – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park), Jean-François Dumoulin is confident that he will be able to stay on the right track and quickly adapt to traffic behind the wheel of the #04 Dodge Bernier Crépeau / Group Bellemare / MIA.

“During the practice day, I drove the #04 Dodge Bernier Crépeau / Group Bellemare / MIA after it’s been adapted for oval tracks and the results have been convincing. I can’t wait to be there, and the important part will be to race smart. I will be able to count on the support of Éric Laperle and the rest of the team, who are all specialized in oval circuits. The stakes are high and our objective is to finish the race above all else”, shares an excited Jean-François Dumoulin.

“The car is fast,” continues crew chief Éric Laperle, “JF surprised me during the practices, he was really good, and I cannot wait to see how the car will perform. There will be a few strategic elements to set up when in traffic, and the synergy between him and Dave Trodéchaud (spotter) will be of utmost importance. Our position on the starting grid will be equally important in order to insure our maintained presence among the leaders.”

A race of 300 laps… in two parts

Much like the Riverside International (Antigonish, Nova-Scotia, 9th event – August 15, 2015), which is considered strikingly similar to the famous Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol, Tenessee, United States), Autodrome Chaudiere is nicknamed “Le petit Bristol québécois”. This oval track (.25-mile asphalt oval) also features the steepest tilt in Quebec.

The pits are located outside of the track, making it necessary to completely stop the race, which the series plans to do around the 150th lap. The drivers will also be allowed to enter the pits at any other moment during the race. It is another challenge however, as every team will have to make their pit stop at the same time in order to change tires and refuel the car. The competitors will then return to their place for the race’s restart.

* The race will be broadcast on TSN on June 21 at 12 p.m. and on July 3 at 10 p.m RDS2.

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).

The youngest racer to have been part of the Player's Development Team.

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 the 7th position aboard a badly damaged car and wins the heart of numerous fans and reporters.

In 2000, earns a 2nd place championship win in the Motorola Cup Series in which he racked a 1st podium after having begun the race 52nd at the Molson Indy event in Ontario, Canada.

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. http://www.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! www.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!” http://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. www.troisrivieresmitsubishi.com    

Click HERE to check out our interview with the Dumoulin brothers at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park series opener.