By: Dumoulin Competition
July 9 2017
Mirabel, Quebec – Louis-Philippe Dumoulin and his #47 WeatherTech Canada/ Groupe Bellemare team had set high goals for this 75-lap NASCAR Pinty’s race on the shortened ICAR track: a podium finish with the victory as the real objective. Things did not go their way, however, when the engine lost significant power at the one-third point in the race. Unfortunately, the team was unable to cure the problem completely during Louis-Philippe Dumoulin’s two visits to the pits. In fact, a piece had broken off the alternator on their new engine, and the team had to decrease the electric demand from other in-car support systems to allow him to finish the race with the weakened engine, and thus add to his all-important Driver Championship points total.
The engine problem had originally shown up in the morning practice session. As Louis-Philippe described: “We first thought that we had a carburetion problem and worked on the jetting and the carburetor settings, but the problem was still there when we started the race. This is why I pitted on laps 29 and 43. My WeatherTech Canada/ Groupe Bellemare team mates worked on the car to allow me to return to the track and finish at a reasonable pace as well as protect our points position. When the engine cooled down after the race, we found a broken grounding connector in the alternator system that we could not have seen or repaired during the race. We know that the car is competitive and are looking for a return to our top form for the upcoming Toronto race.”
NEXT RACE: Pinty’s Grand Prix of Toronto (ON)
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin’s 2016 Podium finish has whetted his appetite for the top step. His extra motivation also comes from the fact he is defending the colours of his main partner, WeatherTech Canada, in their home province . The race will take place on the legendary Downtown Toronto street (Queen City ) circuit, where the « Honda Indy of Toronto » will be run next July 14 and 15. The very busy and technical track, with very little runoff space, forces drivers to take multiple passing decisions on every lap, and exacts a heavy toll on any driver who commits the smallest error. Join us on July 15 at 3:45 pm for the start of a great show.
“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
WeatherTech Canada designs, develops and produces high quality, digitally custom fit automotive accessories; including FloorLiners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo Liners, TechLiners and No-Drill Mudflaps. Engineers use the newest technology available to measure the geometric complexity of the vehicle ensuring a constantly perfect fit. WeatherTech… Where Technology and All Weather Protection meet! weathertech.ca
Groupe 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
SUMMARY - HIGHLIGHTS IN LOUIS-PHILIPPE DUMOULIN'S CAREER
In 2016, he finished exequo with the fourth position of the NASCAR Pinty's Series (4 podiums and six top-5 in 12 events).
In 2015, he finishes the NASCAR Pinty’s championship in fourth place (2 podiums and six top-5s in eleven events.)
2014 champion of the NASCAR Pinty’s series: 5 podiums and 2 victories, as well as 9 top-5s in eleven events. It is the first time that a team made up entirely of Quebecers wins this championship. (Prep. team: King Autosport, managed by Martin Roy).
Won the Gilles Villeneuve Trophy in 2014 and 2001. This trophy symbolizes the fighting spirit and on-track excellence of a Quebec-native driver throughout the season that just ended. It is the first time that a recipient of the Trophy wins it twice throughout their career.
Won, in 2013, the only Ontarian event to this day made up of an all-Quebecer podium (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – NCATS series);
The only Canadian who climbed on the podium in 2012 during the prestigious event of the 12 hours of Sebring (2nd place - American Le Mans Series - GT3 Cup – WeatherTech Racing Team);
Won the title of rookie of the year in 2011 in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series despite having only participated in 8 races out of 13 (scoring four top-10s and two top-5s);
Crowned Canadian champion in Formula Ford 1600 in 2002;
He still owns the record in Formule Ford 1600 for the highest amount of victories and pole positions in one season (2002).