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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Lions de Trois-Rivières
August 7, 2024
August 7, 2024
Trois-Rivières, Quebec – Twenty-three-year-old driver Raphaël Lessard will be donning the Lions de Trois-Rivières’ colours… but not on the ice! Rather, he’ll be driving at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R) taking place this weekend (August 9 to 11). He’ll be piloting car No. 7 during the NASCAR Pinty’s Series main event; Lessard’s car will sport the Lions’ colours and logo during Sunday’s race.
The Spire Connection!
When he assumed ownership of the Lions de Trois-Rivières, Jeff Dickerson said he wanted to become involved in the local Trois-Rivières community and strengthen his ties with GP3R: This announcement is proof positive of that ambition.
"We are extremely proud having Raphaël Lessard drive the No. 7 car sporting the Lions de Trois-Rivières' colours in the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. This collaboration between Spire Motorsports and the Lions de Trois-Rivières symbolizes our combined commitment to support local talent and to strengthen our presence in the community. We have total confidence in Raphaël and are certain he will be a wonderful ambassador for our two organizations on the track." – Jeff Dickerson Lions’ owner and Spire Motorsports’ co-owner.
“We knew that with Spire Sports assuming ownership of the Lions, it would result in the team becoming a greater part of the fabric of the Trois-Rivières community. The partnership between our event, the Lions and Raphaël Lessard – who is the only Quebecer to have won a national NASCAR series race – is a case in point. The Lions are not only enabling us to watch Raphaël perform on the track, but he’ll be doing so in a car that is capable of taking the chequered flag!” - Dominic Fugère, GP3R’s general manager.
"We are very proud to support Raphaël Lessard – an exceptional Quebec talent – at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Getting to see our logo and colours in an event of this magnitude reinforces our commitment to the community and our desire to promote local talent. We wish Raphaël all the success in the world and look forward to seeing him perform on the track." - Alex Cousineau Lions’ Vice-President, Business Development and Assistant General Manager.
A Promising Young Driver
Still only in his early 20s, Lessard already has an impressive curriculum vitae: He was the first Quebecer to win a Nascar National Series event, winning the Love's RV 250 Stop at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway in 2020.
Lessard will be making his fourth appearance on the GP3R track in the NASCAR Pinty’s series. He’s raced in a total of eight NASCAR Canada Pinty’s series events, and 35 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Lessard participated in the NASCAR Canada race – as well as the Chevrolet Urban Challenge race – during last year’s GP3R. Although mechanical failure prevented him from completing the NASCAR race, the Urban Challenge was an entirely different matter as he brought home the chequered flag. Lessard will be out to defend his title this year.
About the Lions de Trois-Rivières
The Lions de Trois-Rivières joined the ECHL for the 2021-22 season. Owned by the Spire Hockey group since the end of April 2024, the team plays its home games at Colisée Vidéotron and is affiliated with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL).
About the ECHL
Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 27 teams in 20 states and on Canadian province for its 36th season in 2023-24. There have been 740 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 13 who have made their NHL debut in the 2022-23 season. The ECHL had affiliations with 28 of the 32 NHL teams in 2022-23, marking the 26th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
Le pilote Raphaël Lessard se « joint » aux Lions de Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières, Quebec – Le jeune pilote automobile Raphaël Lessard portera les couleurs des Lions de Trois-Rivières… lors du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières qui se déroulera cette fin de semaine (du 9 au 11 août). Il pilotera la voiture No7 lors de l’épreuve reine du Grand Prix, la course de la série NASCAR Pinty’s, le bolide arborera les couleurs et le logo des Lions lors de l’épreuve du dimanche.
L’empreinte de Spire!
Lorsqu’il s’est porté acquéreur des Lions de Trois-Rivières, Jeff Dickerson a mentionné vouloir s’impliquer dans la communauté trifluvienne et renforcer ses liens avec le GP3R, cette annonce est donc un bon exemple de ce désir.
« Nous sommes extrêmement fiers de voir Raphaël Lessard piloter la voiture No7 arborant les couleurs des Lions de Trois-Rivières lors du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Cette collaboration entre Spire Motorsports et les Lions de Trois-Rivières symbolise notre engagement à soutenir les talents locaux et à renforcer notre présence dans la communauté. Nous avons pleinement confiance en Raphaël et nous sommes convaincus qu'il saura représenter nos deux organisations avec brio sur la piste. » - Jeff Dickerson, propriétaire des Lions de Trois-Rivières et co-propriétaire de Spire Motorsports.
« Nous savions que l’arrivée du groupe Spire à la tête des Lions aiderait l’équipe à s’intégrer dans le tissu communautaire de Trois-Rivières. Cette association entre notre événement, les Lions et Raphaël Lessard, seul Québécois à avoir remporté une course d’une série nationale de NASCAR, le démontre bien. Les Lions nous permettent non seulement de voir Raphaël en piste, mais ils lui offrent en plus une voiture capable de gagner! » - Dominic Fugère, directeur général du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières.
« Nous sommes extrêmement fiers de soutenir Raphaël Lessard, un talent québécois exceptionnel, lors du Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Voir notre logo et nos couleurs représentés dans une compétition de cette envergure renforce notre engagement envers la communauté et notre volonté de promouvoir les talents d’ici. Nous souhaitons à Raphaël tout le succès possible et sommes impatients de le voir briller sur la piste. » - Alex Cousineau, Vice-président au développement des affaires et directeur général adjoint des Lions.
Un Jeune Pilote Prometteur
Âgé de 23 ans seulement, le jeune pilote a déjà un CV bien garni. Il est notamment devenu le 1er Québécois à remporter une épreuve d’une série Nationale de Nascar, en 2020, remportant le Love’s RV 250 Stop, sur le mythique Talladega Superspeedway.
Lessard en sera à sa 4e participation en série NASCAR Pinty’s sur la piste du GP3R. Il a également participé à un total de 8 épreuves dans la série NASCAR Canada (Pinty’s) et 35 dans la série des camionnettes (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series).
L’an passé, lors du GP3R, le pilote a participé à la course de NASCAR Canada, mais aussi à la course du Défi Urbain Chevrolet, s’il n’a pas terminé la course de NASCAR en raison d’un bris mécanique, le résultat a été complètement différent alors qu’il a remporté le Défi Urbain. Lessard tentera d’ailleurs de défendre son titre lors de cette épreuve alors qu’il y participera encore cette année.
À propos des Lions de Trois-Rivières
Les Lions de Trois-Rivières ont intégré la ECHL lors de la saison 2021-22. Elle est la propriété du groupe Spire Hockey depuis la fin du mois d'avril 2024. La formation Trifluvienne qui évolue au Colisée Vidéotron est affiliée avec les Canadiens de Montréal (LNH) et le Rocket de Laval (AHL).
À propos de la ECHL
Après avoir été formée en 1988-89 avec cinq équipes dans quatre États, la ECHL est devenue une ligue d'un océan à l'autre avec 27 équipes dans 20 États et une province canadienne pour sa 36e saison en 2023-24. Il y a 745 joueurs qui ont évolué dans la Ligue Nationale de Hockey après avoir débuté leur carrière dans la ECHL, dont cinq qui ont fait leurs débuts dans la LNH au cours de la saison 2023-24. La ECHL a des affiliations avec 28 des 32 équipes de la LNH en 2023-2024.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Innovation Auto Sport
August 7, 2024
August 7, 2024
Saint-Eustache, Quebec - The streets of Trois-Rivières are set to welcome the NASCAR Canada field for the prestigious Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières. Kevin Lacroix, who will be driving the #74 NAPA Racing car, is looking for an opportunity to clinch his third win at this event.
He won the 2015 and 2016 editions, but has not returned to the winner’s circle since. Although it's a highly coveted victory, Lacroix has the championship in his sights first and foremost. "Winning on the streets of Trois-Rivières is very special and it’s an achievement that every driver on the grid wants," explained Lacroix. "On the other hand, right now the championship is so tight that I have no room for error."
In fact, he is sitting 10 points behind Marc-Antoine Camirand, the current leader. All fans in attendance at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières know that anything can happen in this event, as the concrete walls are narrow and unforgiving. The field will also be very large, making overtaking difficult at times.
This is what makes the qualifying session so crucial, "if I qualify out in front, I'll have little to no cars to overtake. On the other hand, what concerns me is the incoming rain, which would certainly play a major factor during the race."
It would appear that Trois-Rivières will be hit by the after-effects of Hurricane Debby, which is presently impacting Florida. Its passage through Trois-Rivières is likely to bring yet another challenge on Saturday.
Nevertheless, Lacroix reiterated that the Trois-Rivières street circuit is one of his favourite tracks on the calendar; "I love racing in the streets of Trois-Rivières. It's a circuit I've always loved because of its technical nature. The walls are a big challenge, but I enjoy it."
The practice session starts at noon on Saturday, followed by qualifying at 4pm. The 60-lap race kicks off at 2:15pm on Sunday, and will be broadcast on RDS Info.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Allrem Racing
August 4, 2024
August 4, 2024
Wilkesboro, North Carolina – Treyten Lapcevich and his #77 Evirum/BKFC car secured a triumphant victory at the North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday night, marking a historic win in the zMAX CARS Tour. This win is not only Lapcevich’s first in the zMAX CARS Tour but also a milestone as it is the first time a Canadian driver has won a race in the series. The defending champion of the NASCAR Canada Series, Lapcevich made the move to North Carolina to advance his professional racing career in the U.S.
Qualified in 4th position, ahead of a talented field of drivers such as NASCAR Cup driver and CARS Tour co-owner Kevin Harvick, Lapcevich showcased exceptional driving skill and determination. After the start, he quickly maneuvered his way to 3rd and then 2nd, fighting fiercely for the lead.
Lapcevich ultimately took control of the race and maintained the lead for the majority of the second half of the Window World 125.
With just the a few laps to go, a caution flag was waved due to an oil spill on the track. Lapcevich faced a critical moment as he skidded through the oil, nearly ending his race. Demonstrating remarkable composure and driving skills, he managed to navigate between a stalled car and the wall, sustaining minor contact with the wall but ultimately preserving his position.
“We knew we had a great car coming into this race,” Lapcevich said after his victory. “We were the second fastest in practice and had a strong qualifying. When I drove into the oil patch, I honestly thought the race was over. I had to take a chance and, luckily, I squeezed through the gap. I’m thrilled with the outcome. A huge thanks to Chad Bryant Racing for making their adjustments during the pit stop, which gave me the extra speed I needed to stay in the lead.”
Lapcevich continued, “We’ve had several top 10 finishes, a few top 5s, and one 3rd place so far this season, but this win is incredibly special. It’s a testament to our team’s effort and the support of my sponsors Evirum and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, the team at Allrem Sports & Entertainment, Chad Bryant Racing, and my family. This victory would not have been possible without them.”
With this win, Treyten Lapcevich has positioned himself as a strong contender for the championship with six races remaining in the season.
The next zMAX CARS Tour race is set for August 9th at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, NC. Fans can catch all the zMAX CARS Tour action live on FloRacing.
About Allrem Sports and Entertainment
Allrem Sports & Entertainment, a company of Allrem group of companies, is the powerhouse behind all sports and entertainment endeavors within the Allrem group of companies, with a strategic focus on ensuring optimal business development, brand awareness, and marketing opportunities for the entire Allrem group of companies and its partners.
Through the collective power of its diverse subsidiaries (Allrem Racing, BKFC, Les Pétroliers du Nord), Allrem Sports & Entertainment delivers unparalleled value to its sponsors and the Allrem group of companies. We provide our partners with business development opportunities, corporate hospitality programs, targeted brand awareness initiatives and innovative sponsorship activations. We ensure that all our partners receive maximum exposure and tangible returns on their investment to meet their objectives. Learn more at allremsae.com
About Evirum
Evirum, part of the Allrem group of companies, is a Canadian residual materials management brokerage offering eco-responsible solutions across North America to minimize environmental impact and promote recycling and other innovative practices. Evirum is committed to providing companies, events and industries with the best sustainable practices and services. Learn more at evirum.com
About BKFC
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), the World's Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, in which Allrem is a shareholder, is the first entity sanctioned to hold regulated bare-knuckle events in the United States since 1889. BKFC is based in Philadelphia (PA) and headed by President and Founder David Feldman. Learn more at bkfc.com
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Sam Fellows Racing
August 6, 2024
August 6, 2024
Sam Fellows, son of Canadian racing legend Ron, will race at the historic Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R) in Quebec this weekend for family-run Fellows McGraw Racing (FMR). Fellows will get behind the wheel of the number 87 AER / Polysleep / Mobil 1 Chevrolet Camaro for the second time this year.
The FMR team has committed to competing at all four road course events on the 2024 NASCAR Canada Series calendar, with hopes of building on a difficult 2023 season where the team dealt with engine-related woes in their debut season.
Fellows started the 2024 season in good form, finishing fourth at home-track Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in the ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA 200. This marked the team’s, and Fellows’, first Top Five finish in the series.
“Crossing the line in fourth at CTMP felt like a win for us as a young team in this series,” Fellows said. “It truly was a team effort in the preparation, execution, the strategy … just really proud to get that result for the team and our sponsors AER, Polysleep, and Mobil 1.”
Currently 33 NASCAR Canada cars are registered for the main event at GP3R in the “Richard et cie présente Les 60 tours Rousseau Métal en collaboration avec Prolon Contrôles.” The massive field is set to be one of the biggest ever on record for the Canadian series.
This will be Fellows’ fourth time competing at GP3R, with an event-best finish of sixth in 2022.
“McColl Racing Enterprises and our FMR team have built an amazing car and I feel really comfortable at GP3R,” Fellows said.
He continued “it’s such an historic event, in the NASCAR Canada Series it feels kind of like our Monaco Grand Prix … it’s the one everyone wants to win and I’m really excited to battle with this team in the equipment we have now,” Fellows said.
Ron Fellows will also return to competition at GP3R, again in the Saturday main event Chevrolet Urban Challenge driving for Lussier Chevrolet. Fellows is also a member of the GP3R Hall of Fame having, competed for decades at the event including two memorable wins in the SCCA Trans-Am Series in 1995 and 1996.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Anthony Bruno for RaceCanada.ca
July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024
The NASCAR Canada series started their West swing with a showdown in Saskatoon, and one driver went on to announce himself as a title front runner.
Marc-Antoine Camirand secure yet another win on the year in the Leland Industries 250 at Sutherland Automotive Speedway.
The 45 year-old put forth a strong outing, leading 118 of the 250 laps and fending off a late charge from runner up Kevin Lacroix.
Andrew Ranger rounded out the podium, keeping himself close to Camirand in the title fight, with only seven points separating the two.
L.P Dumoulin picked up a fourth place finish with Jason Hathaway in fifth, in what was another consistent race from both drivers.
Another strong result came from Shantel Kalika, who fought hard to secure a top 10.
On the other side of the coin, things did not go so well for veteran Mark Dilley.
The 55 year-old was making his final career start in the series but unfortunately was forced to retire on lap 71 with a mechanical problem.
Alberta native Jamie Krzysik had his race come to an end just past the halfway mark due to a suspension issue.
The series’ western swing continues onward to Wetaskiwin, AB and Edmonton International Raceway.
Action gets underway Saturday July 27 at 9:30 P.M. EST.