Team-mate Dussault Takes 7th in Race 2

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Exclusive Autosport scored a pair of top-five finishes courtesy of American Max Mällinen in last weekend’s trip to Quebec for the Grand Prix Trois-Rivieres, Saturday 1st August.

The Formula Tour 1600 Series double-header saw Mällinen race to fifth at the checkered flag in both races, the 17-year-old showcasing his talents amongst a highly competitive F1600 field having recently claimed the SCCA Mid-States Majors in Formula F.

Mällinen’s Exclusive Autosport team-mate, Montreal’s Patrick Dussault (23) endured a more challenging weekend in his home province than he experienced last time out when he won in F1600 at the Canadian Grand Prix back in June.

Dussault missed opening practice around the Trois-Rivieres street circuit with a wiring issue subsequently diagnosed as the cause of his absence. As the EA squad worked to rectify the issue, a replacement car was rented from a competitor to allow Patrick the opportunity to qualify and the team additional time to get his factory North American Spectrum entry back on track.

He duly qualified tenth in an impressive demonstration of overcoming adversity but unfortunately Race 1 on Saturday was to see further drama for Dussault. Taking a big hit on the kerbs on the exit of the final turn bent the push-rod adjuster on his suspension. While the Quebecor was forced to pit for repairs, which ultimately put him a few laps down in the running, Mällinen’s charge around the tight, bumpy street circuit rewarded the team with a fifth place finish.

Race 2 on Saturday afternoon was a relatively incident free event for both drivers. Mällinen was again solid having qualified in the top-eight. He raced his way cleanly to a second successive fifth place finish. Dussault was on course for a top-five result until a brief kiss off of a wall cost him a couple of spots. Taking seventh at the checkered flag, his weekend ended on a positive note given the challenges faced the day before.

“Our weekend at Trois-Rivieres really showed just how well we respond to adverse situations,” reflected Exclusive Autosport Team Principal Michael Duncalfe. “The issues we had with Patrick’s car were unfortunate but we didn’t give up. We found a solution that allowed both Patrick the chance to qualify and the mechanics the time to fix his car before Saturday’s races. Bottom line, we put our heads down and got on with the job. Patrick didn’t disappoint behind the wheel, he qualified in the top-ten and was up there during the races. We know he’s a winner and I’m disappointed we couldn’t give him more of a shot at challenging in Trois-Rivieres.

“Max drove supremely well all weekend and I’m delighted with his pair of top-five finishes. He was full of confidence given his recent title success in the SSCA Majors and it really showed. He didn’t put a wheel wrong on what’s notorious for being a challenging street circuit. We loved having him as part of the Exclusive Autosport family and I hope we get to give him another opportunity soon.”

Formed in 2013, Exclusive Autosport has quickly forged a reputation as one of North America’s premier junior formula outfits. Championship success came quickly under Michael Duncalfe’s leadership with notable achievements including back-to-back driver titles in 2013 and 2014 in the Canadian Toyo Tires F1600 A-Class Championship and in the Quebec Formula Tour 1600 Pro-Class Championship.

Exclusive Management Inc. is the official North American Importer and Distributor for Spectrum Chassis, designed and produced by Borland Racing Developments in Australia.

www.exclusiveautosport.ca / @ExclAutosport