Legends Of Trois-Rivieres - The Villeneuve's

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The Villeneuve family, Gilles (l) Jacques Sr (c) and Jacques (r), have played a large role in creating the legend of Trois-Riviers.

 
By: RaceCanada with files from GP3R.com
August 5, 2014 

 

The streets of Trois-Rivieres have seen their share of legendary drivers compete in the oldest street race in North America. With the 45th eedition set to go this weekend, RaceCanada will take a short look at many of those who have competed in the famed race over the past 45 years.

Today, it's the most famous family in Canadian racing, the Villeneuve's.

 

Gilles Villeneuve
Born on January 18, 1950 in a small city of Iberville located near St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec. He tragically died May 8, 1982 during a qualification session at Zolder, Belgium while driving for the Ferrari Formula One team.

His first presence at the Grand Prix Trois-Rivières, in 1973, which ended in victory in the Formula Ford 1600 race.

1976 was the most legendary of all the events held at Trois-Rivieres, before or since, and Gilles Villeneuve was on centre stage. That year the organizers were able attract several top international drivers, including current Formula One drivers and future world champions James Hunt and Alan Jones, as well as future stars in Formula One and Indy Car such as Vittorio Brambilla, Patrick Tambay and Bobby Rahal. Villeneuve dominated the race which ultimately catapulted him into Formula One stardom.

His last race in Trois-Rivières was a 4th place finish in Formula Atlantic in 1977.

Among the major achievements of Gilles Villeneuve's career, many consider his second place finish in the 1979 Formula 1 World Championship and his 1976 Trois-Rivieres win as his most important.

Gilles was inducted into the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières hall of fame in 1999. In Berthierville, a museum presents Gilles life with pictures, objects, and many more.

 

Jacques Villeneuve Senior
Jacques Villeneuve was born in Berthierville, Québec on November 4, 1955. He came to Trois-Rivières for the first time in 1980 under the attentive watch of his brother Gilles. In only his second start at Trois-Rivières, he won the Formula Atlantic race and amazes the crowd. Jacques would repeat this feat many times, including his 5th victory at Trois-Rivières in 1991. Trois-Rivières welcomed Jacques Villeneuve for the last time in 1998 in Formula Atlantic.
 
 
Jacques Villeneuve
Born on April 9, 1971 in a small city of Iberville located near St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec. This popular driver is greatly appreciated by Trois-Rivières race fans for his numerous appearances on the street circuit.

Trois-Rivières first welcomed Jacques Villeneuve as far as a young driver in Formula Atlantic, then as an international superstar in the NASCAR series in 2009. Jacques Villeneuve did very well in his first two races in Formula Atlantic in Trois-Rivières, helping propel him later to become a Formula 1 driver.

Villeneuve's two trips to Trois-Rivieres in Formula Atlantic saw him record a third in his first trip in 1992, originally a one-off planed by Craig Pollock, followed up with a pole the following year.

He won the CART Championship in 1995, Indianapolis 500 in 1995 and the Formula One World Championship in 1997. Jacques Villeuneuve is one of the most decorated drivers who have raced in Trois-Rivières after winning his titles.