Autodrome Montmagny is playing host to the final round of the 2024 NASCAR Canada Championship, and drivers hit the Québec track for two practice sessions on Saturday morning.
Championship leader Marc-Antoine Camirand set the pace in both sessions, making a strong statement ahead of the weekend’s race. Driving the No. 96 GM Paillé Chevrolet, Camirand posted a time of 17.918 seconds in the first practice. He then improved in the final practice, recording a faster lap of 17.796 seconds.
Rookie driver Will Larue impressed with the second-fastest time in the first session, piloting the No. 45 Larue Industrial Snow Blowers Chevrolet. Larue, a fan favorite at Montmagny, was followed by another local hero, Donald Theetge, who clocked the fourth-fastest time in his No. 80 Groupe Theetge/Vulcain Chevrolet. Alex Labbé secured the third-best time in the session, driving his No. 36 AB Express/VR Victoriaville/Lussier Chevrolet, while rookie Martin Goulet Jr. rounded out the top five in his No. 83 Miral Cranes/Toitures LB/MI Aménagement Dodge.
In the final practice, Kevin Lacroix in the No. 74 Quick Strut / NAPA Chevrolet was close behind Camirand, just 0.089 seconds off the leader’s time. Andrew Ranger, driving the No. 27 GM Paillé Chevrolet, finished third with a lap time of 17.920 seconds. Alex Guénette, wrapping up his part-time NASCAR Canada season this Sunday, posted the fourth-fastest time, ahead of D.J. Kennington in his No. 17 Castrol Edge/Brimstone Games/CIM Metals Dodge.
“We made some adjustments during practice, but we tested here last week, so we were well-prepared,” said Marc-Antoine Camirand. “It’s a new track for everyone, so we’re all learning as we go. Each track has its own quirks, and here, there’s a small bump in Turn 4 that requires a slight adjustment in our racing line. But I think we’re set for a great race tomorrow.”
Qualifying will take place today at 3:45 p.m. ET, with the green flag for the Les 250 Tours XPN dropping tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. ET.