As the NASCAR Canada Series makes its debut at Calabogie Motorsports Park, two rookie drivers, Connor Bell and Simon Charbonneau, are looking to make their mark at the newest addition to the calendar.
Connor Bell Returns to Familiar Ground
For Ottawa native Connor Bell, the Calabogie 150 marks his first official start in the NASCAR Canada Series. While new to the championship, Bell is no stranger to the Calabogie circuit.
“I’ve done thousands of laps here in testing,” he says. “The surface is very abrasive, which makes tire management crucial. I think that experience gives me an edge.”
Bell’s background in motorsport includes early karting, time in the Super Production Challenge series, and appearances in Radicals at events such as Sebring and the Toronto Indy. He also credits sim racing with accelerating his development.
Now 19, Bell enters the weekend behind the wheel of the No. 3 car. “I’m aiming for a top five,” he says. “It’s ambitious, but the home-track advantage could play a role.”
One of Bell’s main sponsors is the Dymon Foundation, an Ottawa-based organization known for its philanthropic contributions to the Ottawa Mission and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Simon Charbonneau Building Momentum
For Simon Charbonneau, Calabogie represents a continuation of his learning curve in the NASCAR Canada Series. After making his series debut in 2023, the Quebec driver returns this season with additional experience and a clear goal.
“We’ve worked hard on the car since our last time at CTMP,” Charbonneau says. “We’ll be running a new setup we haven’t tested yet at Calabogie, so Friday’s test session will be critical. If everything goes to plan, a top-five finish is within reach.”
Charbonneau began racing in karting at age 15 and went on to win a championship before transitioning into touring car racing. He competed in the Nissan Sentra Cup from 2021 to 2023 and made the move to NASCAR Canada with select starts on road courses. He describes Calabogie Motorsports Park as a challenging circuit and, despite never having raced there competitively, has logged test laps in preparation for the weekend.
He has also focused on preparation off the track, prioritizing physical training, rest, and mental focus. “I’ve kept up my regular fitness routine and made sure to stay sharp and hydrated,” he says. “I feel ready for this weekend.”
Looking ahead, Charbonneau plans to take part in all remaining road course events on the schedule, including the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Circuit ICAR and CTMP. His goal for the remainder of the year is to consistently finish in the top five.
On-track activities at Calabogie Motorsports Park will kick off on Saturday, July 26, with the first practice session scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, followed by final practice at 3:00 p.m. ET and qualifying at 6:00 p.m. ET. The green flag for the NASCAR 150 Clash of the Titans will wave on Sunday, July 27 at 2:10 p.m. ET.