The 2025 NASCAR Canada Series season comes down to one final showdown: the XPN 250 at Autodrome Montmagny with three former champions fighting for the trophy. Marc-Antoine Camirand, D.J. Kennington and Andrew Ranger are facing different scenarios.
Here’s a closer look at the top contenders, their mindset heading into Autodrome Montmagny, and the moments that have defined their seasons.
Marc-Antoine Camirand: Chasing Back-to-Back History
At the top of the standings is Marc-Antoine Camirand, driver of the No. 96 Paillé Racing Chevrolet, with 451 points. Already a two-time champion (2022, 2024), Camirand could make history this weekend as the first driver to win back-to-back NASCAR Canada Series titles.
“A 14-point lead isn’t huge, but it’s comfortable. We’ve already tested at Autodrome Montmagny, and we’re heading there in a good position. We just need to be smart during the race.”
Camirand’s mastery of the road course circuits has been a highlight of his season, laying the foundation for his championship push.
“The motivation is huge for the team because no one has ever won back-to-back championships,” he added.
With his eye on history, Camirand knows every lap of Montmagny’s 3/8-mile oval will be decisive.
D.J. Kennington: In the Hunt for a Third Title
In second place with 437 points, D.J. Kennington, driver of the No. 17 Castrol Edge/Brimstone Games/CIM Metals Dodge is a two-time champion (2010, 2012), and his trademark consistency has kept him firmly in the hunt all season.
“That’s part of being a championship team, you have to prepare every week. You can’t just win one or three races. We’ve had a very consistent, solid season. We approach every race the same way: finish every race and make the best of what you’ve got.”
Kennington’s defining moment this season came with a victory at Riverside International Speedway in a brand-new car built over the winter.
“To see that car win was huge, a real confidence builder for us. Our road course program has gotten so much better, too. It gets the team excited and makes everyone want to keep pushing for success.”
Now, Kennington looks to add a third championship to his decorated career.
Andrew Ranger: Pursuing a Fourth Championship
Sitting 19 points back is Andrew Ranger, driver of the No. 27 Paillé Racing Chevrolet and a three-time champion (2007, 2009, 2019). Ranger has staged a powerful comeback season, highlighted by a triumphant win at GP3R that marked a special moment for him, his team and his family after challenging seasons.
“I’m going to Autodrome Montmagny to focus on my race this weekend. I’ll go for the win, but also for a strong result to finish the season on a high note.”
Ranger knows how close he came to an even stronger season, with bad luck costing him valuable points.
“We had a pretty good season, but a bit of bad luck here and there cost us some points. We missed a bit of luck in races like Saskatoon, but if you’re still fighting for the championship at the end of the season, it means you’ve had a great season.”
With three titles already to his name, Ranger is challenging for a fourth.
The Final Showdown
With Camirand in the No. 96 chasing back-to-back glory, Kennington in the No. 17 aiming for a third crown, and Ranger in the No. 27 looking for his fourth championship, the XPN 250 at Autodrome Montmagny is set to deliver one of the most thrilling finales in NASCAR Canada Series history.
On-track activity of the XPN 250 begins Saturday with practice at 12:15 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 3:45 p.m. The XPN 250 goes green Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.