As the 2026 NASCAR Canada Series approaches, the driver lineup is beginning to take form blending returning champions, seasoned veterans, promising newcomers, and rising talent ready to make their mark. From title defenders to fresh faces stepping into the spotlight, the season is shaping up to deliver depth across the grid.
Returning Champions
All eyes will be on Marc-Antoine Camirand as Paillé Racing returns in 2026 to defend the championship. After a title-winning campaign, Camirand enters the new season carrying both momentum and expectations.
D.J. Kennington returns following a strong runner-up finish in the championship last season, closing just 23 points behind Camirand. Third in the championship standings, Andrew Ranger, recently announced that he will return behind the wheel of the No. 27, with the continued support of Paillé Racing, to compete in 10 races this season. Last year, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin announced a multi-year renewal with WeatherTech Canada, extending a long-standing partnership that has supported the No. 47 program for over a decade.
Veterans
This season, Alex Tagliani returns as a full-season championship contender, teaming up with Theetge Motorsport to drive the No. 80 on road courses and with Ed Hakonson Racing in the No. 3 on oval courses. Fourth in the championship standings last season, Kevin Lacroix is also set to compete full time in 2026.
Driver of the No. 84, Larry Jackson also returns to compete in the full series, with support from Superior Propane, QAP Auto Parts, and Rack.ca. Mathieu Kingsbury will also return full time this season, marking his second full-time campaign in the NASCAR Canada Series.
Rising Talent
Alex Guenette enters his first full NASCAR Canada Series season in the No. 39 Chevrolet Camaro with JASS Racing and XEMIS Racing. After securing podium finishes in recent seasons, he enters this year with a championship in his sights. William Larue turned heads last season with three podium finishes in three starts, including his first-time win in the series at Autodrome Chaudière. In 2026, he broadened his schedule to include road courses and the GP3R street circuit.
Connor Bell made a successful debut in the series, earning a win in his first start at Calabogie Motorsports Park and finishing second at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. With plans to compete in at least six road course events this season, Bell is one to watch as he gains more seat time. Sam Fellows is also expected to return for the road course events, continuing to build on his proven experience.
New Chapters
Theetge Motorsport will also welcome Sylvain Ouellet for select events. Well known in Québec for his success in the Nissan Micra and Sentra Cup, as well as the Honda Michelin series, Ouellet will make his NASCAR Canada debut in three races this season, including Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières.
Keith Bean will make his NASCAR Canada Series debut, contesting all road course events in the No. 19 Camaro for BC Race Cars Inc. With experience in Trans-Am and regional GT competition, Bean brings a solid foundation into his first season.
Looking Ahead
With a strong blend of champions, veterans and rising talent, the 2026 NASCAR Canada season is already building momentum.
Stay tuned for further updates on drivers announcement as the grid takes shape and get ready for the season opener at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on May 16-17.
Buy your tickets on Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s website.