Marc-Antoine Camirand captured the victory in the Bud Light 125 on Sunday at Autodrome Chaudière, earning his first win of the 2026 NASCAR Canada season after a hard-fought battle on the quarter-mile oval.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, the event was postponed to Sunday due to forecasted heavy rainfall in the region. The decision was made jointly by NASCAR Canada officials and Autodrome Chaudière management to prioritize the safety of drivers, teams and fans, while ensuring the best possible racing conditions.
With qualifying washed out, the starting lineup for the Bud Light 125 was established in accordance with the NASCAR Canada rulebook. As a result, Marc-Antoine Camirand led the field to the green flag in the No. 96 GM Paillé Chevrolet.
Camirand led the field to the green flag and controlled the early stages of the race, but faced constant pressure from Donald Theetge behind the wheel of the No. 80 Revêtements Vulcain / Max Leclerc Construction Chevrolet throughout the 125-lap event. Multiple cautions, as well as a late red flag, kept the field tightly packed. Theetge took the lead around the halfway mark and engaged in a lengthy battle for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Alex Labbé in the No. 36 Lussier Chevrolet / Centre du VR Victoriaville Chevrolet charged from 12th on the grid into contention, while William Larue in the No. 45 Larue Industrial Snow Removal Equipment / Leeboy Chevrolet steadily worked his way forward from 13th on the starting grid.
Following the final restart with just 12 laps remaining, Camirand reclaimed control and held off Theetge in a thrilling four-car battle for the lead to secure the victory.
“It was a great first race. We were a bit in the unknown heading into it, but we knew it was going to be a race of patience. That’s exactly what we did today. We’re proud to put the GM Paillé car back at the front of the field,” said Camirand.
The podium was completed by Donald Theetge in second position, while William Larue rounded out the podium.
The NASCAR Canada action continues later today with the Michelob Ultra 125. The green flag for Race 2 is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.