The NASCAR Canada Series heads to Complexe ICAR this Saturday for the NAPA 100, where several Quebec drivers will have the opportunity to race close to home.
Among them is Saint-Eustache’s Kevin Lacroix, driver of the No. 74 NAPA Racing Chevrolet. Lacroix has enjoyed success at ICAR, with four victories at the circuit in 2015, 2017, 2021 and 2022.
“My expectations are pretty simple this year, be fast and fight for the win,” said Lacroix. “We’ve shown several times this season that we have the speed to run at the front, even if the results haven’t always been there because of different setbacks and mechanical issues. Hopefully at ICAR, we can put all the pieces together and turn that potential into a strong result.”
The flat, technical circuit on the grounds of the former Mirabel airport provides a unique challenge for the field.
“ICAR is slower than some of the other circuits on the schedule, but it’s very technical and generally quite slippery,” Lacroix explained. “You have to be very precise because it’s easy to miss an entry or an apex. It’s a track that requires a lot of concentration, where the small details can make a big difference.”
For Lacroix, racing in front of a local crowd makes the weekend even more meaningful.
“Racing at home is always special. There are a lot of family members, friends and people who have followed us for a long time who come out to see us,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the weekend with the people who support us and, hopefully, give them a good show and a result we can celebrate together.”
Terrebonne’s Alex Guenette will also be looking to capitalize on home-track familiarity in the No. 39 DLGL/GL Électricité Automatisation Chevrolet. After earning two podium finishes this season, Guenette has his sights set on another strong result.
“So far this year, when we haven’t had mechanical issues, we’ve consistently been fighting near the front and have two podiums, so I’m aiming for another podium and a win,” said Guenette. “It’s my home track, our team is based there, and it’s fun to have so many friends coming out.”
Guenette will be joined on the grid by his grandfather, Jacques Guenette Sr., in the No. 93 Loto-Québec/DLGL/ViP Software Chevrolet.
Saint-Jérôme’s Dave Coursol also has a strong connection to ICAR, having learned to road race at the circuit. Driving the No. 54 Carquest/Qualité Réfrigération/Assainiteck Dodge, his goal is to fight inside the top 10.
“ICAR is where I learned to drive on a road course, so naturally my expectations are higher,” said Coursol. “Racing at home in NASCAR means a lot to me. Friends, family, sponsors and business partners will all be there. It adds a little extra pressure, but in a positive way.”
Laval will be represented by Justin Arseneau in the No. 8 EHR Racing entry and Simon Charbonneau in the No. 88 TransGestion/Complexe AutoPlus/NAPA/IAI Chevrolet. Charbonneau enters the weekend targeting a top-five finish.
“It’s a circuit that can look easy, but it really isn’t,” said Charbonneau. “Being on a former airport surface, the concrete pavement is clearly what makes it different from the other tracks. It’s exciting to race here, and it’s always a great feeling to see so many people come out to support me.”
The local contingent also includes Blainville’s Mathieu Kingsbury and Serge Bourdeau, Lachenaie’s Alex Tagliani, Mirabel’s Herby Drescher and Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm’s J.P. Bergeron.
With familiar surroundings and plenty of local support, the North Shore drivers will look to make their mark when the NAPA 100 goes green this Saturday at 5:40 p.m. ET at Complexe ICAR.
The race will be broadcast live on REV TV, TVA Sports 2 and the NASCAR Canada YouTube channel.