Valencia (Spain), December 10, 2025 – French-Québécois defender Roxanne Bolduc (17 years old) experienced a perfect first phase of qualification with the French U19 women's team: three matches, three victories. Starting in two out of the three games played in Cardiff (Wales), the player from the south shore of Montreal contributed to the flawless performance of the team against Turkey, Finland, and Wales.
These three victories allow France to finish first in its group and qualify for Qualifying Round 2 of Euro 2026. The draw for Round 2 (League A and League B) will take place on December 11, 2025, at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. This was Roxanne Bolduc's second selection with the U19 team, following her debut in October during the two friendly matches against Spain, the defending champion.
“Every time I hear the national anthem, I realize the privilege I have to wear this jersey. The group of girls and coaches is amazing. There is so much talent among my teammates. I believe I have never seen such a close-knit team, both on and off the field. This is the second camp we have spent together after the one in October: it's perfect for getting to know each other better. About my performance, I know I can do even better and correct some things. I'm already working on it since my return to Villarreal. There are always sequences we'd like to relive, that's part of sports. The most important thing is the collective result, and these three victories were wonderful to experience.” – Roxanne Bolduc
Profile and Journey of Roxanne Bolduc
Born on December 24, 2007, in Saint-Hyacinthe (Quebec, Canada), Roxanne Bolduc holds dual Canadian and French nationality. Now living in Spain with her family since 2021, she is playing this season with Villarreal CF, with whom she has a contract for the next two years. At just 17 years old, switching between the first team and the reserve team of Las Groguetes, she is considered a young talent of European soccer in her position.
Originally trained in Quebec from the age of 5 (Vallee du Richelieu Soccer Club, ARSRY Richelieu-Yamaska, AS Montis, Ascalon St-Georges), she moved to Spain at the age of 13 and played for the following teams:
First Selection with the National Team
Roxanne Bolduc received her first call-up to the French U17 team in September 2023. In a friendly match in Northern Ireland, she played 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory against the host country in Belfast.
Website: https://roxannebolduc.football
Representation Agency: Wasserman Football
Contact:
Ingrid Bourgeois
(Quebec) 450 536-3419
(France) 07 49 23 91 10
infos@bolle.ca
Valence (Espagne), 15 octobre 2025 — La Fédération Française de Football (FFF) a officiellement convoqué Roxanne Bolduc, jeune footballeuse franco-québécoise du Villarreal CF au sein de l’équipe de France féminine U19 en vue de deux rencontres amicales face à l’Espagne, prévues les 25 et 28 octobre 2025 à Albir et La Nucia.
👉 Voir la liste officielle sur fff.fr
Sous la direction du sélectionneur Philippe Joly, la FFF a dévoilé une liste de vingt joueuses appelées à défendre les couleurs de la France dans le cadre de cette double confrontation internationale, inscrite dans la préparation du Championnat d’Europe U19 Féminin 2026.
Née le 24 décembre 2007 à Saint-Hyacinthe (Québec, Canada), Roxanne Bolduc détient la double nationalité française et canadienne. Installée en Espagne avec sa famille depuis 2021, la joueuse de 17 ans évolue cette année dans sa cinquième saison consécutive dans le soccer élite espagnol. Elle a d’abord joué pour le CFF Maritim (2021-2022), puis rejoint l'académie du Levante UD (2022-2024) avant d’intégrer celle du Valencia CF (2024-2025). Elle évolue désormais au Villarreal CF où elle est sous contrat pour les deux prochaines saisons.
La première sélection de Roxanne Bolduc en équipe de France U17 remonte à septembre 2023, lors d’un stage et d’une série de rencontres en Irlande du Nord. Lors de cette première expérience internationale, elle a disputé 90 minutes complètes lors de la victoire 2-0 de la France contre l’Irlande du Nord à Belfast, marquant ainsi ses débuts officiels sous le maillot bleu.
« Porter les couleurs de la France est un honneur immense. Je connais déjà plusieurs filles dans l'équipe, je vais tout donner pour prouver à mon entraîneur que je peux aider l'équipe à atteindre ses objectifs. Affronter l'Espagne sera vraiment spécial, je connais aussi plusieurs filles de la sélection espagnole comme coéquipière et surtout pour les avoir affrontées à divers niveaux et dans différents tournois. -Roxanne Bolduc. »
Les deux matchs amicaux face à l’Espagne, prévus les 25 et 28 octobre 2025, constituent une étape clé dans la préparation du tour de qualification à l’Euro U19 Féminin 2026.
Ils offriront au staff l’occasion de renforcer la cohésion du groupe et d’évaluer les jeunes joueuses dans un contexte international de haut niveau.
Roxanne Bolduc a commencé à jouer au soccer à Beloeil (Québec), au sein du Club de Soccer Vallée du Richelieu (CSVR) dès l’âge de 5 ans. Elle s’est également développée sous l’encadrement de l’Association régionale de soccer Richelieu-Yamaska (ARSRY), avant de rejoindre l’AS Montis puis l’Ascalon de Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, où elle a intégré un programme sport-études. Depuis 2021, elle évolue en Espagne, où elle poursuit sa formation et sa carrière professionnelle, désormais au Villarreal CF.
👉 Site Web officiel : roxannebolduc.football
Source :
Ingrid Bourgeois – Bollé Communications
450-536-3419 (Québec) | 07 49 23 91 10 (France)
infos@bolle.ca
Montreal, January 22, 2025 - The Corporation SPORTSQUÉBEC is pleased to announce that the City of Saint-Georges has been selected to host the 61st Finale of the Jeux du Québec - Summer 2027. This will be the third time the City will have the privilege of hosting the event, having successfully organized the Jeux du Québec Finales during the winter edition of 1974 and the summer edition of 1979.
After several months of careful analysis, the selection process concluded on January 17, following the final presentations before the selection committee. The choice was difficult, demonstrating intense and healthy competition between the two candidate areas. Following the conclusion of the process, the Corporation wishes to thank the City of Sorel-Tracy for its journey, evolving at each stage. With the municipality's development vision, SPORTSQUÉBEC acknowledges its capacity to host a Jeux du Québec Finale.
"},{"title":"Press release - French-Canadian soccer player Roxanne Bolduc signs her first professional contract with CF Valencia.","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-french-canadian-soccer-player-roxanne-bolduc-signs-her-first-professional-contract-with-cf-valencia","published_at":"2024-08-09T10:00:47+00:00","summary":"**Valencia, Spain, August 13, 2024** – French-Canadian soccer player Roxanne Bolduc signs her first contract in Spain. At 16 years old, she has agreed to a three-year deal with CF Valencia. Starting next season, she will be playing for the reserve team (B) of the professional team competing in the Spanish F League.\n\n**Club Statement:** https://tinyurl.com/mpkbjktt\n\nArriving in Spain at the end of the summer of 2021 with her family, Roxanne Bolduc made her debut with CFF Maritim and played her first official match in February 2022 after the international transfer of her player license. Her performances earned her a successful trial with Levante UD, a team with which she has been representing for 2 years in levels E, D, and C of the academy. Roxanne Bolduc also has a call-up for the French U-17 National Team last year, along with a title at the MadCup tournament in Madrid and participation in the Spanish championships.\n\n\"*I truly feel that CF Valencia has confidence in me, which is exactly what I needed for my own confidence. I will give my all to help this great club and prove that I deserve my place in Spain, at the highest levels of women's football*\" shares **Roxanne Bolduc.**\n\n**About Roxanne Bolduc**\n\nRoxanne Bolduc started playing soccer at the age of 5 in Beloeil, Quebec, with the CSVR club. She also developed under the guidance of the Richelieu-Yamaska regional soccer association (ARSRY). She has also played for different teams in Quebec, including AS Montis (FC Saint-Bruno) and Ascalon de Saint-Georges.\n\n**To read (Spanish):** La visita premonitoria de Roxanne Bolduc al Antonio Puchades. https://www.valenciacf.com/la-visita-premonitoria-de-roxanne-balduc-al-antonio-puchades\n\n**F.F.F.**: https://www.fff.fr/equipe-nationale/joueur/10924-roxanne-bolduc/fiche.html\n\nFor information:\n\nIngrid Bourgeois - Bollé Communications\n\n450-536-3419 (Quebec)\n\n07 49 23 91 10 (France)\n\ninfos@bolle.ca","content":"Valencia, Spain, August 9, 2024 – Franco-Canadian soccer player Roxanne Bolduc signs her first contract in Spain. At 16 years old, she has agreed to a 3-year deal with CF Valencia. Starting next season, she will play for the reserve team (B) of the professional formation that competes in the Spanish Liga F.
Club Statement: https://www.valenciacf.com/comunicado-oficial-roxanne-bolduc
Arriving in Valencia at the end of summer 2021 with her family, Roxanne made her debut with CFF Maritim and played her first official match in February 2022 after the international transfer of her player license. Her performances earned her a successful trial with Levante UD, with which she has played for the past 2 years in the E and C levels of the academy. Roxanne Bolduc also has a selection for the French U-17 national team last year.
\"I really feel that CF Valencia relies on me, which is what I needed for my confidence. They have a true 3-year development plan. I will give everything to help this team and prove that I have my place in Spain at the highest levels of women's football in the world,\" says Roxanne Bolduc.
About Roxanne Bolduc
Roxanne Bolduc began playing soccer in Quebec at the age of 5 with the CSVR club in Beloeil. She also developed under the Richelieu-Yamaska Regional Soccer Association (ARSRY). She has played for various teams in Quebec, including AS Montis (FC Saint-Bruno) and Ascalon de Saint-Georges.
Website: https://roxannebolduc.football/
For further information
Ingrid Bourgeois - Bollé Communications
450-536-3419 (Quebec) | 07 49 23 91 10 (France)
"},{"title":"Soccer - Quebecer Roxanne Bolduc called up for selection with the vice-champions of Spain U17.","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/soccer-quebecer-roxanne-bolduc-called-up-for-selection-with-the-vice-champions-of-spain-u17","published_at":"2022-10-25T10:00:06+00:00","summary":"Valencia, Spain, October 25, 2022 - Former CSVR, AS Montis and Ascalon Saint-Georges player Roxanne Bolduc is climbing the soccer ladder in Spain. \n\nIn her second season in Valencia, the young 14-year-old player who is playing this year with the club Levante UD has been called up by the Valencian Community federation with the Valenta U17 selection, vice-champion of Spain.","content":"Valencia, Spain, October 25, 2022 - Former CSVR, AS Montis and Ascalon Saint-Georges player Roxanne Bolduc is climbing the soccer ladder in Spain.
In her second season in Valencia, the young 14-year-old player who is playing this year with the club Levante UD has been called up by the Valencian Community federation with the Valenta U17 selection, vice-champion of Spain.
Roxanne Bolduc, who plays as a central defender, will play her first match this Tuesday, October 25 in Buñol against Levante UD's C team, which plays in the Primera National division in preparation for the first phase of the Spanish Championship.
Coach Alicia Moreno Gonzalez has called up 19 players for this game from the clubs LEVANTE UD, VILLARREAL C.F., VALENCIA FEMINAS C.F, ELCHE C.F. as well as C.F. SPA ALICANTE.
SEE THE FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE (FFCV)
“The phone rang Sunday night, I was not expecting it at all. Playing with the U17 selection is a great honor, an incredible opportunity. Last year I was watching these girls on TV in the Spanish Championship final and this year I'm on the same pitch... I can't believe it. Thanks to my Levante UD team. -Roxanne Bolduc
A young athlete developed in Quebec, Canada
Roxanne Bolduc took her first steps in soccer in Beloeil at the age of 5. Selected by the regional association of soccer Richelieu-Yamaska (ARSRY), she developed with the CDR and PSR programs then she participated in several improvement camps, including those of Barca Academy and the soccer school of the Montreal Impact.
In the spring of 2021, after the Quebec Games were canceled twice due to Covid-19, she obtained permission from the Quebec Regional Soccer Association to play with the Ascalon U15 men's team. of Saint-Georges de Beauce.
Arriving in Spain at the end of summer 2021 following a family move, Roxanne Bolduc made her Spanish debut with the CFF Maritim club in Valencia. She was able to play her first game in February 2022, after months of waiting for approval for her international transfer.
Her performances earned her last June a trial with the professional club Levante UD and then a selection in this renowned training center, a first for a Canadian player in Spain.
In her first game in the regular season in the Primera Regional Valenta, she scored her first goal with her new team.
Roxanne Bolduc has dual nationality, Canadian and French.
Information:
Ingrid Bourgeois
Bollé Communications Inc.
514-805-6079
(Crédit photos : Pascuale Martinez)
"},{"title":"Press release: RAPHAEL LESSARD INTERRUPTS HIS NASCAR SEASON TO BETTER PREPARE FOR 2022.","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-raphael-lessard-interrupts-his-nascar-season-to-better-prepare-for-2022","published_at":"2021-05-03T14:48:05+00:00","summary":"**Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce (Québec), le 3 mai 2021 / PPN Source** - C’est avec un mélange d’émotions que Raphaël Lessard Racing annonce aujourd’hui l’interruption de sa participation à la série des camionnettes NASCAR en 2021. \n\nLes conditions défavorables imposées par la pandémie de Covid-19 sur l’économie Nord-Américaine n’ont pas permis à l’équipe de déployer la stratégie prévue pour la recherche de financement notamment en 2020. Raphaël Lessard se tourne maintenant vers la préparation de la saison 2022, comptant d’abord sur les accomplissements majeurs depuis son ascension en NASCAR, sur le travail de fond déjà accompli cette année et sur la reprise économique anticipée des deux côtés de la frontière. \n\n« Nous y avons toujours cru et nous y croyons encore. Ces dernières années, l’équipe et moi avons concentré tous nos efforts pour accomplir une saison complète dans les hautes sphères de NASCAR et nous y sommes parvenus. Toutefois, nous sommes actuellement dans une situation où nous ne pouvons pas continuer cette saison et c’est difficile de vous dire cela, tout ce que je veux et que j’ai toujours voulu c’est être derrière un volant et gagner ! » **explique avec émotions Raphaël Lessard**.\n\n« Nous ne mettons pas fin à tout ce qui est course automobile. Mon rêve est toujours de faire le Daytona 500 en Cup et de voir mes parents assis dans les estrades ! Nous sommes ouverts aux opportunités et surtout, nous travaillons avec GMS Racing pour revenir plus forts en 2022, c’est ça le but. D’ailleurs, j’ai apprécié chaque moment avec eux, de la préparation à la piste, et je souhaite remercier particulièrement Maurice J. Gallagher (Maury), Mike Beam, Josh Wise, Chevrolet, mon agent Christopher Biby, mon chef d’équipe Chad Walter, mon éclaireur Tyler Monn et chaque équipier chez GMS Racing » confie celui qui a écrit l’histoire de la course automobile à plusieurs reprises.\n\n**MERCI À CHACUN DE VOUS!**\n\n« Depuis le début de ma carrière, je dois l'ascension à plusieurs personnes, dont mes parents, celles/ceux qui ont fait un bout de chemin avec moi, dont Raphaël Lessard Racing, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard, les fans qui me supportent sur les réseaux sociaux et autres, tous les médias, les équipes de course qui m’ont accueilli au fil des années et surtout les partenaires et les investisseurs qui ont cru et croient en mon talent. Sans eux, sans vous, rien n'aurait été possible. Vous connaissez quelques-unes des personnes-clés et par respect pour elles, nous ne les nommerons pas publiquement, toutefois, je sais que vous vous reconnaîtrez, » conclut Raphaël Lessard.\n\n**CONTACT:** Jessica Ménard - Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. - \n819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Saint Joseph de Beauce (Quebec, Canada) – May 3rd, 2021 - Raphael Lessard Racing announced today that Raphael Lessard will not be participating in the rest of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events.
The unfavorable conditions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic on the North American economy did not allow Raphael Lessard Racing to implement their strategy in the search for funding in 2020. They are now turning their attention to preparing for the 2022 season, based on the driver's major accomplishments since his start in NASCAR, on the groundwork already established this year, and on the anticipated economic recovery on both sides of the border.
\"My management team and I have always believed in our ultimate success and we still do. Over the last years, we have focused all our energies on completing full seasons in the upper echelons of NASCAR, and we have achieved that goal recently. However, we are currently in a situation where we cannot continue this season, and it's hard to accept that fact. All I have ever wanted is to be behind a steering wheel and win!\" explains an emotional Raphael Lessard.
\"We are not putting an end to all things racing. My dream is still to race in the Daytona 500 and see my parents sitting in the stands! We are open to opportunities and most importantly, we are working with GMS Racing to come back stronger in 2022. That is our goal! In addition, I enjoyed every moment with GMS Racing, from the preparation to the track, and I want to give special thanks to Maurice J. Gallagher (Maury), Mike Beam, Josh Wise, Chevrolet and Christopher Biby, my Agent, Chad Walter, my crew chief, Tyler Monn, my spotter and all the crew at GMS Racing,\" confided the man who has made racing history on several occasions.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!
\"Right from the beginning of my career, I have owed my growth in the sport to many people: my parents, those who have travelled with me around the countries, Raphael Lessard Racing, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard, the fans who have supported me on social and other networks, the media, the race teams who have welcomed me, and above all, the investors and partners who have believed in my talent. Without all of you, nothing would have been possible. You know some of our key supporters and I will not name them here out of respect. However, I know that they will recognize themselves,\" concludes Raphael Lessard.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:
"},{"title":"Press release: A Well-deserved 8th Place Finish for Raphael Lessard at Kansas Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-a-well-deserved-8th-place-finish-for-raphael-lessard-at-kansas-speedway-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-05-02T14:04:45+00:00","summary":"**Kansas City (États-Unis), le 2 mai 2021 / PPN Source** – Quinzième sur la grille de départ au Kansas Speedway, Raphaël Lessard s’est vite aperçu que son Silverado #24 Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu sous-virait au point d’user prématurément le pneu avant droit et se trouvait incapable de suivre le rythme des meneurs. Relancé deux fois en queue de peloton après les arrêts aux puits de segments, Raphaël Lessard s’est battu sans relâche afin de pousser au maximum pour dépasser ses adversaires, tout en adaptant son pilotage à sa camionnette. Avec persévérance, le jeune Beauceron a su se faufiler et croiser le fil d’arrivée huitième.\n\n**La course selon Raphaël Lessard**\n\n« Ce soir, cela n’a pas été facile. Je me suis battu avec la camionnette #24 Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu tout au long de la course. L’équipe a apporté des modifications majeures aux réglages à deux reprises, toutefois cela n’a pas permis de corriger le problème. Le temps perdu à travailler les suspensions lors des arrêts aux puits me replaçait toujours vers la fin du peloton sur le tour des meneurs. Dans les derniers tours, mon pneu avant droit était de nouveau trop usé. J’essayais de le garder le plus froid possible pour la dernière relance et rouler « agressif » pour faire le plus possible avec ce que j’avais. Nous sommes contents de la huitième place dans les circonstances, » nous confiait Raphaël Lessard.\n\n**Date:** samedi 1er mai 2021\n\n**Évènement:** Wise Power 200\n\n**Piste:** Kansas Speedway (Kansas, États-Unis – ovale de 1,5 mille)\n\n**Déroulement:** Trois segments de 30 | 30 | 74 tours\n\n**Départ | Résultat:** 15e | 8e (140 des 134 tours prévus, en surtemps)\n\n**Gagnant:** Kyle Busch – KBM (Toyota)\n\n**CONTACT:** Jessica Ménard - Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. - \n819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Kansas City (United States), May 2nd, 2021 – A few laps after starting 15th on the grid at Kansas Speedway Saturday night, Raphael Lessard quickly realized that his #24 Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu Silverado understeered to the point of prematurely wearing out the right front tire so much that he was unable to keep up with the leaders. Raphael Lessard adapted his driving and fought his way back to the leaders after two long stops in the pits. His determination allowed the young Beauceron to make the most out of what he had and cross the finish line in eighth place.
The Race from the Driver’s Seat (extracts)
\"The race tonight (Saturday) was not easy for me as I struggled with the #24 Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu truck’s serious understeer throughout the race. The team made major set-up changes twice, but that did not fix the problem. The time lost working on the suspension during the end-of-segment pit stops dropped me to the back of the field but happily still on the lead lap. Over the last few laps, my right front tire was again used up. I tried to keep it as cool as possible for the last overtime restart and drove the last two laps \"aggressively\" to get the most out of what I had to work with. We are happy with eighth place under the circumstances,\" said Raphael Lessard.
Date: Saturday May 1st, 2021
Event: Wise Power 200
Track: Kansas Speedway (Kansas, United States – 1.5-mile banked oval)
Race format: Three stages of 30 | 30 | 74 laps
Start | Result: 15th | 8th (140 in overtime of scheduled 134-lap race)
Winner: Kyle Busch – KBM (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:
"},{"title":"Press release: Raphael Lessard Back on Track at Kansas Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-raphael-lessard-back-on-track-at-kansas-speedway-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-04-27T11:31:29+00:00","summary":"Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce (Québec, Canada), le 27 avril 2021 / PPN Source - Au volant du Silverado #24 Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu, **Raphaël Lessard prendra part samedi à la septième course NCWTS de la saison sur l’ovale du Kansas Speedway**, un tracé typique de NASCAR en forme de « D » de 1,5 milles avec un bol relevé à 20 degrés. Ce type de piste permet aux camionnettes d’atteindre une vitesse moyenne de 179 m/h (288 km/h) et Raphaël s’y sent maintenant à l’aise grâce à son expérience grandissante sur ce type de tracé. Les fans de Raphaël Lessard seront également à l’honneur avec un logo apposé sur la camionnette pour les remercier de leur soutien depuis le début de l’aventure.\n\nRaphaël Lessard sait maintenant maîtriser sa machine dans la turbulence de la haute vitesse, protéger sa position tout en étudiant le comportement des camionnettes autour de lui et préparer ses dépassements selon son anticipation des situations qui se déroulent devant lui. La saison 2020 et le début de 2021 lui ont permis de devenir un pilote qui joue pour la victoire à chaque sortie avec sa camionnette préparée par GMS Racing.\n\n**Raphaël Lessard nous parle du Kansas Speedway** \n« Je suis prêt pour Kansas ! C’est une piste que j’ai aimée l’année passée, il y a beaucoup de place sur la piste et nous pouvons rouler en haut ou au bas, longtemps au maximum sur un tour et la camionnette doit bien coller de l’arrière pour accélérer le plus tôt possible en sortie de virage. La piste est très technique au niveau de l’aérodynamique et il faut bien préparer ses dépassements pour ne pas manquer son coup. Ma dernière course sur une piste d’un mille et demie était Atlanta en mars dernier. Je suis certain que ma camionnette Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu sera dans le coup samedi soir pour un top-10 avec de bonnes chances d’un podium, » explique Raphaël Lessard.\n\n« Nous afficherons un logo pour remercier nos supporteurs sur la camionnette Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu lors de la course au Kansas. Je veux profiter de cette occasion pour remercier tous ceux qui nous suivent qui et qui rendent cette aventure possible depuis des années. La course en NASCAR augmente en intensité chaque année et tous ceux parmi vous qui nous aident, je vous dois tous un grand merci ! » d’ajouter Raphaël Lessard.\n\n**Évènement**: Wise Power 200, course 7 de 22 (150 tours de piste en trois segments de 40 | 50 | 60 tours pour 225 milles)\n\n**Piste**: Kansas Speedway (Kansas, États-Unis – ovale de 1,5 milles)\n\n**Date | Diffusions**: en direct le samedi 1er mai à 19h30 (HAE) sur RDS, FS1, MRN Radio et la radio SiriusXM NASCAR 90\n\n**CONTACT**: \nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. - Consultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing - 819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Saint Joseph de Beauce (Quebec, Canada) – April 27, 2021 - Raphael Lessard will take part at the Kansas Speedway in the seventh NCWTS race of the 2021 season aboard the #24 Canac | Richelieu Hardware Silverado after two races on slower tracks at Bristol and Richmond. The Kansas layout is a typical NASCAR high speed 1.5-mile D-shaped oval with a 20-degree banking in the corners. This type of track allows the trucks to reach an average speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and Raphael is now comfortable with those high speeds given his growing experience on this type of track. Raphael Lessard's fans will be honoured with a logo on the truck to thank them for their support since the beginning of the adventure.
In only his second full season in NASCAR trucks, Raphael Lessard now knows how to control his machine in the turbulence at high speeds, how to protect his position while studying the behaviour of the drivers around him, and how to set up his overtaking moves according to his anticipation of the situation unfolding before him. The 2020 season and the beginning of 2021 have allowed him to become a driver who is now in contention for top-10 finishes and even a win at every outing in his GMS Racing-prepared truck.
Raphael Lessard Talks About Kansas Speedway
“I'm ready for Kansas! I liked the track when we raced there in 2020. There is a lot of room on the track, and we can drive high or low on the banking. We run at full throttle for a long time there so we need perfect traction in the rear so we can open the throttle as early as possible on corner exits. The track is very technical in terms of aerodynamics and you have to plan your overtaking carefully so you can pass the other truck in one quick sweep and not lose time. My last race on a 1.5-mile track was at Atlanta this past March. I am sure that my Canac | RichelieuHardware truck will be in the mix for a top-10 finish with a good chance of a podium,” explained Raphael Lessard.
\"We will display a logo on the Canac | Richelieu Hardwaretruck to thank our supporters during the race. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, who have made this adventure possible over the years. NASCAR racing gets more intense every year and I owe a big thank you to all of you for your help!” added Raphael Lessard.
Event: Wise Power 200, race 7 of 22 (225 miles over three segments of 40 | 50 | 60 laps, for a total of 150 laps)
Track: Kansas Speedway (Kansas, United States – 1.5-mile banked oval)
Date | Live TV & Radio: Saturday May 1st at 7:30 PM (EDT) on RDS, FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR 90 radio
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
"},{"title":"Successful start for Raphael Lessard turns into a frustrating finish in Richmond - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/successful-start-for-raphael-lessard-turns-into-a-frustrating-finish-in-richmond-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-04-18T00:44:10+00:00","summary":"**Richmond (Virginie, États-Unis), le 17 avril 2021 / PPN Source**- Raphaël Lessard est confortable sur les pistes ovales relativement courtes comme le circuit du Richmond Raceway. Cinquième sur la grille de départ, tout était en place pour un résultat à l’avant du peloton, au volant du Silverado #24 Canac préparé par GMS Racing. \n\nRaphaël Lessard s’est battu avec succès dans le top-5 les 50 premiers tours de la course et dans le top-10 au cours des 180 premiers tours en accumulant de précieux points aux deux premiers segments (7e). Suite à la neutralisation du 187e tour, les événements se sont enchaînés : une erreur dans les puits a relayé Raphaël Lessard en milieu de peloton et alors qu’il tentait de dépasser, un compétiteur provoque un incident qui l’oblige à entrer aux puits afin de redresser les ailes du côté gauche. Raphaël Lessard croise ainsi le fil d’arrivée en 23e place. \n\n**La course vue par le pilote (extraits)**\n\n« J’étais confiant avec ma camionnette Canac au début de la course. Nous croyions à un top-5 ou mieux encore, surtout avec les excellents réglages que l’équipe améliorait lors des arrêts. La camionnette fonctionnait de mieux en mieux dans les plus longs segments. \n\nNous sommes arrêtés tard dans la course pour monter des pneus neufs en anticipant les dépassements des adversaires qui avaient arrêtés plus tôt. Tout allait bien jusqu’à ce qu’une erreur de l’équipe dans les puits me coûte des positions. Nous sommes repartis de la 21e position et c’est alors qu’un compétiteur a détruit ma camionnette du côté gauche. Ce fut une fin de course frustrante, » explique le pilote du Chevrolet Silverado #24 Canac nettement frustré.\n\n**Date:** samedi 17 avril 2021 – 13h30\n\n**Évènement**: Toyota Care 250\n\n**Piste:** Richmond Raceway (Virginie, États-Unis – ovale de 0,75 mille)\n\nD**éroulement:** Trois segments de 70 | 70 | 110 tours\n\n**Départ | Résultat:** 5e | 23e (249 des 250 tours prévus complétés)\n\n**Gagnant:** John Hunter Nemechek – Kyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)\n\n**CONTACT**: \nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. - \nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing -\n819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Richmond (Virginia, United States) – April 17, 2021 / PPN Source - Raphael Lessard is comfortable on relatively short oval tracks like Richmond Raceway. From fifth on the grid, everything was in place for a result at the front of the field, driving the #24 Canac Silverado prepared by GMS Racing.
Raphael Lessard fought successfully in the top-5 over the first 50 laps of the race and in the top-10 during the first 180 laps, collecting precious bonus points in the first two segments by finishing both of them in 7th place. Following the caution period on lap 187, several incidents occurred: an error in the pits dropped Raphael Lessard to the middle of the field, and a driver he was trying to pass caused an incident that forced him to enter the pits in order to straighten the left side fenders. In the end, Raphael Lessard crossed the finish line in 23rd place.
The Race As Seen by the Driver (extracts)
\"I was confident in my Canac truck at the start of the race. We believed that a top-5 or better finish was well within reach, especially with the great set-up the team was improving on during the stops. The truck was even running better and better in the longer segments.
We stopped late in the race to fit new tires in anticipation of overtaking rivals who had stopped early. Everything was going well until a team mistake in the pits cost me positions. We started from 21st position and then a competitor damaged the left side of my truck. It was a frustrating end to the race,\" said the unhappy driver of the #24 Canac Silverado.
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 1:30 pm
Event: Toyota Care 250
Track : Richmond Raceway (Virginia, United States – 0,75 mile oval)
Fprmat: Three stages of 70 | 70 | 110 laps each
Start | Result: 5th | 23rd (covered 249 of the 250-lap race)
Winner: John Hunter Nemechek – Kyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
"},{"title":"Press release: Raphael Lessard - Fifth for the start at Richmond Raceway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-raphael-lessard-fifth-for-the-start-at-richmond-raceway-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-04-14T16:36:48+00:00","summary":"Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce (Québec, Canada), Le 14 avril 2021 / PPN Source - Au volant du Silverado #24 CANAC, **Raphaël Lessard prendra part, ce samedi, à la sixième course de la saison** sur l’ovale large et plat de 0,75 mille du Richmond Raceway.\n\nSa prestation et celle de son équipe chez GMS Racing a su impressionner la galerie à Bristol et Raphaël Lessard souhaite de nouveau monter sur le podium. Sa performance a confirmé son apprentissage rapide et son niveau de professionnalisme après seulement une saison complète en série professionnelle de NASCAR, de surcroît, en contexte de pandémie. \n\n**Raphael Lessard Racing est toujours à la recherche du financement nécessaire pour participer à l’ensemble de la saison 2021.**\n\n« Nous sommes bien préparés pour Richmond ce week-end. L’expérience acquise en 2020 me permettra de rouler plus vite et de mieux adapter mon pilotage au comportement de la camionnette CANAC, d’un bout à l’autre de la course. La piste est dure sur les pneus et je dois rouler en douceur pour les ménager. Je suis à l’aise sur une piste courte comme Richmond. Le léger bol des virages 1 et 2 ne présente pas de problème, alors qu’il faut faire attention de ne pas faire glisser les roues arrière à l’entrée du virage 3 qui est presque plat, ce qui use les pneus trop rapidement. Ma camionnette CANAC sera rapide et je suis certain que ça va bien aller pour la course, » mentionne Raphaël Lessard avec enthousiasme.\n\n**Évènement**: Toyota Care 250, course 6 de 22 (250 tours de piste en trois segments de 70 | 70 | 110 tours – 187,5 milles)\n\n**Piste:** Richmond Raceway (Virginie, États-Unis – ovale de 0,75 mille)\n\n**Date | Diffusions:** Diffusée en direct le samedi 17 avril à 13h30 (HAE) sur RDS, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN et SiriusXM NASCAR 90\n\n**CONTACT:**\nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. -\nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing -\n819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Saint Joseph de Beauce (Quebec, Canada), April 14, 2021 - Raphael Lessard will take part in his sixth NCWTS race of the season this Saturday on the wide, nearly flat 0.75-mile oval at Richmond Raceway at the wheel of his #24 CANAC Silverado. His performance and that of his GMS Racing team impressed everyone at Bristol, and Raphael Lessard is going for another podium finish this coming weekend. His performance on the Bristol dirt surface confirmed his ability to adapt and learn quickly, and demonstrated his level of professionalism after only one full season in a NASCAR series, and despite the odd circumstances imposed by the pandemic.
Raphael Lessard Racing team members are working to find the necessary financing to participate in all 22 races of the season.
\"We are well prepared for Richmond this weekend. This is my second race at this track, and the experience I gained over the 2020 season will allow me to drive faster and to quickly adapt my driving to the behaviour of my #24 Silverado CANAC truck over the race distance. The track surface is hard on the tires and I have to drive smoothly to protect them. I am comfortable on a short track like Richmond with its low banking in corners 1 and 2. The entrance to turn 3 is almost flat and you have to be careful when braking not to slide the rear tires, which wears them out too quickly. My CANAC truck will be fast and I'm sure it will be great for the race,\" says Raphael Lessard with enthusiasm.
Event: Toyota Care 250, race 6 of 22 (250 laps in three segments of 70 | 70 | 110 laps – 187,5 miles)
Track: Richmond Raceway (Virginia, United States – 0.75 miles)
Date | Live TV & Radio: Saturday, April 17 at 1:30 pm (EDT) on RDS, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90
**RDS and RDS DIRECT digital network present every NCWTS race on the 2021 schedule.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
"},{"title":"Spectacular Drive Through the Pack by Raphael Lessard On the Bristol Dirt From 29th at the Start to a Podium Finish (3rd) - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/spectacular-drive-through-the-pack-by-raphael-lessard-on-the-bristol-dirt-from-29th-at-the-start-to-a-podium-finish-3rd-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-03-30T01:00:36+00:00","summary":"Bristol (Tennessee, États-Unis), le 29 mars 2021 / PPN Source - Raphaël Lessard a offert toute une démonstration de son talent à sa première course sur la terre aujourd’hui. La cinquième ronde de la série des camionnettes NCWTS était courue sur l’ovale du Bristol Motor Speedway exceptionnellement recouvert de terre pour la Pinty’s Dirt Track Race. Cette course était des plus attendues, notamment puisque la pluie a forcé NASCAR à remettre l’épreuve à deux reprises. Privé de qualification dû à la météo, Raphaël Lessard a pris le départ en 29e place suite au calcul de NASCAR. Du premier au dernier tour, Raphaël Lessard n’a eu de cesse de dépasser stratégiquement ses adversaires, jusqu’à positionner son Chevrolet Silverado #24 GMS Racing sur le podium à l’arrivée.\n\n**Déroulement du week-end**\n\nAprès avoir réalisé le meilleur chrono lors de la première séance d’essais le vendredi (25 mars), Raphaël Lessard et son Chevrolet Silverado #24 GMS Racing a accompli le 16e temps le plus rapide pour la séance d’essais finale. Un chrono prometteur pour un pilote sans expérience sur cette surface où le pilotage et les réglages sont totalement différents que ceux sur le bitume afin de toujours s’ajuster aux changements de la surface de la piste de terre à chaque tour.\n\nParti ce lundi de la 29e place sur la grille, selon de savants calculs de NASCAR basés sur les résultats de l’équipe, Raphaël Lessard a entrepris une marche irrésistible vers l’avant de la course, marquée par sa 15e place à son premier passage aux puits au 40e tour et par sa 8e place à son second arrêt aux puits survenu au 90e tour de piste. Il termine ensuite sur le podium en défendant avec ténacité sa troisième dès le 123e des 150 tours de piste.\n\nL’équipe GMS Racing a su préparer une camionnette d’exception pour Raphaël Lessard, celle qui avait gagné sur la terre en 2019 aux mains de Stewart Friesen, afin de lui donner une camionnette au potentiel éprouvé, et à laquelle le pilote et son équipe ont fait honneur.\n\n**La course vue par le pilote (extraits)**\n\n« Troisième place et premier podium, je suis content. Je me sentais bien avec le meilleur puis le 16e temps aux essais de vendredi. J’avais des pilotes d’expérience sur la terre autour de moi comme Kyle Larson et Chase Briscoe. Je partais loin pour la course, mais les pilotes rapides autour de moi voulaient eux aussi remonter vers l’avant. Je devais les suivre, ce qui est arrivé en course, jusqu’à ce qu’ils disparaissent ou que les dépasse, comme Chase Briscoe que j’ai dépassé plus tard.\n\nDe la boue a bloqué mon radiateur au début de la course et la température du moteur montait à plus de 300o F. Les nombreuses neutralisations (au moins 8) et les deux arrêts aux puits m’ont permis de refroidir le moteur un peu. L’équipe a pu ajouter de l’eau et enlever la terre au second arrêt. La température du moteur est revenue à 220o F pour le troisième segment. Nous avons été chanceux, car je pensais que le moteur allait sauter.\n\n« Après le second arrêt, avec le moteur maintenant en bonne santé et avec une tenue de route adéquate sur la piste de plus en plus glissante, nous étions bien placés pour continuer à attaquer. Nous avons travaillé avec différentes trajectoires et avec la répartition du freinage afin de réduire la charge sur le pneu avant droit pour ne pas perdre trop de temps durant les derniers tours. J’ai réussi à dépasser d’autres bons pilotes jusqu’à l’avant. La camionnette tenait de moins en moins la piste en virage et j’ai travaillé à maintenir cette position et me rendre jusqu'à la 3e place à la fin, » explique le pilote du Chevrolet Silverado #24 GMS Racing ravi de sa performance éclatante. \n\nDate: Lundi 29 mars à midi\n\nÉvènement: Pinty’s Dirt Track Race\n\nPiste: Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee, États-Unis – ovale de 0,5 mille)\n\nDéroulement: Trois segments de 40 | 50 | 60 tours\n\nDépart | Résultat : 29e | 3e (150 tours prévus complétés)\n\nGagnant: Martin Truex Jr. de l’équipe KBM (Toyota)\n\n**Prochaine course – Richmond Raceway – le 17 avril 2021**\n\nLa série NCWTS revient au naturel pour la prochaine épreuve qui verra les pilotes en piste sur le tri-ovale plat de 0,75 mille du Richmond Raceway (Virginie, États-Unis). \n\n**CONTACT:** \nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. \nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing \n819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Bristol (Tennessee, United States), March 29, 2021 - Raphael Lessard put on quite a show in his first race on dirt today. The fifth round of the NCWTS Truck Series was run on the Bristol Motor Speedway oval which was covered with dirt just for the Pinty's Dirt Track Race. This race was highly anticipated by everyone, especially as rain forced NASCAR to postpone the event from Saturday to Sunday, then on to Monday. The field was unable to qualify on Saturday due to the weather, and Raphael Lessard started in 29th place as per NASCAR's calculation based on the team's results. From the first to the last lap, Raphael Lessard kept on overtaking his opponents, until placing his #24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado on the podium at the finish.
Race Action
After setting the fastest time in the first practice session on Friday (March 25), Raphael Lessard and his #24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado set the 16th fastest time in the final practice session, on a track close to what the race would be run on. This was a promising lap time for a driver with no experience on this surface where the driving and suspension settings are totally different from those on asphalt in order to react effectively to the changing surface of the dirt track on every lap.
Starting from 29th on the grid for the Monday race, as per NASCAR's calculations based on the team's results, Raphael Lessard began his irrepressible march to the front of the race, marked by his 15th place on his first pit stop on lap 40 and by his 8th place on his second pit stop on lap 90. He then finished on the podium by tenaciously defending his third place which he had reached on lap 123 of the 150-lap event.
The GMS Racing team knew how to prepare an exceptional truck for Raphael Lessard, the same truck that had won on the dirt in 2019 in the hands of Stewart Friesen. The team gave their driver a truck with proven potential, and the driver made the team proud.
The race as seen by the driver (extracts)
\"Third place and a first podium this year, I am happy. I was already feeling good with the quickest and then 16th time in Friday's two practice sessions with good dirt racers around me, like Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe. I started the race from way back, but the quick drivers around me also wanted to move up to the front. I had to follow them, which I did in the race until they were eliminated, or I passed them.
Mud blocked my radiator at the start of the race and the engine temperature rose to over 300o F. The numerous yellow periods (at least 8) and the two pit stops allowed me to cool the engine down a bit. The team was able to add water and remove the dirt on the second stop, and the engine temperature returned to 220o F for the third stage. We were lucky because I thought the engine was going to fail.
\"After the second stop, with the engine now healthy and with reasonable handling on the increasingly slippery track, we were in a good position to keep attacking. I worked with different lines and braking distribution to reduce the load on the right front tire so we didn't lose too much time in the last few laps. I managed to overtake other good drivers as I moved up to the leaders. The truck was losing grip in the corners and I worked hard to protect my position until the end of the race,\" explained the driver of the #24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado who was delighted with his stellar performance.
Next race – Richmond Raceway – April 17, 2021
The NCWTS returns to normalcy for their next event, which will take place on the 0.75-mile oval of Richmond International Raceway (Virginia, United States).
Date: Monday, March 29
Event : Pinty’s Dirt Track Race
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee, United States – 0.5-mile oval)
Format: Three stages of 40 | 50 | 60 laps
Start | Finish: 29 | 3 (completed the 150-lap race)
Race Winner: Martin Truex Jr. From the KBM team (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com
"},{"title":"Press release - Raphael Lessard On Dirt for the First Time In NASCAR At Bristol - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-raphael-lessard-on-dirt-for-the-first-time-in-nascar-at-bristol-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-03-23T18:58:28+00:00","summary":"**Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, le 23 mars 2021 / PPN Source**- Raphaël Lessard et son Silverado #24 GMS Racing participent à un évènement inusité ce week-end : le « Pinty’s Dirt Truck Race on Dirt » couru sur le légendaire ovale de Bristol au Tennessee avec son bol relevé. Pour l’occasion, la piste a été recouverte de 23 000 m3 de terre pour y créer un spectacle unique pour les deux prestigieuses séries (NCWTS et Cup). \n\nLe pilotage sur la terre est bien différent de l’asphalte, sur laquelle la piste change graduellement tout au long d’une course avec la température et les débris de pneus qui s’accumulent. Sur la terre, il y a des travers importants en entrée de virage et la piste se transforme presqu’à chaque tour : trous, rigoles, tas de terre à l'extérieur des virages, poussière sur le sec ou la terre glissante après avoir été arrosée. La trajectoire idéale change tout au long de la course. La stratégie est difficile à déterminer.\n\nLa préparation des participants, à ces épreuves, a débutée la semaine dernière alors que quelque 1400 pilotes ont participé à des courses pour bien roder la surface de la piste ainsi qu'une bonne partie des pilotes qui seront en piste dans les deux catégories NASCAR le week-end prochain. Bonne nouvelle pour les camionnettes qui prendront part à deux séances d’essais le vendredi et quatre courses qualificatives le samedi pour déterminer la grille de départ de la course du samedi soir (selon un tirage au sort, chaque pilote participera à une des quatre courses qualificatives). Cela permettra aux pilotes de se familiariser avec cet environnement avant de se lancer pour 150 tours de piste en milieu inhabituel pour plusieurs d’entre eux.\n\nRaphaël Lessard n’a rien ménagé pour se préparer à sa première course professionnelle sur la terre battue.\n\n« GMS Racing prend cette course au sérieux. Je serai au volant d’une camionnette préparée spécialement pour la terre et qui a remporté la dernière course NCWTS courue sur la terre, à Eldora Speedway (New Weston, Ohio) en 2019 avec Stewart Friesen au volant. Pour mon pilotage, nous avons effectué des essais sur la terre le mois dernier, à bord d’un « Modifié 604 » d’environ 400 ch., toute une initiation à la terre ! Ensuite, je roule depuis deux semaines en « Micro-Sprint », une petite voiture qui ne pèse presque rien et marche très fort avec un moteur de moto de 600 cc qui tourne à 15 000 tr/m, et surprend avec ses performances. Au début, nous avons roulé avec un gros aileron placé au-dessus du pilote et nous l’avons enlevé lundi, pour mieux imiter le peu d’appui des camionnettes sur une piste plutôt lente comme sur la terre à Bristol. J’ai pu pratiquer avec les pilotes de la filière Chevrolet comme Kyle Larson et Alex Bowman et les autres pilotes de l’équipe GMS Racing, ce qui a été instructif pour moi, » mentionne Raphaël Lessard avec enthousiasme.\n\n**Les particularités de la qualification**\n\nLa procédure de qualification promet de l’action, alors que l’accumulation de points sur les quatre courses qualificatives déterminera les positions pour la grille de départ de la course principale. Après un tirage au sort pour chaque course qualificative, les pilotes accumuleront des points de deux façons : \n\nSelon leur position à l’arrivée de leur course qualificative ;\nEn se méritant un point par position gagnée entre leur position au départ et celle à l’arrivée.\n\nCette méthode pour déterminer la grille de départ donne un résultat équitable selon la performance de chaque pilote et compense pour le manque de chance d’un pilote forcé, par le tirage, à partir en fond de grille. Par exemple, un pilote parti dernier qui gagne une course qualificative avec 10 partants se mérite 10 points pour la victoire et 9 pour les dépassements, pour un total de 19 points. Il est donc presque assuré de partir en première ligne voire en pole.\n\n**Évènement**: Pinty’s Dirt Track Race, course 4 de 22 (150 tours de piste – segments de 40 | 50 | 60 tours)\n\n**Piste**: Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee, États-Unis – ovale de 0,5 mille)\n\n**Date | Diffusions**: \n\nQualifications diffusées en direct le samedi 27 mars dès 16h30 sur TSN et Fox Sports Racing\nCourse diffusée en direct le samedi 27 mars à 20h (HNE) sur RDS, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN et SiriusXM NASCAR 90\n\nRDS et le service numérique RDS DIRECT présentent l’ensemble des courses inscrites au calendrier 2021 de la série NCWTS.\n\nCONTACT: \nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.-\nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing - \n819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Saint Joseph de Beauce (Quebec, Canada) – March 23, 2021. Raphael Lessard and his #24 GMS Racing Silverado are part of an unusual event this weekend: the \"Pinty's Dirt Truck Race\" run on the legendary high banks of the Bristol Motor Speedway oval in Tennessee. The track was covered with 23,000 cubic metres of dirt for the occasion, to create a unique spectacle for two prestigious NASCAR series (NCWTS and Cup).
Driving on dirt is quite different from driving on asphalt, where the track changes gradually over the course of the race with temperature variations and the build-up of oil and tire debris. On dirt, corner entry is usually a big slide to slow the car down. The loose track surface and the quick line changes on every lap, as holes, gullies, and piles of dirt develop on the outside of corners. The track can generate dust on dry dirt or become more slippery after being watered. The ideal trajectory changes throughout the race. All these variables complicate coming up with an effective race strategy.
Preparation for these events began last week as some 1,400 drivers participated in races over this past weekend to get a feel for the track surface as well as help a good portion of the drivers who will race next weekend to discover and become familiar with the track surface. The NCWTS drivers will take part in two practice sessions on Friday and race in one of four qualifying heats on Saturday afternoon to determine the grid for the Saturday night main event. The extra practice and heat races will help drivers familiarize themselves with the track before setting off for 150 laps in an unfamiliar racing surface for many of them.
Raphael Lessard has spared no effort to prepare for his first professional race on clay.
\"GMS Racing takes this race very seriously. I'll be driving the dirt-prepped truck that won the last NCWTS race run on dirt at Eldora Speedway (New Weston, Ohio) in 2019 with Stewart Friesen at the wheel. As far as my driving is concerned, we did some dirt testing last month in a \"Modified 604\" with about 400 hp, quite an introduction to dirt! Then, for the last two weeks, I have been driving a \"Micro-Sprint\", a small car that weighs almost nothing and runs very quickly with a 600-cc motorbike engine that spins at 15,000 rpm and surprised me with its performance. At the beginning, we ran with a big spoiler over the driver and then removed it on Monday, to better mimic the low downforce of the trucks on a rather slow track like on the dirt at Bristol. I was able to practice with the Chevrolet drivers like Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman and with other GMS Racing drivers, which was really good for me,\" says Raphael Lessard with enthusiasm.
The qualifying process
The qualifying procedure promises action, as the accumulation of points over the four heat races will determine the grid positions for the main race. A random draw will start things off by determining grid positions for each heat race, and drivers will accumulate points in two ways:
This method of determining the starting grid gives a fair result based on the performance of each driver and compensates for the bad luck of a driver forced by the draw to start at the back of the grid in his heat race. For example, a driver who starts last and wins a heat race with 10 starters earns 10 points for the win and 9 more for improving his position, for a total of 19 points. He would thus be almost guaranteed to start the main race on the front row or even on the pole.
Event: Pinty’s Dirt Track Race, race 4 of 22 (150 laps – segment of 40 | 50 | 60 laps)
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee, United States – 0.5-mile banked oval)
Date| TV:
** RDS and the RDS DIRECT digital service present every NCWTS race on the 2021 schedule.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
Atlanta (Georgia, United States) – March 20, 2021. Starting from the 23rd position, Raphael Lessard worked his way through the field in the No.24 Richelieu Hardware Silverado, taking care of his tires in order to understand their high rate of wear on this track. Raphael Lessard was up to 11th position without any problem on lap 48 when he felt a vibration. He suspected a flat tire, a critical problem on a track where the cars reach almost 300 km/h. This situation forced him to go to the pits for tires and gas. Raphael Lessard came back on track having lost a few laps on the leader. On lap 115, the young Beauceron tells his team that the car was not running properly at all and he was forced to pit with no possibility to return to the track with six laps to go. The team determined later in the garages that the differential had failed.
The Race From the Driver’s Seat
“The truck was running great early in the race and throughout the first stage. I was able to run on the quicker inside line, something that I could not do in last year's truck. I was up to 11th place and really thought that I had a flat tire when the vibration started, and I first had to pit for a new set. The team then told me that the old tires were OK, but the vibration was still there and getting worse as the race wore on, and the car would not run at its normal full speed. Then, near the end of the race, I felt a big hit at the rear as the failed differential ended my race with a bang with only a few laps to go.”
“The team is always ready with a good truck, and we are due for a good result. Thanks to Richelieu Hardware for their help and we will see you at Bristol for the dirt race. I'm really looking forward to it,” explained the driver of the No.24 Richelieu Hardware Silverado.
Date: Saturday, March 20
Event: FR8 Auctions 200
Track: Atlanta Motor Speedway (Georgia, United-States – 1,54-mile trioval)
Format: Three stages of 30 |30 | 70 laps
Start | Finish: 23 | 39 (completed 124 of the 130-lap race)
Winner: Kyle Bush from Kyle Bush Motorsports (Toyota)
Next Race – Bristol Motor Speedway – March 27, 2021 (On dirt)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:
"},{"title":"Press release: Richelieu Hardware moves up to main partner of Raphael Lessard Racing for the March 20 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/press-release-richelieu-hardware-moves-up-to-main-partner-of-raphael-lessard-racing-for-the-march-20-race-at-atlanta-motor-speedway-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-03-16T11:30:04+00:00","summary":"**Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, le 16 mars 2021** - Raphaël Lessard et son Silverado #24 Quincaillerie Richelieu seront en piste pour leur seconde course de la saison sur un tracé de 1,5 mille, l’ovale hyper rapide du Atlanta Motor Speedway, ce samedi le 20 mars. Quincaillerie Richelieu ajoute à son support pour Raphaël Lessard en agissant comme partenaire principal pour cette course. \n\n« Quincaillerie Richelieu est heureux de solidifier concrètement son appui envers Raphaël et son équipe pour la saison 2021. Cet engagement soutenu lui permettra de piloter une camionnette exclusivement aux couleurs de RICHELIEU lors de la course d’Atlanta le 20 mars prochain. Nous lui souhaitons tous la meilleure des chances dans l’atteinte d’un podium bien mérité, » mentionne Richard Lord, Président et chef de la direction de Quincaillerie Richelieu Ltée.\n\nPour Raphaël Lessard, c’est une opportunité complémentaire de développer une relation gagnant-gagnant. « Il me fait grand plaisir de voir Quincaillerie Richelieu nous faire confiance et revenir pour une deuxième année consécutive afin de nous aider pour cette course. Il est toujours important de s’associer avec des leaders dans leur industrie, comme Quincaillerie Richelieu, et je suis persuadé que ce partenariat aidera les deux parties à atteindre leurs objectifs en affaires comme sportifs. »\n\nLe pilote de Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce est à sa seconde visite sur ce circuit. En 2020, Raphaël Lessard roulait dans le top-5 à deux tours de la fin lorsqu’une crevaison le renvoie à la 18e place au final. La visite a toutefois été fertile en nouvelles connaissances pour le jeune pilote. \n\n« La surface de la piste use les pneus très rapidement. Il faut profiter des premiers tours sur du neuf pour gagner des positions, mais sans jamais oublier de se garder une réserve pour la fin des segments et surtout la fin de la course. Nous roulons à quelque 300 km/h sur les droits avec très peu d’appui, ce qui réduit l’adhérence partout, un effet que l’on sent beaucoup en freinage de haute vitesse comme en voulant rentrer aux puits. Il faut donc faire bien attention de ne pas dépasser cette limite, ce que NASCAR surveille de très près. Dans l’ensemble, mon équipe et moi avons bien travaillé à Las Vegas et nous avons vraiment amélioré la camionnette pour le dernier segment, ce qui promet pour cette course et pour le reste de la saison. Nous sommes prêts à gagner, » selon Raphaël Lessard.\n\n**Évènement**: FR8 Auctions 200, course 4 de 22 (130 tours de piste – 30/30/70 ; 200 milles)\n\n**Piste**: Atlanta Motor Speedway (Géorgie, États-Unis – triovale de 1,54 mille)\n\n**Course**: Samedi le 20 mars à 14h30 (HNE)\n\n**Date | Diffusion** : diffusée en direct le samedi 20 mars à 14h20 (HNE) sur RDS, FS1, radio MRN et SiriusXM NASCAR\n\n**CONTACT**: \nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. - Consultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing - Cellulaire: 819.448.6514 – Courriel : jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Saint Joseph de Beauce (Quebec, Canada) – March 16, 2021. Raphael Lessard and his #24 Richelieu Silverado will be on track this Saturday, March 20th, for the second race of the season on a typical NASCAR track, the high speed 1.5-mile banked oval of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Raphael Lessard will run under the colours of Richelieu Hardware, a partner in 2020, who are returning by this year as principal partner for this event.
“Richelieu Hardware is pleased to reaffirm its support for Raphael and his team for the 2021 season. This ongoing commitment will allow him to drive a truck bearing exclusively the RICHELIEU colours during the Atlanta race on March 20. We all wish him the best of luck in achieving a well-deserved podium finish,” according to Richard Lord, President and CEO of Richelieu Hardware.
For Raphael Lessard, this renewed cooperation presents an ideal opportunity to further develop this win-win relationship. “I am very pleased to see Richelieu Hardware reaffirm their confidence in our team and come back to help us for this race. Partnering with leaders in their industry such as Richelieu Hardware is key to the success of our endeavour. I am convinced that this partnership will help both parties achieve their business and sporting goals.”
This is the second time the Saint Joseph de Beauce driver has visited the Atlanta oval. In 2020, Raphael Lessard was running in the top-5 group with two laps to go when a flat tire set him back to 18th place at the finish. On the plus side, that race was a great learning experience for the young driver as he prepares for this coming event.
“The track surface at Atlanta is extremely hard on tires. You have to take advantage of the first few laps on new tires to gain positions, but always think about saving something for the end of a stage and especially the end of the race. We are driving at around 186 mph on the straights with very little downforce, which reduces grip everywhere. You can really feel it when braking at high speed on entering pit lane. You also have to be very careful not to go over the speed limit in the pits, something NASCAR is quick to penalise. Overall, my team and I did a good job in Las Vegas and really improved the truck for the last segment, which is promising for this race and the rest of the season. We are ready to win,” added to Raphael Lessard.
Event: FR8 Auctions 200, race 4 of 22 (130 laps – 30/30/70-lap stages; 200 miles)
Piste: Atlanta Motor Speedway (Georgia, United States – 1.54-mile oval)
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2:30 pm (EST)
Coverage: live on RDS, FS1, radio MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR
**RDS and RDS DIRECT (a numeric channel) will show every race in the NCWTS 2021 schedule.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
"},{"title":"DIFFICULT RACE FOR RAPHAEL LESSARD AT LAS VEGAS NASCAR - Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/difficult-race-for-raphael-lessard-at-las-vegas-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-03-06T15:16:54+00:00","summary":"**Las Vegas (Nevada, États-Unis)** /PPN Source – Le 6 mars 2021. Parti de la 13e place à bord de son Silverado #24 Camping World, Raphaël Lessard a dû se battre avec une camionnette survireuse lors des deux premiers segments. Après les arrêts aux puits pour corriger les réglages, le jeune pilote de 19 ans sort 9e en position de compétitionner à l’avant. \n\nCependant, il est relayé à l’arrière du peloton pour le dernier segment pour pénalité à l’équipe en lien avec un équipier qui a passé le mur trop tôt dans les puits. Raphaël Lessard s’élance alors dans une de ses remontées habituelles et vise un résultat dans le top-10. Toutefois, au 96e tour, il cause un incident qui endommage lourdement sa camionnette et le laisse 30e au final. \n\n**La course vue du pilote**\n« Dès le départ de la 13e place, je sens que la camionnette ne fonctionne pas comme les deux premières courses. Elle est passable en bas de la piste, mais la turbulence et un survirage chronique m’obligent à ralentir en milieu de virage, ce qui nuit en sortie. Je termine le premier relai en 20e position et le deuxième en 16e, malgré les modifications de suspension et les autres réglages effectués par les équipiers dans les puits, » explique le pilote du Silverado #24 Camping World.\n\n« La camionnette fonctionne de mieux en mieux dans la dernière partie de la course et je pousse fort pour remonter. Avec 38 tours à compléter, je descends et accroche David Gilliland qui roulait juste derrière moi à l’intérieur et perd le contrôle. C’était mon erreur et je m’en excuse auprès des autres victimes de l’incident, » conclut un pilote déçu de son erreur qui lui a coûté cher.\n\n**Prochaine course – Atlanta Motor Speedway – le 20 mars 2021**\nAprès cette course des plus difficiles, Raphaël Lessard et son Silverado #24 de l’équipe GMS Racing se retrouveront le 20 mars prochain sur un autre ovale de 1,5 mille, considéré comme le tracé le plus rapide en NASCAR, le Atlanta Motor Speedway (Hampton, Géorgie), pour le FRB Auctions 200, qui s’apparente au tracé de Las Vegas.\n\n**Date**: le 5 mars 2021\n\n**Évènement**: Bucked Up 200 (course 3 de 22)\n\n**Piste:** Las Vegas Motor Speedway (ovale de 1,5 mille)\n\n**Déroulement**: trois segments de30 |30 | 74 tours\n\n**Départ | Résultat**: 13e | 30e (complété 130 des 134 tours prévus)\n\n**Gagnant**: John Hunter Nemechek de l’équipe Kyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)\n\n**CONTACT:**\nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. - \nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing - \nCellulaire : 819.448.6514 – Courriel : jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Las Vegas (Nevada, United States) – March 6, 2021. After starting from the 13th spot aboard his Silverado #24 Camping World truck, Raphael Lessard had to fight with a serious oversteer problem over the first two stages. After stops at the pits at the end of the first two stages, the 19-year-old driver now had a truck that was handling properly and was in an excellent 9th spot for the restart of the final stage. Bad luck struck when an eager crew member had jumped over the wall too early on that stop and Raphael Lessard had to restart at the back of the lead pack, in 23rd place. He then set off from deep in the pack on one of his usual runs through the field, hopefully up to what could have been a top-10 result. However, he caused an incident on lap 96 that heavily damaged his truck and left him 30th in the end.
“I made a mistake and I apologize to the other victims.
Let’s move on to Atlanta and get back to racing!”
The Race From the Driver’s Seat
“I felt that the truck was not working well right from the start. Handling was good at the bottom of the track, but turbulence and a bad oversteer pushed me up the track and forced me to slow down in the middle of the corner, which ruined my corner exits. I finished the first stage in 20th position and the second in 16th despite the suspension modifications and other adjustments made by the crew in the pits at the end of stages 1 and 2,” explained the Silverado #24 Camping World driver.
“The truck was working better and better in the third stage and I was pushing hard to gain positions. With 38 laps to go, I hit David Gilliland who was running on my inside, and lost control. It was my mistake and I apologize to the other victims of the incident,” concluded a driver disappointed with his mistake that cost him dearly.
Next Race – Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 20, 2021
After this difficult race, Raphael Lessard and his Silverado #24 from the GMS Racing team move on to the Atlanta Motor Speedway (Hampton, Georgia), another fast 1.5-mile oval similar to the Las Vegas Speedway, for the March 20 running of the FRB Auctions 200.
Date: March 5, 2021
Event: Bucked Up 200 (race 3 of 22)
Track: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5 mile oval)
Stages: At laps 30 |30 | 74
Start/Result: 13th | 30th (completed 130 of the 134-lap race)
Winner: John Hunter Nemechek fromKyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)
Photo Credit: GMS Racing
High Resolution Pictures: https://cutt.ly/ylD21On
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
Follow Raphael Lessard:
"},{"title":"Raphael Lessard to display Camping World Colours At Las Vegas Motor Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/raphael-lessard-to-display-camping-world-colours-at-las-vegas-motor-speedway-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-03-03T10:00:52+00:00","summary":"Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce (Québec, Canada) /PPN Source – Le 3 mars 2021. Après deux courses méritoires à Daytona (ovale et routier) en ouverture de saison, **Raphaël Lessard **et sa camionnette Silverado Camping World #24 seront en piste sur le circuit ovale du Las Vegas Motor Speedway ce vendredi 5 mars. \n\nCamping World, le plus important vendeur de motorisés et équipement de camping aux États-Unis (Plus de 200 points de vente et de service) et partenaire principal de la série des camionnettes NASCAR annonce aujourd’hui une initiative palpitante relative à la course de ce week-end au Las Vegas Motor Speedway. En effet, toute camionnette aux couleurs de l’entreprise recevra un bonus de participation supplémentaire selon les résultats. Inutile d’ajouter que Raphaël Lessard prendra plein avantage de cette prime.\n\n« Je suis bien heureux de voir Camping World venir en aide aux pilotes de leur série. Leur présence importante depuis 2006 à tous les niveaux en NASCAR. Cela démontre qu’investir dans les courses est gagnant pour les entreprises et j’espère que d’autres compagnies suivront le mouvement. Nous avons une camionnette rapide et nous vison un résultat parmi les leaders, » explique Raphaël Lessard.\n\nRappelons que lors de sa première visite sur ce circuit, en 2020, il avait encore tout à apprendre au niveau professionnel sur les pistes de 1,5 mille : comment rouler en paquet serré, doubler rapidement et utiliser l’appui et la turbulence à son avantage. Une saison plus tard, c’est un tout autre pilote qui évolue en piste, au même niveau technique que les meilleurs et dont l’expérience augmente à chaque sortie. Raphaël Lessard nous parle de sa préparation pour Las Vegas.\n\n«Tous les gens avec qui je travaille chez GMS Racing sont satisfaits du travail accompli et des résultats obtenus lors de nos deux premières courses ensemble. Comme le dit Chad Walker, mon chef d’équipe, nous sommes dans le coup et le vent va certainement tourner en notre faveur. Les effets aérodynamiques sont complexes à Las Vegas et je dois y être attentif. Notre stratégie de course nous place actuellement 7e au championnat grâce aux points bonus remportés à Daytona, et ce, malgré des résultats au-delà de la 20e place à l’arrivée. Notre objectif reste le même : accumuler des points bonus lors des courses, tout en nous assurant de demeurer à l’avant du peloton afin de jouer pour au moins un top-5, » explique le pilote du Silverado Camping World #24 de plus en plus confiant de ses moyens.\n\nRaphaël Lessard se dit très heureux du travail accompli et des communications en course avec son nouveau chef d’équipe, Chad Walter et nouvel éclaireur, Tyler Monn. Les conseils, décisions et les commentaires abondants de la part de son éclaireur en piste l'aident à anticiper les opportunités de dépassement et les incidents.\n\n**Évènement**: Bucked Up 200, course 3 de 22 (134 tours de piste – 30/30/74 ; 201 milles)\n\n**Piste**: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Nevada, États-Unis – triovale de 1,5 mille)\n\n**Course**: Vendredi le 5 mars à 21h (HNE)\nDate | Diffusion : diffusée en direct le vendredi 5 mars à 21 h (HNE) sur RDS, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN et SiriusXM NASCAR 90\n\n**CONTACT:** \nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.- \nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing - \nCellulaire : 819.448.6514 – Courriel : jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Saint Joseph de Beauce (Quebec, Canada) – March 3, 2021. After opening his 2021 season with two promising races at Daytona (oval and road course), Raphaël Lessard and his Silverado Camping World #24 truck will be on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway oval track this Friday, March 5th.
Camping World, the largest seller of motorhomes and camping equipment in the United States (more than 200 sales and service locations) and the leading partner in the NASCAR truck series, just announced an exciting initiative related to this weekend's race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Every truck bearing the company's colours in the race will receive a bonus, depending on the results. Needless to say, Raphael Lessard will take full advantage of this bonus.
“I am happy to see Camping World come to the aid of the drivers in their series. Camping World has been prominent at all levels in NASCAR since 2006. This shows that investing in racing is a win-win situation for companies and racing, and I hope that other companies will follow suit. We have a fast truck and we are aiming for a result among the leaders,” explained Raphaël Lessard.
Raphael Lessard reminds us that he had little knowledge about racing on a high-speed 1.5-mile oval when he first came to this track last year. Since then, he has learned a lot about how to drive in a tight pack, protect his position, overtake without wasting time, and use downforce and turbulence to his advantage. This time around, the much more experienced racer runs consistently with the lead pack and is always capable of finding himself in a position to do well at the end of a race. Raphael Lessard tells us about his preparation for Las Vegas.
“All of the people I work with at GMS Racing are satisfied with the work we have done in our first two races this season. As my Crew Chief Chad Walter says, we are on the right track and the wind will certainly turn in our favour in the coming weeks. The aerodynamic effects are complex in Las Vegas and I must pay particular attention to these factors during the race. Our race strategy so far this season has helped us achieve our current 7th place in the driver championship, thanks to the bonus points we earned in both Daytona races and despite two finishing results beyond 20th. Our goal remains the same: to accumulate bonus points during the races, while making sure we stay with the lead pack in position to secure a top-5 finish,” explained the driver of the #24 Chevrolet Silverado as his confidence in himself and in his team continue to grow.
Raphael Lessard adds that he is very happy with the work accomplished by the team in the pits and with the effective communications with new Crew Chief Chad Walter and new Spotter, Tyler Monn. The advice, decisions and abundant feedback from both during the race helps him keep out of trouble and anticipate passing opportunities and incidents.
Event: Bucked Up 200, race 3 of 22 (134 laps – 30/30/74; 201 miles)
Track: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Nevada, United States – 1.5-mile trioval)
Race: Friday, March 5 at 9pm (EST)
Date | Broadcast: live on Friday March 5 at 9pm (EST) on RDS, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90
** RDS and RDS DIRECT will broadcast the entire NCWTS season and other NASCAR races to be determined as the season progresses.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:
"},{"title":"An eventful 30th Truck Race for Raphael Lessard in Daytona - 7th In the Driver’s Championship of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/an-eventful-30th-truck-race-for-raphael-lessard-in-daytona-7th-in-the-drivers-championship-of-the-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-02-20T16:30:08+00:00","summary":"**Daytona (Floride, États-Unis), le 20 février 2021/PPN Source** - Raphaël Lessard a de nouveau déployé tout son talent hier sur le circuit routier du Daytona International Speedway au volant du Silverado #24 Canac préparé par GMS Racing. \n\nC’est sous la pluie que le départ de la deuxième épreuve de la saison a été donné. Une soirée d’apprentissage pour Raphaël Lessard qui courait sur un circuit routier pour la première fois sur piste mouillée. Douzième au départ, selon le calcul de l’algorithme, le jeune Beauceron de 19 ans est parti en tête-à-queue après avoir été poussé par un de ses coéquipiers dès le premier tour. Raphaël Lessard a su remonter l’ensemble du peloton et remporter le deuxième segment.\n\nUn second incident en piste occasionne des dommages importants au pare-chocs arrière de la camionnette Canac et provoque plus tard une crevaison qui le force à arrêter aux puits à quelques tours de la fin, alors qu’il roule septième. **Raphaël Lessard croise le fil d’arrivée en 26e place de cette course ponctuée de multiples neutralisations et de deux prolongations.**\n\nCONTACT:\nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.-\nConsultante pour Raphaël Lessard Racing -\nCellulaire : 819.448.6514 – \nCourriel : jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"Daytona (Florida, United States), February 20, 2021 - Raphael Lessard once again demonstrated his talent yesterday on the Daytona International Speedway road course at the wheel of the Silverado #24 Canac truck prepared by GMS Racing.
It was raining at the start of the second truck race of the season, and it was a learning experience for Raphael Lessard who was racing on a road circuit for the first time on a wet track. Twelfth at the start, according to the calculation of the algorithm, the 19-year-old Beauceron went into a spin after being pushed by one of his teammates on the first lap. Raphael Lessard was able to move up through the field from last place and win the second segment.
A second incident caused significant damage to the left rear bodywork of the Canac truck and, a few laps later, caused a flat tire that forced him to stop at the pits from seventh place, just a few laps from the end of the race. Raphael Lessard crossed the finish line in 26th position in a race punctuated by multiple caution periods and two overtime green-white-checkered flag restarts.
The Race From Raphael Lessard’s Viewpoint
“After a good start from 12th position, I was hit and pushed off the track on the first lap, dropping to 30th position, with several slower drivers in front of me. I quickly climbed back up a dozen positions before a caution period on lap 7. I stopped for fuel and a set of new rain tires, and to make sure that nothing was rubbing against the bodywork. I restarted in 15th position on lap 12 and finished the first stage in 12th position. I restarted for the second stage from 7th place, then passed several quick drivers on the way to the lead for a few laps, and then winning the second stage and more of those important bonus points,” explained the driver of the Canac #24 Silverado.
“I restarted from fourth place for the third stage and was involved in a few incidents that left me 15th on lap 30. I was then hit again at the rear on lap 36 when I was back up to 9th position. Everything looked OK to race safely despite this major impact. Then when I was back up to 7th place in the final laps, I had a puncture on the left rear tire. I restarted beyond 20th and ended up 26th place after several restarts. I want to thank Canac for their support and GMS Racing for the excellent teamwork throughout the race,” said a slightly frustrated driver after such a good first half of the race.
Date: February 19, 2021
Event: BrakeFest Brake Pads 159 At Daytona Presented by O’Reilley (race 2 of 22)
Track: Daytona International Speedway (Florida – 3,56 road course)
Format: Three segments of 12 |13 | 19 laps
Start/Result: 12th | 26th (completed all the laps in the 51-lap overtime race)
Winner: Ben Rhodes from ThorSport Racing (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
Daytona (Florida, United States), February 13, 2021 - Raphael Lessard and GMS Racing showed how competitive the #24 Silverado Canac is at the Daytona International Speedway (Florida, United States), when the young driver won the first stage and finished second in the second stage of the race on Friday night, and gained 19 important bonus points towards the Championship. An incident while he was running 6th with four laps to go pushed him into the wall, dropping the damaged #24 Canac truck to 23rd at the finish.
The Race From the Driver’s Point of View
The race was a typical super oval event, with trucks running in two tight files that made it difficult to pass. Drivers needed to work as a team to gain ground, which the GMS Racing drivers did well throughout the event.
\"After a good start, I kept my position for a few laps and then moved into first place on lap 13. We won the first 20-lap stage with the help of Sheldon Creed, my teammate and the reigning series champion. We worked well in the outside lane. The bonus points for such wins are important, and this is my first stage win ever,\" explained Raphael Lessard.
\"We almost won the second stage by being aggressive and with the help of my new observer, Tyler Monn, who is very good, as he helped me move up to second place at the end of the 20-lap stint. Everything was looking good for the rest of the race,\" added Raphael Lessard.
\"The last 60-lap stage forced everyone to make important decisions on when to make the one fuel stop that was needed to get to the finish. The team decided on a common strategy for all the GMS Racing drivers to ensure that we would continue to work effectively as a team as we made our way through the pack. We all made an early stop and were all together on the track for a final comeback. However, multiple caution periods late in the race allowed the other drivers to save fuel and make it to the end without stopping for fuel. We were now stuck behind the leaders and had to work very hard to get back to the front, even trying to start a third row on the outside with the help of my teammates, but that did not work. We did make up to the leaders with a handful of laps left in the race, but it was impossible to avoid the accident I was involved in. We all deserved better than that! \"concluded a driver who was nevertheless very satisfied with his performance and that of the team.
Next race – The Daytona road course – February 19, 2021
Raphael Lessard and the Silverado #24 Canac team return to Daytona next weekend for a race on the legendary road course built inside the large oval track. During the 2020 event at this location, Raphael Lessard was brilliant, given that this was his first race on this layout. Starting from the 10th grid position assigned to him by the draw used at that time, Raphael Lessard stayed close to the lead pack despite two slight off-track excursions and having to climb back up to the pack, something he is quickly becoming an expert at. In the end, he crossed the finish line in 3rd place after an impressive display of driving and teamwork.
\"After the great performance of the car and the team today, I'm confident that we will do very well on the Daytona road course next weekend. I did well at this track in 2020 despite my lack of experience at the time. Now, it's a question of being in the right place at the right time! \"concluded the confident driver.
Raphael Lessard clearly has the talent required to leave his mark and win in NASCAR. His entourage has known this since early in his career, and the GMS Racing team knows it now and told him so after the race. We can't wait for the road course in Daytona next week.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce (Quebec, Canada) – February 9, 2021. Raphael Lessard can’t wait to start his second full season in the NASCAR Comping World Truck Series (NCWTS) on February 12, at the legendary 2.5 miles (4 km) oval of the Daytona International Speedway (Florida, United States). The 19-year-old driver is counting on his accumulated experience to make the most of his talent aboard the #24 Silverado prepared by GMS Racing, the leading team in the series, and displaying the Canac colours.
Back at his racing base in Mooresville (North Carolina, United States) since January 5, Raphael Lessard can now describe his preparation with his new racing team and crew.
“I am incredibly happy to return to racing with GMS Racing. The team’s professional approach to racing ensures that the five trucks they run in NCWTS and the one entered in the ARCA Menard series are all front runners and potential winners. I did notice that the Chevrolet truck I will drive this year is different (nose and fenders) from the ones I drove last year, making for very different aerodynamic behaviour in terms of stability in turbulence and the downforce vs drag trade-off,” according to the driver of the Canac #24 Silverado.
In last year's Daytona race, Raphael Lessard was running in the lead pack with six (6) laps to go and a good shot at the win, when a loss of grip at the exit of corner 4 due to aerodynamic turbulence caused him to go into a long slide at over 180 mph and subsequently drop back to the rear of the field after a stop to replace a flat tire. The young driver then rejoined the race and finished in 20th place.
“This year, my preparation started the day after I arrived in North Carolina: fitness training with a new fitness coach and driving instructor, Josh Wise. We also had great technical sessions using an advanced simulator as part of the Chevrolet Drivers Edge Development program that fosters the development of young drivers who race under the historical Bow-Tie banner. The powerful simulator now includes important refinements in the areas of braking and running up against the wall on high-speed tracks. These improvements came up since the arrival of Kyle Larson (The specialist of rim-riding) in the Chevrolet racing family,” added Raphael Lessard.
Chad Walter takes over as Crew Chief and Tyler Monn will act as Spotter for Raphael Lessard in 2021. Chad Walter has won five (5) races in 208 Xfinity starts as a Crew Chief. He led Tyler Ankrum to a spot in the 2020 playoffs in his first season as an NCWTS crew Chief. Tyler Monn, while still below 30, impressed key staff at Hendrick Motorsports last season. This year, he moves up the ladder as Kyle Larson’s spotter in the Cup Series as well as working with Raphael Lessard in NCWTS and making for an ideal scenario for the young driver’s second year of development.
“Testing and qualifying are back on the schedule at Daytona. I got used last year to start the race without having driven on the new for me tracks. The new rules will certainly be a plus for me, as we will be able to work on the set-up of the truck, as well as learn its behaviour in turbulent air generated in traffic, as well as communicate in real time with my crew chief and spotter. The team is already working as hard as they can as a tightly knit team, so it's nice to be in such a situation before the season even kicks off! Our objective is to achieve a top-5 result and to be in a strong position for the last few laps,” added the driver who won his first race in NCWTS on October 3, 2020, in Talladega (Alabama, United States).
Raphael Lessard and the NCWTS
After five (5) races in NASCAR trucks in 2019, Raphael Lessard competed in all 23 races of the NCWTS in 2020, his first full season at that level. His first 10 races of 2020 served him well as he worked hard with a professional team, and against seasoned drivers.
He learned more advanced driving techniques from these experienced drivers as well as from his Spotter: learning new track quickly without a pre-race test or qualifying session, watching their driving trajectories and test new ones for himself as the track changes over the course of the race, managing downforce and turbulence, overtaking more effectively and protecting your position in the race, adapting to handling defects and adjusting his driving during a run, communicating effectively with the team during a run to describe any problems, managing front/rear braking distribution during a run, managing tire wear to optimize their performance at the end of the race and working in unison with team members during a pit stop.
The effects of this learning were clearly visible over the second half of the 2020 season, as Raphael Lessard caught and worked his way to the leaders several times to put himself in a position to win, as he did at Talladega, and accumulating four top-5 and seven top-10 finishes over the course of the season.
Raphael Lessard career highlights
Right from his start on the track at age 11, Raphael Lessard has raced throughout the Eastern Canada and then on to the United States, establishing a solid reputation as a driver to watch along the way.
In 2020, the young Beauceron decided to leap into professional racing and competed in all 23 races of the NCWTS series (formerly the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Trucks Series). In 28 starts (five in 2019) in NCWTS trucks, Raphael Lessard has won one race, finished four times in the top-5 (two podiums), and nine times in the top-10, giving him an average finish of 14.5.
In 2019, Raphael Lessard led 83 race laps, finished twice in the top-5 and three times in the top-10 in three starts in the ARCA Menards Series. He earned a win, a top five and two top10 finishes in the NASCAR Pinty's series. His NASCAR Pinty's series win came on his home track, Autodrome Chaudière in Vallée-Jonction (Quebec, Canada), on June 29, after leading 153 of 300 laps on the way to an emotional win.
He also won two important Super Late Model Series races in 2018, including the U.S. National Short Track Championship at Bristol Motor Speedway in May, and the ARCA/CRA Super Series Red Bud 400 race at Anderson Speedway in July.
In 2016, Raphael Lessard won the CARS Tour Super Late Model Championship after recording four wins, one pole, leading 157 laps and finishing with eight top-five and nine top-ten finishes out of 10 races.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
ABOUT CANAC
CANAC is the first independent hardware and building materials store chain to open in Quebec City. Its expertise of over 145 years of experience allows CANAC to perpetuate the spirit of the hardware stores of yesteryear in a modern environment, with qualified personnel trained by its continuing education centre accredited by Emploi-Québec. CANAC serves both individual customers and contractors and offers aggressive prices that defy all competition. Since its acquisition by Groupe Laberge in 1985, the company's expansion has focused on opening new modern hardware stores and on renovating existing branches to better adapt them to the needs and expectations of consumers. Today, CANAC has 30 branches and employs more than 3,400 part-time and full-time workers.
ABOUT GMS Racing
GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Sheldon Creed, Zane Smith, Tyler Ankrum and Chase Purdy. The team also competes in the ARCA Racing Series with Jack Wood. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks Championship, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series Championship as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East Championship. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at gmsracing.net
ABOUT FRL EXPRESS Inc.
F.R.L. Express Inc. is a general transportation company founded in 2004 by François Lessard. Its main field of activity over the last 15 years is general transport in closed trailers over short and long distances in Canada and the United States. FRL currently have about 50 employees in addition to about ten tractors-trailer outfits. FRL owners are proud of the progress made in recent years thanks to the FRL team members and wishes to continue on this positive note. “Our employees, customer service and satisfaction are our priorities. We are all proud to be partners in the success and achievements of our son Raphael Lessard,” state the proud parents.
ABOUT RAPHAEL LESSARD
Born on July 5, 2001, in Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec, Canada, Raphael Lessard is one of the most promising prospects in North American oval racing. Raphael made his debut in stock-cars in 2013, on local tracks in the Quebec City area. His exceptional talent quickly allowed him to climb the ladder and attract the attention of David Gilliland, a former NASCAR Monster Energy Series driver and now a team owner, in 2015. An agreement then allowed Lessard to participate in the last four races of the season in the PASS North Tour Series.
In 2016, his first full-time season with Gilliland Racing, Lessard won the CARS Super Late Model Tour title with four wins, 8 top five and 9 top drivers to win a major stock car series title in the United States. Since 2016, Lessard has been part of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) prestigious driver development program. To date, he is the only Canadian to have been recruited into this program.
"},{"title":"OTTERBURN PARK AND IT’S ELECTED OFFICIALS TAKE THE CHILDREN AND THE PEOPLE IN THE REGION HOSTAGE.","author":"PPN Diffusion","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/otterburn-park-and-its-elected-officials-take-the-children-and-the-people-in-the-region-hostage","published_at":"2021-01-11T15:51:33+00:00","summary":"**Source: Club de canotage d’Otterburn Park**\n\n11 janvier 2021 - Depuis la tentative d’expulsion de la Ville d’Otterburn Park du mois de mars 2020, largement médiatisée, la reprise des négociations avait permis des progrès significatifs. \n\nLe Club a malgré tout accepté d’adopter un nouveau modèle d’affaires, selon les exigences de la Ville d’Otterburn, impliquant, entre autres, dans le cadre d’une entente d’une durée de 20 ans, une contribution forfaitaire indexable et taxable de 30 000$ du Club, pour les locaux que nous occupons dans le bâtiment du site de la Pointe-Valaine jointe à une renonciation at vitam aeternam de la part du Club de l’acte de 1965 et l’engagement de défrayer à la pièce tous les services requis à la ville.\n\nL’acceptation quasi-totale des conditions de la Ville n’a pas suffi, cette dernière maintient une position incompréhensible. Il nous apparaît donc primordial de présenter à la population le fil des évènements et une mise à jour des efforts du Club des derniers mois.","content":"January 11, 2021 - Since the March 2020 expulsion attempt by the city, which received a strong reaction from the local and Montreal media, negotiations have permitted considerable advances in the dossier.
The club had to, in spite of itself, accept a new business model, which was forced upon us by the demands of the city, in order to have a 20-year deal. In this new deal, the club would need to pay a yearly amount of 30 000$ (indexed + taxes) as well as have to officially give up the 1965 agreement along with other ‘free’ services provided by the town.
In spite of the accepting most of the conditions stipulated by the City, the City maintains an indefensible position. This is why the Club believes that we must communicate to the community à time line and an update of our efforts so far:
- The club is in operations since 1921;
- The club sold its building and its land to the city in 1965 for 1$ in exchange for having a club house/access to the water for life
- The club, in 1987, sold its whole fleet of boats to the town for 1$ with the possibility to retake the fleet back for the same 1$.
- The last agreement between the club and the town was signed in 2015.
- The city recognised in the past agreements since 2008 the value of the club and it’s expertise in offering services and programmes related to canoe kayaking. This was again stipulated in the minutes from a meeting between the club and the City in March 2020.
- The city presented for the first time a new agreement on January 30th, 2020.
- The City Counsel accepted to meet the Club, after many requests from the Club, on February 18, 2020 to begin discussions towards ratifying this new agreement.
- Even though discussions have just started between the Club and the City, the City sent the Club an eviction notice.
- Due to the magnitude of the uproar in the local population and in the media (regional/Montreal), the town did not follow through with its request for eviction
and accepted to sign on March 30 an extension for 1 year to the 2015 agreement until March 2, 2021.
- In the discussions previous to the March eviction notice, the Club agreed to the principle that the club needs to contribute financially in some manner for the space that the club uses.
- The city presented proof regarding real costs that the City incured in the operation of the Pointe Valaine Community Center that should form a basis for the Club’s participation in paying for some of the cost for using the space in the building.
- A cost analysis based on the expenses of the town show that the clubs portion of the expenses should be in the area of 15-20 000$.
- With this information, the club offered to pay 15000$ a year to participate in the cost sharing venture with the town.
- The city refused this offers and then proceeds to present a new business model based on the club being totally financially autonomous. The City wanted the Club to pay for all the services that the town has been providing on top of paying a rent of $ 30 000 for a ‘commercial’ space. The City said it had inspired itself on a model that is being used in Hockey whereby the towns pay 50% of the inscription fees for members under the age of 18. The town said that this model was preferred by the neighbouring cities (Mont Saint-Hilaire, McMasterville and Beloeil) and the City was confident that they can get the other cities to agree to this. The City proposed a 5-year agreement within this model.
- Within the same discussions, the parties were discussing the transfer of the fleet of boat, of ensuring the participation of the three other cities to the City’s cost in relation to the Pointe Valaine Community Center as well as with the City’s participation in the club’s 100 year celebration, the $6 000 for buying boats (as in the past) for 2019, etc.
- The club worked on different financial scenarios to understand if it would be financial viable with this new model. The Club’s Board choses to accepted this arrangement and looked at different options where the club could pay up to $30 000 and also asks for a much longer arrangement.
- All offers by the Club to the City regarding a variation in the amount to be paid were refused but the city was ready to look at a longer agreement. They suggest 20 years with the club paying them $30 000 every year.
- In spite of the fact that the negotiations were still progressing, the City send a completed non-negotiated rental agreement, on December 14th 2020, to the Club which no longer respects certain agreed upon points as well as a demand for the Club to agree to disregard the 1965 agreement. The club is asked to
agree to this offer before the Counsel meeting of December 21st 2020.
- Facing another ultimatum from the City, the Club’s Board finally chooses to agree to pay the full 30 000$ along with other demands (except the 1965 agreement) from the City because otherwise the children may not be able to paddle again. The Club also sends the City certain demands regarding some of the clauses in the agreement. This was sent to the City on December 18, 2020.
- The city did not even answer the Club’s requests but rather passed a resolution at Counsel meeting (Resolution 2020-12-402) that dismisses all the negotiations that occurred during the preceding months, along with some inaccurate facts related the state of the negotiations. It stated that the Club will be evicted if it does not sign the rental agreement by January 22, 2021. This resolution even goes against the 2015 agreement extension signed in Mars 2020. The city is no longer going to ask the surrounding cities to participate in the funding strategy put forth earlier in the process, and have removed the offer of the City’s financial participation ($10 000) in the Club’s 100 year festivities and there is no longer any mention of what happens to the fleet of boats.
- In a final attempt by the Club to get an agreement during the week of January 4, 2021, which includes accepting the $30 000+ indexation+ taxes (new demand) as well as being ready to forego the 1965 agreement but insisting on the 6000$ that was part of the old agreement for 2019 as well as other conditions sent on December 18th.
- The City refused this.
- The club has had to send a Lawyer’s letter to the City in response to the resolution voted on December 21, 2020 regarding possible eviction of the club.
We are sadden and somewhat astonished by this ultimatum from the city which is counter-productive and seems to be solely base on the City’s perception of having the upper hand in negotiation. All we want is a fair agreement that ensures the continued presence and growth of the club.
The city is holding our children and the people hostage as well as the Club’s 100-year celebrations and this in spite of the fact that we have agreed to most of their unreasonable demands.
Source:
Club de canotage d’Otterburn Park
Yves Richer, yricher4@gmail.com, cell 514-772-3515