{"title":"PPN Source | Press releases","description":"PPN Source stories","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/rss/stories","language":"en","updated":"2026-07-11T14:33:36+00:00","items":[{"title":"","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/scrabble-un-premier-championnat-couronne-a-granby-deux-grands-rendez-vous-a-venir-au-quebec","published_at":"2026-06-09T11:00:00+00:00","summary":"","content":""},{"title":"Quebec hosts three major Scrabble championships.","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/communique-le-quebec-est-lhote-de-trois-championnats-denvergure-des-le-printemps","published_at":"2026-05-11T12:15:00+00:00","summary":"","content":"<h2>Québec, May 11, 2026 -<strong>The Quebec Federation of Francophone Scrabble Clubs (FQCSF)</strong> is proud to announce an exceptional program for the 2026 season. From May to July, the best players from Quebec and the international French-speaking community will compete in three major competitions in Quebec before heading to the World Championships in Tunisia. Nearly 1000 participants and volunteers are expected for these four events where mental agility and vocabulary richness will be highlighted.</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Three Major Events in Quebec</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Quebec Duplicate Scrabble Championship (May 15-18, Granby):</strong> For its 44th edition, over 350 players will vie for the podium in six classes. Notable figures like Francis Desjardins, Germain Boulianne, and François Bédard, who together have around thirty titles, will compete aiming for perfect games. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://bit.ly/4tqFXvy\">CdQ-Duplicate Brochure</a></li><li><strong>Quebec Classic Scrabble Championship (June 12-14, Beaupré):</strong> This 18th edition emphasizes the traditional gameplay mode. Given that the vast majority of Quebec players practice the classic mode, FQCSF takes this opportunity to invite the general public to discover, join, or even start an official club in their region. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://bit.ly/4ndF3AW\">CdQ-Classique Brochure</a></li><li><strong>Rimouski International Festival (June 26 - July 1, Rimouski):</strong> As a prestigious event on the international circuit, this 8th edition offers 5 competitions in 6 days. Combining \"Scrabble holidays\" and high-level competition, the festival will host the Quebec elite as well as European and African delegations. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://bit.ly/3QRVAOP\">FISR Brochure</a></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Heading towards Tunisia and the Future</strong></p><p>The summer will culminate with the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://bit.ly/4dpETD5\"><strong>54th French Scrabble World Championships</strong></a> in Tunis, from July 18-26, 2026. A delegation of around thirty Quebecois, including twenty elite players, will compete against the best representatives from the global Francophone community.</p><p>Quebec is already confirming its role as a global leader by preparing to host the 58th World Championships in <strong>2030</strong>, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of FQCSF.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Quote</strong></p><p>\"Scrabble is an exciting mental sport that combines cognitive development and socialization. It is an intergenerational hobby accessible to all, allowing individuals to surpass themselves while learning. In clubs, it promotes motivation, learning, and becomes a real human adventure.\"&nbsp;<br>— <strong>Mr. Pierre Bergeron, President of FQCSF</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Highlights</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Visibility:</strong> Over 1,000 competitors mobilized in Granby, Beaupré, Rimouski, and Tunis.</li><li><strong>Excellence:</strong> Top players achieve near perfection with success rates of 97% to 100%.</li><li><strong>Inclusivity:</strong> A game played from 10 to 104 years old, in person or virtually, in duplicate and classic modes.</li><li><strong>Strength of the network:</strong> FQCSF brings together 1,600 passionate members through 62 clubs across Quebec. To find a club near you, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://fqcsf.qc.ca/clubs\">click here</a>.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Source and Information:</strong><br>Pierre Bergeron, President of FQCSF<br>Phone: +1 (418) 657-6953<br>Email: pierre.bergeron@fqcsf.qc.ca<br>Websites: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://www.fqcsf.qc.ca\">www.fqcsf.qc.ca</a> | <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://www.fisf.net\">www.fisf.net</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Available for Interviews (by phone or in person).</strong><br><i>Regional spokespersons available upon request.</i></p>"},{"title":"Communiqué - A Quebecer with the Bleuettes: Roxanne Bolduc with France in the 1st round of qualifications for the U19 Euro soccer.","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/une-quebecoise-avec-les-bleuettes-roxanne-bolduc-titulaire-et-invaincue-avec-la-france-au-1er-tour-des-qualifications-a-leuro-u19","published_at":"2025-12-10T11:00:36+00:00","summary":"","content":"<p><strong>Valencia (Spain), December 10, 2025</strong> – 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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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 <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ppnsource.com/fr/medias/communique-roxanne-bolduc-joueuse-franco-quebecoise-selectionnee-en-equipe-de-france-feminine-u19-pour-la-double-confrontation-amicale-face-a-lespagne\">Roxanne Bolduc's second selection with the U19 team</a>, following her debut in October during the two friendly matches against Spain, the defending champion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>“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.” <strong>– Roxanne Bolduc</strong></i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Profile and Journey of Roxanne Bolduc</strong><br>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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:</p><ul><li>2021-2022: CFF Maritim</li><li>2022-2024: Levante UD</li><li>2024-2025: Valencia CF</li><li>Since 2025: Villarreal CF</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>First Selection with the National Team</strong><br>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Website: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://roxannebolduc.football\">https://roxannebolduc.football</a><br>Representation Agency: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wassermanfootball/\">Wasserman Football</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Contact:</strong><br>Ingrid Bourgeois<br>(Quebec) 450 536-3419<br>(France) 07 49 23 91 10<br><a href=\"mailto:infos@bolle.ca\">infos@bolle.ca</a></p>"},{"title":"","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/communique-roxanne-bolduc-joueuse-franco-quebecoise-selectionnee-en-equipe-de-france-feminine-u19-pour-la-double-confrontation-amicale-face-a-lespagne","published_at":"2025-10-15T21:51:22+00:00","summary":"","content":""},{"title":"SPORTSQUÉBEC grants the 61st Finale of the Quebec Games - Summer 2027 to the City of Saint-Georges.","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/sportsquebec-grants-the-61st-finale-of-the-quebec-games-summer-2027-to-the-city-of-saint-georges","published_at":"2025-01-22T17:00:34+00:00","summary":"","content":"<p><strong>Montreal, January 22, 2025</strong> - 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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p>"},{"title":"Press release - French-Canadian soccer player Roxanne Bolduc signs her first professional contract with CF Valencia.","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"<p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Club Statement: </strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.valenciacf.com/comunicado-oficial-roxanne-bolduc\">https://www.valenciacf.com/comunicado-oficial-roxanne-bolduc</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"<i>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,</i>\" says Roxanne Bolduc.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>About Roxanne Bolduc</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Website:</strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://roxannebolduc.football/\">https://roxannebolduc.football/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For further information</strong></p><p>Ingrid Bourgeois - Bollé Communications</p><p>450-536-3419 (Quebec) | 07 49 23 91 10 (France)</p><p><a href=\"mailto:infos@bolle.ca\">infos@bolle.ca</a></p>"},{"title":"Soccer - Quebecer Roxanne Bolduc called up for selection with the vice-champions of Spain U17.","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"<p><strong>Valencia, Spain, October 25, 2022</strong> - Former CSVR, AS Montis and Ascalon Saint-Georges player Roxanne Bolduc is climbing the soccer ladder in Spain.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In her second season in Valencia, the young 14-year-old player who is playing this year with the club <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.levanteud.com/es/tag/levante-ud-femenino\">Levante UD</a> has been called up by the Valencian Community federation with the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://ffcv.es/wp/blog/category/noticias-arbitros/noticias-selecciones/noticias-seleccion-valenta-sub17/\">Valenta U17 selection</a>, vice-champion of Spain.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://ffcv.es/wp/blog/2022/10/20/convocatoria-la-seleccio-valenciana-valenta-sub17-de-futbol-se-mide-al-levante-ud-de-primera-nacional-en-bunol/\">SEE THE FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE (FFCV)&nbsp;</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“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&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>A young athlete developed in Quebec, Canada</strong></p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In her first game in the regular season in the Primera Regional Valenta, she scored her first goal with her new team.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Roxanne Bolduc has dual nationality, Canadian and French.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Information:</p><p>Ingrid Bourgeois</p><p>Bollé Communications Inc.&nbsp;</p><p><a href=\"mailto: infos@bolle.ca \">infos@bolle.ca&nbsp;</a></p><p>514-805-6079</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(Crédit photos : Pascuale Martinez)</p>"},{"title":"Press release: A Well-deserved 8th Place Finish for Raphael Lessard at Kansas Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Kansas City&nbsp;(United States), May 2nd, 2021&nbsp;</strong>– A few laps after starting 15th on the grid at Kansas Speedway Saturday night, Raphael Lessard quickly realized that his #24&nbsp;<strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong>Quincaillerie</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Richelieu</strong> 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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Race from the Driver’s Seat&nbsp;</strong>(extracts)</p><p>\"The race tonight&nbsp;(Saturday)&nbsp;was not easy for me as I struggled with the #24&nbsp;<strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<strong>Quincaillerie</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Richelieu</strong> 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,\"&nbsp;said Raphael Lessard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Date:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday May 1st, 2021</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;</strong>Wise Power 200</p><p><strong>Track:</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.kansasspeedway.com/\">Kansas Speedway</a>&nbsp;(Kansas, United States – 1.5-mile banked oval)</p><p><strong>Race format:&nbsp;</strong>Three stages of 30 | 30 | 74 laps</p><p><strong>Start | Result</strong>: 15th | 8th (140 in overtime of scheduled 134-lap race)</p><p><strong>Winner</strong>:&nbsp;Kyle Busch – KBM (Toyota)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;</p><p><a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a></p>"},{"title":"Press release: Raphael Lessard Back on Track at Kansas Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Saint Joseph de Beauce&nbsp;(Quebec, Canada) – April 27, 2021 -</strong> Raphael Lessard will take part at the Kansas Speedway in the seventh NCWTS race of the 2021 season aboard the #24 <strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;| <strong>Richelieu</strong> <strong>Hardware</strong> 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. <strong>Raphael Lessard's fans&nbsp;will be honoured with a logo on the truck to thank them for their support since the beginning of the adventure.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Raphael Lessard Talks About Kansas Speedway&nbsp;</strong></p><p>“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&nbsp;<strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;| <strong>RichelieuHardware</strong>&nbsp;truck will be in the mix for a top-10 finish with a good chance of a podium,”&nbsp;explained Raphael Lessard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"We will display a logo on the <strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;| <strong>Richelieu</strong> <strong>Hardware</strong>truck to&nbsp;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!”&nbsp;added Raphael Lessard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Event:&nbsp;Wise Power 200, race 7 of 22&nbsp;(225 miles over three segments of 40 | 50 | 60 laps, for a total of 150 laps)</p><p>Track:&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.kansasspeedway.com/\">Kansas Speedway</a>&nbsp;(Kansas, United States – 1.5-mile banked oval)</p><p>Date | Live TV &amp; Radio:&nbsp;Saturday May 1st at 7:30 PM&nbsp;(EDT) on&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.rds.ca/\"><strong>RDS</strong></a>, FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR 90 radio</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p>"},{"title":"Successful start for Raphael Lessard turns into a frustrating finish in Richmond - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Richmond&nbsp;(Virginia, United States) – April 17, 2021 / PPN Source -</strong> 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&nbsp;<strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;Silverado prepared by GMS Racing.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Race As Seen by the Driver&nbsp;</strong>(extracts)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"I was confident in my <strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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,\"&nbsp;said the unhappy driver of the #24&nbsp;<strong>Canac</strong>&nbsp;Silverado. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Date:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 1:30 pm</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;</strong>Toyota Care 250</p><p><strong>Track :</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.richmondraceway.com/\">Richmond Raceway</a>&nbsp;(Virginia, United States – 0,75 mile oval)</p><p><strong>Fprmat:&nbsp;</strong>Three stages of 70 | 70 | 110 laps each</p><p><strong>Start | Result</strong>: 5th | 23rd&nbsp;(covered 249 of the 250-lap race)</p><p><strong>Winner</strong>:&nbsp; John Hunter Nemechek – Kyle Busch Motorsports&nbsp;(Toyota)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p>"},{"title":"Press release: Raphael Lessard - Fifth for the start at Richmond Raceway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Saint Joseph de Beauce&nbsp;(Quebec, Canada), April 14, 2021 - </strong>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&nbsp;<strong>CANAC</strong> 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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Raphael Lessard Racing team members are working to find the necessary financing to participate in all 22 races of the season.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"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&nbsp;<strong>CANAC</strong> 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&nbsp;<strong>CANAC</strong>&nbsp;truck will be fast and I'm sure it will be great for the race,\" says Raphael Lessard with enthusiasm.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;</strong>Toyota Care 250, race 6 of 22&nbsp;(250 laps in three segments of 70 | 70 | 110 laps – 187,5 miles)</p><p><strong>Track:</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.richmondraceway.com/\">Richmond Raceway</a>&nbsp;(Virginia, United States – 0.75 miles)</p><p><strong>Date | Live TV &amp; Radio:</strong>&nbsp;Saturday, April 17 at 1:30 pm (EDT) on&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.rds.ca/\"><strong>RDS</strong></a>, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>**RDS and RDS DIRECT digital network present every NCWTS race on the 2021 schedule.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p>"},{"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":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Bristol</strong>&nbsp;(Tennessee, United States), <strong>March 29, 2021 -</strong> 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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Race Action</strong></p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The race as seen by the driver&nbsp;</strong>(extracts)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"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,\"&nbsp;explained the driver of the&nbsp;#24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado who was delighted with his stellar performance.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Next race – Richmond Raceway – April 17, 2021</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The NCWTS returns to normalcy for their next event, which will take place on the 0.75-mile oval of Richmond International Raceway&nbsp;(Virginia, United States).&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Date</strong>: Monday, March 29</p><p><strong>Event&nbsp;: </strong>Pinty’s Dirt Track Race</p><p><strong>Track:&nbsp;</strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/\">Bristol Motor Speedway</a>&nbsp;(Tennessee, United States – 0.5-mile oval)</p><p><strong>Format:&nbsp;</strong>Three stages of 40 | 50 | 60 laps</p><p><strong>Start | Finish</strong>: 29 | <strong>3</strong>&nbsp;(completed the 150-lap race)</p><p><strong>Race Winner</strong>:&nbsp; Martin Truex Jr. From the KBM team&nbsp;(Toyota)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>819.448.6514 – <a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p>"},{"title":"Press release - Raphael Lessard On Dirt for the First Time In NASCAR At Bristol - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Saint Joseph de Beauce</strong>&nbsp;(Quebec, Canada) – <strong>March 23, 2021</strong>. Raphael Lessard and his #24 <strong>GMS Racing</strong> 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&nbsp;(NCWTS and Cup).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Raphael Lessard has spared no effort to prepare for his first professional race on clay.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>\"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,\"&nbsp;says Raphael Lessard with enthusiasm.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The qualifying process</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>According to their position at the finish of their heat race, and</li><li>By earning one point for each position gained between their starting and finishing positions.</li></ol><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;Pinty’s Dirt Track Race</strong>, race 4 of 22&nbsp;(150 laps – segment of 40 | 50 | 60 laps)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Track:</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/\">Bristol Motor Speedway</a>&nbsp;(Tennessee, United States – 0.5-mile banked oval)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Date| TV:</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Four qualifying heats,</strong>&nbsp;live on Saturday, March 27 from 4:30 pm on TSN and Fox Sports Racing</li><li><strong>Race,</strong> on Saturday, March 27 at 8:00 pm on&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.rds.ca/courses/nascar?utm_source=Direct&amp;utm_medium=Web&amp;utm_campaign=Optimisation-Menu\"><strong>RDS</strong></a><strong>, </strong>Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN et SiriusXM NASCAR 90</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>**&nbsp;RDS and the RDS DIRECT digital service present every NCWTS race on the 2021 schedule.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>MEDIA CONTACT:<br>Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.&nbsp;<br>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;<br>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com</p>"},{"title":"Raphael Lessard Betrayed By A Mechanical Failure At Atlanta Motor Speedway - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/raphael-lessard-betrayed-by-a-mechanical-failure-at-atlanta-motor-speedway-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ncwts","published_at":"2021-03-21T01:31:13+00:00","summary":"","content":"<p><strong>Atlanta</strong>&nbsp;(Georgia, United States) – <strong>March 20, 2021</strong>. Starting from the 23rd position, Raphael Lessard worked his way through the field in the No.24&nbsp;Richelieu Hardware&nbsp;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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Race From the Driver’s Seat</strong></p><p>“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.&nbsp; 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.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The team is always ready with a good truck, and we are due for a good result. Thanks to <strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong>&nbsp;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&nbsp;Richelieu Hardware Silverado.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Date</strong>: Saturday, March 20</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;</strong>FR8 Auctions 200</p><p><strong>Track:</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/\">Atlanta Motor Speedway</a>&nbsp;(Georgia, United-States – 1,54-mile trioval)</p><p><strong>Format:&nbsp;</strong>Three stages of<strong>&nbsp;</strong>30 |30 | 70 laps</p><p><strong>Start | Finish</strong>: 23 | 39 (completed 124 of the 130-lap race)</p><p><strong>Winner</strong>:&nbsp; Kyle Bush<strong>&nbsp;</strong>from<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Kyle Bush Motorsports (Toyota)</p><p><strong>Next Race – Bristol Motor Speedway – March 27, 2021&nbsp;</strong>(On dirt)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;</p><p><a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a></p>"},{"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":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Saint Joseph de Beauce</strong>&nbsp;(Quebec, Canada) – <strong>March 16, 2021</strong>. 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&nbsp;<strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong>, a partner in 2020, who are returning by this year as principal partner for this event.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“<strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong>&nbsp;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&nbsp;colours during the Atlanta race on March 20. We all wish him the best of luck in achieving a well-deserved podium finish,”&nbsp;according to Richard Lord, President and CEO of&nbsp;<strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Raphael Lessard, this renewed cooperation presents an ideal opportunity to further develop this win-win relationship.&nbsp;“I am very pleased to see&nbsp;<strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong> reaffirm their confidence in our team and come back to help us for this race. Partnering with leaders in their industry such as&nbsp;<strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong> is key to the success of our endeavour. I am convinced that this partnership will help both parties achieve their business and sporting goals.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;</strong>FR8 Auctions 200, race 4 of 22&nbsp;(130 laps – 30/30/70-lap stages; 200 miles)</p><p><strong>Piste:</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.lvms.com/\">Atlanta Motor Speedway</a>&nbsp;(Georgia, United States – 1.54-mile oval)</p><p><strong>Date</strong>: Saturday, March 20, 2:30 pm&nbsp;(EST)</p><p><strong>Coverage:</strong>&nbsp;live on&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.rds.ca/courses/nascar?utm_source=Direct&amp;utm_medium=Web&amp;utm_campaign=Optimisation-Menu\"><strong>RDS</strong></a><strong>, </strong>FS1, radio MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>**RDS and RDS DIRECT (a numeric channel) will show every race in the NCWTS 2021 schedule.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p>"},{"title":"DIFFICULT RACE FOR RAPHAEL LESSARD AT LAS VEGAS NASCAR - Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)","author":"Guy Bolduc","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":"","content":"<p><strong>Las Vegas</strong>&nbsp;(Nevada, United States) – <strong>March 6, 2021</strong>. 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.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>“I made a mistake and I apologize to the other victims.</strong></i></p><p><i><strong>Let’s move on to Atlanta and get back to racing!”</strong></i></p></blockquote><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Race From the Driver’s Seat</strong></p><p>“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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“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,”&nbsp;concluded a driver disappointed with his mistake that cost him dearly.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Next Race – Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 20, 2021</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Date:&nbsp;</strong>March 5, 2021</p><p><strong>Event:&nbsp;</strong>Bucked Up 200 (race 3 of 22)</p><p><strong>Track:</strong>&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/\">Las Vegas Motor Speedway</a>&nbsp;(1.5 mile oval)</p><p><strong>Stages:&nbsp;</strong>At laps 30 |30 | 74</p><p><strong>Start/Result</strong>: 13th | 30th (completed 130 of the 134-lap race)</p><p><strong>Winner</strong>:&nbsp; John Hunter Nemechek<strong>&nbsp;</strong>fromKyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Photo</strong> <strong>Credit</strong>: GMS Racing</p><p><strong>High Resolution Pictures</strong>:&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://cutt.ly/ylD21On\">https://cutt.ly/ylD21On</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Follow Raphael&nbsp;Lessard:</strong></p>"},{"title":"FULL TRUCK SEASON FOR RAPHAEL LESSARD WITH GMS RACING - Richelieu Hardware returns as a partner","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/full-truck-season-for-raphael-lessard-with-gms-racing-richelieu-hardware-returns-as-a-partner","published_at":"2021-01-07T19:00:15+00:00","summary":"St-Joseph-de-Beauce (Quebec, Canada) - January 7, 2021 – Raphael Lessard had a wide smile on his face when he boarded a flight from Montreal on January 5, on his way back to the United States to complete preparations for a full 22-race season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). \n\nWhile continuing the search for full race season financing, Raphael Lessard Racing announces today the return of Richelieu Hardware as an associate partner for five races in the 2021 season. \n\nRaphael Lessard's #24 Silverado, prepared by GMS Racing, will proudly display the Richelieu Hardware colours, among others on the deck lid. This prominent Quebec corporation is a leading North American distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products.\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\nJessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc. \nBusiness Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing - Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com","content":"<p><strong>St-Joseph-de-Beauce&nbsp;(Quebec, Canada) - January 7, 2021 –&nbsp;</strong>Raphael Lessard had a wide smile on his face when he boarded a flight from Montreal on January 5, on his way back to the United States to complete preparations for a full 22-race season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). While continuing the search for full race season financing, Raphael Lessard Racing announces today the return of Richelieu Hardware as an associate partner for five races in the 2021 season. Raphael Lessard's #24 Silverado, prepared by GMS Racing, will proudly display the Richelieu Hardware&nbsp;colours, among others on the deck lid. This prominent Quebec corporation is a leading North American distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Richelieu Hardware</strong></p><p>The<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Richelieu Hardware commitment to this project is the logical development of their previous collaboration with the Raphael Lessard Racing team in support of the young driver's professional development program. “Richelieu Hardware is proud to renew its support for Raphael and his team. We all want him to continue his development and achieve his personal and professional goals in 2021,” according to Richard Lord, President and CEO of Richelieu Hardware.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Raphael Lessard is most grateful in welcoming Richelieu Hardware as a partner for his second season in the NCWTS series. “We are really happy with the return of Richelieu Hardware<strong>&nbsp;</strong>to our program for the 2021 season. The favourable results of our first cooperation in 2020 now place both parties in an excellent position to build a stronger win-win partnership throughout the 2021 season,” said Raphael Lessard.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>NCWTS Full Season</strong></p><p>GMS Racing is pleased to welcome Raphael Lessard on a full-time basis for the 2021 season.&nbsp;“We are excited to have Raphael join us for the 2021 season,” said Mike Beam, President of GMS Racing. “Raphael is a talented young man, and we are excited to see what he can do with a full season with this team.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After making the most of the difficult health situation over 2020 that greatly complicated Raphael Lessard’s learning season in NCWTS, securing a second full season was a hoped-for development, and assuredly a dream come true for the young driver. “I'm really excited to have a second full season in the Truck Series and will certainly aim for victories and even the championship at the wheel of the #24 Chevrolet prepared by GMS Racing. This team finished 1-2-3 in the NCWTS series in 2020, and I know that with everything I learned last season, we will be in a winning position at the end of every race,” added the determined young driver.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Raphael Lessard Career Highlights:</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since his on-track debut at the age of 11, Raphael Lessard has raced throughout eastern Canada and the United States, establishing a solid reputation as a driver to watch.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2020, the young Beauceron decided to make the jump into a professional series by participating in the 23 races of the NCWTS series&nbsp;(previously NASCAR Gander RV &amp; Outdoors Truck Series). Across 28 career NCWTS starts, Raphael Lessard has scored one win, four top-five&nbsp;(two podiums) and nine top-10 finishes, for an average finish in 14.5th position.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2019, Raphael Lessard posted 83 laps led, two top-five and three top-10 finishes across three ARCA Menards Series starts and one win, one top-five and two top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series. His Pinty’s Series victory came at his hometown track, Autodrome Chaudiere in Vallee-Jonction, Quebec, on June 29th when he led a race-high 153 laps en route to an emotional win.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The young driver won two marquee events in 2018 aboard KBM’s famed No. 51 Super Late Model: The U.S. Short Track Nationals at Bristol Motor Speedway in May and the Red Bud 400 ARCA/CRA Super Series race at Anderson Speedway in July. Raphael Lessard also captured the 2016 CARS Super Late Model Tour Championship after recording four wins, one pole, 157 laps led, eight top-five and nine top-10 finishes across 10 races.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>ABOUT RICHELIEU HARDWARE</strong></p><p>Richelieu is a leading North American distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products. Its products are targeted to an extensive customer base of kitchen and bathroom cabinet, storage and closet, home furnishing and office furniture manufacturers, residential and commercial woodworkers, door and window, and hardware retailers including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers customers a broad mix of products sourced from manufacturers worldwide. Its product selection consists of over 130,000 different items targeted to a base of more than 90,000 customers who are served by 82 establishments in North America – 40 distribution centres in Canada, 40 in the United States and 2 manufacturing plants in Canada.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ABOUT FRL EXPRESS Inc.</strong></p><p>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 tow carriers. 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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ABOUT GMS Racing</strong></p><p>In 2021, GMS Racing will compete full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Sheldon Creed, Zane Smith, Tyler Ankrum, Chase Purdy and Raphael Lessard. 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 &amp; 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&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://gmsracing.net\">gmsracing.net</a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ABOUT RAPHAEL LESSARD</strong></p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2020</strong> – <strong>Full season in NCWTS – 23 Races</strong></p><ul><li>1 win</li><li>4 top-5s</li><li>6 top-10s</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2019 -&nbsp;22 Races -&nbsp;</strong>7 different types of vehicles:</p><ul><li>6 podiums including 2 wins</li><li>10 top-5s</li><li>18 top-10s</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Several Series&nbsp;</strong>:</p><ul><li>5 NASCAR Gander Outdoors pickup races: two top-10 finishes &amp; fastest time in Dover</li><li>3 ARCA races</li><li>1 race in K&amp;N Pro East</li><li>2 races in NASCAR Pinty’s, 1 victory</li><li>5 races in NASCAR Late Model, 3 podiums</li><li>1 race in Super Late Model, double track record</li><li>2 races in Sportsman Dirt, 2 podiums</li><li>2 races in LMS</li><li>1 race in Pro Late Model</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2018 - 16 races - Super Late Model with Kyle Busch Motorsports</strong></p><ul><li>Two wins, seven top-5s and 13 top-10s</li><li>Wins the U.S. Short Track Nationals race at Bristol Motor Speedway</li><li>Wins the Red Bull 400 at Anderson Speedway</li><li>Leads 60 laps at the famous Snowball Derby in December, before a mechanical problem puts him out of the race with only six (6) laps to go.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2017 - Competes in 20 Super Late Model races and two ARCA series races</strong></p><ul><li>Two wins and eight top-5 finishes in the Super Late Model category</li><li>A top-10 from two races in the ARCA series</li><li>Voted the most popular driver in North America by Speed51.com</li><li>Voted as one of the top 10 drivers to watch in 2017 by Speed51.com</li><li>Named by Speed51.com Short Track Power Ranking as 7th best driver in the United States</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2016 - Participates in 10 races</strong></p><ul><li>CARS Super Late Model Series Champion</li><li>Youngest Canadian driver to win a prestigious stock-car series in the United States</li><li>Four wins, eight top-5s and nine top-10s in 10 races</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2021 Season – GMS Racing – NCWTS</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class=\"table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Date</strong></td><td><strong>Circuit</strong></td><td><strong>Start</strong></td><td><strong>Finish</strong></td><td><strong>Laps</strong></td><td><strong>Laps Led</strong></td><td><strong>Status</strong></td><td><strong>Driver Pts./Pos.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Friday, February 12</td><td>Daytona</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, February 19</td><td>Daytona (Road)</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, March 5</td><td>Las Vegas&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, March 20</td><td>Atlanta&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, March 27</td><td>Bristol (Dirt)</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, April 17</td><td>Richmond</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, May 1</td><td>Kansas</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, May 7</td><td>Darlington</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, May 22</td><td>COTA (Road)</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, May 28</td><td>Charlotte</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, June 12</td><td>Texas</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, June 18</td><td>Nashville&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, June 26</td><td>Pocono&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, July 9</td><td>Knoxville (Dirt)</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, August 7</td><td>Watkins Glen (Road)</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td colspan=\"8\"><strong>PLAYOFF</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Friday, August 20</td><td>Gateway</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Sunday, September 5</td><td>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Road)</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Thursday, September 16</td><td>Bristol&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, September 24</td><td>Las Vegas&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, October 2</td><td>Talladega&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Saturday, October 30</td><td>Martinsville&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Friday, November 5</td><td>Phoenix&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>Photo</strong> <strong>Credit</strong>:&nbsp;Al Wheeler, GMS Racing</p><p><strong>High Resolution Pictures:&nbsp;</strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://cutt.ly/9jg6GrF\"><strong>https://cutt.ly/9jg6GrF</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MEDIA CONTACT</strong>:</p><p><strong>Jessica Ménard,&nbsp;</strong>Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jmenard@caissiemenard.com\">jmenard@caissiemenard.com</a>&nbsp;</p>"},{"title":"L’Ascalon de Saint-Georges, inquiet pour l’avenir du développement du soccer en Beauce.","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/lascalon-de-saint-georges-inquiet-pour-lavenir-du-developpement-du-soccer-en-beauce","published_at":"2020-12-22T01:03:00+00:00","summary":"","content":""},{"title":"SPORTSQUÉBEC annonce la modification du cycle des Jeux du Québec. Les 57e, 58e et 59e Finales des Jeux du Québec seront reportées.","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/sportsquebec-annonce-la-modification-du-cycle-des-jeux-du-quebec-les-57e-58e-et-59e-finales-des-jeux-du-quebec-seront-reportees","published_at":"2020-11-02T19:52:36+00:00","summary":"","content":"<p><strong>Montréal, le 2 novembre 2020</strong> – La Corporation <i><strong>SPORTS</strong>QUÉBEC</i> annonce la modification du cycle des Finales des Jeux du Québec, et ce, à compter de 2021. &nbsp;En effet, après avoir analysé les différents impacts causés par la pandémie et avoir consulté et collaboré avec l’ensemble des partenaires, nous avons statué que les éditions estivales des Jeux se dérouleront maintenant lors des années impaires et celles hivernales lors des années paires.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Les changements observés seront les suivants&nbsp;:</p><ul><li>Initialement prévue à l’été 2022, la 57e Finale des Jeux du Québec sera présentée à l’été 2023 à Rimouski&nbsp;; les dates officielles seront annoncées prochainement.</li><li>Initialement prévue à l’hiver 2023, la 58e Finale des Jeux du Québec sera présentée à l’hiver 2024. La ville de Sherbrooke est présentement en période de candidature jusqu’en novembre 2020.</li><li>Initialement prévue à l’été 2024, la 59e Finale des Jeux du Québec sera présentée à l’été 2025&nbsp;; l’appel de candidatures ayant déjà eu lieu, les milieux candidats seront annoncés dans les prochaines semaines.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Une pandémie qui a des répercussions sur le long terme</strong></p><p>Déjà au printemps 2020, la pandémie paralysait le milieu sportif québécois obligeant la Corporation à annoncer le report de la 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Laval 2020 et de la 56e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Rivière-du-Loup 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>SPORTS</strong>QUÉBEC</i> a procédé à l’évaluation des impacts de cette pandémie sur le Programme des Jeux du Québec, estimant que celle-ci se ferait sentir à long terme et affecterait notre milieu pendant encore plusieurs mois. Pour cette raison, la Corporation est convaincue que la décision permettra aux prochains milieux d’organiser des événements de qualité pour les jeunes athlètes. Nous estimons d’ailleurs que ce report sera bénéfique pour la ville et le Comité organisateur de Rimouski qui nous avaient partagé leurs préoccupations entourant l’élaboration de leur Finale en cette période incertaine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>À cet effet, monsieur José Arsenault, président du Comité organisateur de la 57e Finale, mentionne&nbsp;: « Ce report nous permettra de travailler dans des conditions plus optimales afin d’offrir une Finale à la hauteur de nos ambitions. À la suite de consultations auprès de tous nos partenaires, force a été de constater leur appui pour le report des Jeux d’une année. D’ici là, serrons-nous les coudes et on se donne rendez-vous en 2023 pour une Finale à la hauteur de ce que Rimouski est capable d’offrir.&nbsp;» La ville de Sherbrooke avait également mentionné, durant son processus de candidature, son désir de voir la 58e Finale reportée.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>«&nbsp;Les circonstances actuelles ont obligé <i><strong>SPORTS</strong>QUÉBEC</i> à prendre une décision difficile, mais nécessaire<i>. </i>En effet, il est important pour nous de collaborer avec nos partenaires et de les soutenir en leur offrant les meilleures conditions possibles pour réaliser leur Finale. Nous désirons que l’expérience des jeunes athlètes soit la meilleure possible grâce à ces changements.&nbsp;En reportant les prochains Jeux du Québec, nous souhaitons permettre aux prochains milieux hôtes d’organiser un événement d’envergure qui sera le moins possible affecté par le climat actuel, et ce, dans un délai raisonnable. » Julie Gosselin, présidente de&nbsp;<i><strong>SPORTS</strong>QUÉBEC</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Les Jeux du Québec, événement phare pour le développement des athlètes du Québec</strong></p><p>Étape importante dans le développement de nos jeunes sportifs, depuis maintenant 50 ans, la Finale des Jeux du Québec est un événement qui regroupe une importante communauté. En effet, chaque Finale accueille près de 3&nbsp;300 athlètes représentant 19 régions du Québec, 1&nbsp;200 officiels et missionnaires qui les encadrent ainsi que 2&nbsp;500 bénévoles qui contribuent à la réussite de cet événement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pour information et entrevue :</strong></p><p>Rémi Richard<br>Directeur général adjoint<br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://www.sportsquebec.com/\"><i><strong>SPORTS</strong>QUÉBEC</i></a><br>Cellulaire&nbsp;: 438-497-6265<br><a href=\"mailto:rrichard@sportsquebec.com\">rrichard@sportsquebec.com</a></p>"},{"title":"Une forte proportion d’étudiants-athlètes grandement affectés par les mesures sanitaires.","author":"Guy Bolduc","link":"https://www.ppnsource.com/en/stories/une-forte-proportion-detudiants-athletes-grandement-affectes-par-les-mesures-sanitaires","published_at":"2020-10-27T16:46:34+00:00","summary":"","content":"<p><strong>Montréal, le 27 octobre 2020</strong> – En appui à la lettre ouverte de <i><strong>SPORTS</strong>QUÉBEC</i> publiée ce matin dans La Presse + et pour laquelle nous faisons partie de la centaine de signataires et à la suite de la confirmation du maintien des mesures sanitaires, nous dévoilons aujourd’hui les résultats d’un sondage que nous avons effectué auprès de nos étudiants-athlètes la semaine dernière.</p><p><br>Tout en étant conscient que chacun doit faire sa part pour limiter la propagation, nous sommes préoccupés des effets du confinement que notre consultation a démontré sur la santé et la motivation des étudiants-athlètes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Voici les principaux résultats du sondage auquel plus de 300 étudiants-athlètes de l’Alliance Sport-Études ont répondu&nbsp;:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>24 % ne vont&nbsp;<strong>pas très bien</strong>&nbsp;ou&nbsp;<strong>pas bien du tout</strong></li><li>62 % disent que le confinement affecte&nbsp;<strong>beaucoup</strong>&nbsp;ou&nbsp;<strong>énormément</strong>&nbsp;leurs entraînements</li><li>45 % disent que ça affecte&nbsp;<strong>beaucoup</strong>&nbsp;ou&nbsp;<strong>énormément</strong>&nbsp;leur motivation à l'entraînement</li><li>67 % disent que les cours en ligne les satisfont&nbsp;<strong>pas du tout</strong>&nbsp;ou <strong>un peu</strong></li><li>49 % disent que ça affecte&nbsp;<strong>beaucoup</strong>&nbsp;ou&nbsp;<strong>énormément</strong>&nbsp;leur motivation scolaire</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ces résultats confirment que le sport joue un rôle fondamental dans leur bien-être, leur équilibre et leur santé physique et mentale. Nous sommes inquiets que plus les mesures seront en place longtemps, plus la santé et la motivation des étudiants-athlètes déclineront. Nous croyons que nos partenaires sportifs seraient en mesure d’assurer un retour graduel du sport qui soit à la fois sécuritaire pour les personnes vulnérables et bénifique pour la population, en particulier les jeunes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>À propos de l’Alliance Sport-Études</strong></p><p>L’Alliance Sport-Études, reconnue par les ministères de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur, regroupe 45 collèges, le Cégep à distance et 9 universités. Sa mission est de soutenir la réussite et la persévérance des athlètes québécois de haut niveau qui poursuivent des études postsecondaires. Plus de 1 400 étudiants-athlètes provenant de la Ligue de hockey junior majeur du Québec et de plus de 50 fédérations sportives y sont inscrits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Source&nbsp;:</strong></p><p>Sébastien Fyfe<br>Directeur général<br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://alliancesportetudes.ca/\">Alliance Sport-Études</a><br>514&nbsp;212-8505<br><a href=\"mailto:sfyfe@alliancesportetudes.ca\">sfyfe@alliancesportetudes.ca</a></p>"}]}