NEW SMYRNA, FL – This past weekend, Jean-Philippe Bergeron and Mario Gosselin practiced a Super Late Model at New Smyrna Speedway. Bergeron made his first laps of the year on this same track in a Pro Late Model during the 2021 Red Eye 50/50, a Pro Late Model entry fielded by Race Car Solutions (RCS).
The driver from Quebec was surprised to see the difference between the cars he typically drives in Quebec and the Pro Late Model he finished 5th in earlier this year.
“It’s a lot faster than what I’m used to driving,” exclaimed the young driver.
After getting his feet wet with a Pro Late Model, Gosselin suggested Bergeron try a Super Late Model.
A Super Late Model develops about 260 more horsepower than a Late Model in Quebec and can reach top speeds of 220 km/h at New Smyrna Speedway.
Bergeron took advantage of a rare free day on the New Smyrna Speedway calendar to do private testing, adjust to the car and accumulate seat time.
Gosselin, the man who spends most of his time preparing cars and playing the role of crew chief, also found himself behind the wheel, but he didn’t lose his touch.
Gosselin and Bergeron set rather similar times around 17.7 seconds, which is comparable to Super Late Model pole times.
On February 13, Gosselin will compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.
After a four-year hiatus from behind the wheel, Gosselin will pilot DGM Racing’s No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro bearing the colors of AP Sports Regimen, Rousseau Métal and Sleep Well.
Bergeron is preparing for Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway from February 4 to 13. The Canadian driver will be at the wheel of the RCS team’s No. 51 Pro Late Model car, undertaking eight races in only 10 days.
“It’s the first time I’m going to do so many races in such a short period of time. It’s a great experience for me and I’m looking forward to a podium finish, ” says the driver proudly.
ABOUT JEAN-PHILIPPE BERGERON: Jean-Philippe Bergeron made his first laps in a kart at the age of 13. In 2015, he participated for the first time in the Cup Lites series on the ICar road circuit where he was crowned Rookie of the Year. Thus began a promising career for the Quebec native. In 2017, he experienced an LMS car in the ACT series with the support of Mr. Claude Leclerc. That’s all it took to convince Bergeron to purchase his own LMS car to race in the CSCC series, one year later. Once again, Bergeron finished with the title of Rookie of the Year. In 2019, Marc Bergeron (Jean-Philippe’s father) and Martin Perreault founded the Prolon Racing Team. Surrounded by enthusiasts such as Denis Valiquette, Alain Fortier, Michel Patry, and team leader Richard Forget, Jean-Philippe started the 2020 season with an all-new car entirely rebuilt with a chassis updated by renowned manufacturer Dale Shaw. Despite the shortened season due to COVID-19, Bergeron still accumulated three podium finishes, including one victory, to end the season on a high note at Autodrome Montmagny.
Fans can follow Jean-Philippe Bergeron throughout the 2021 season on Festidrag.TV at www.facebook.com/festidrag on YouTube www.youtube.com/c/FestidragTV and on TéléMag. You can also follow the activities of Jean-Philippe and the Prolon Racing team on Facebook www.facebook.com/JPBRacing18, on Instagram @jpbergeron18 as well as on the website www.prolonracing.com.
NEXT RACES: World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, February 4-13, 2021
FOR INFO: Contact Martin D’Anjou, Festidrag Development: 418-732-4263 | mdanjou@festidrag.com
ABOUT FESTIDRAG DEVELOPMENT: Festidrag Development offers emerging drivers the support to help them progress positively in their discipline according to their level and their need, through a customized program. The objective is to offer them the best tools, not only at the competition level, but also in terms of media communication, branding, self-promotion, sponsorship research and partner relations.
Discussion about this post