In the November 20th edition, we update you on Quebec standout Alex Labbe’s plans for the remainder of 2013 and Ian Bourque’s hopes for a 2014 championship. We also catch up with NASCAR Nationwide Series competitor Johanna Long and Ontario Mini Stock standout Samantha Shaw.
ACT Tour regular – and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series part-timer – Alex Labbe has announced that he will attempt to qualify for the 46th annual Snowball Derby, scheduled for December 8th at Pensacola, Florida’s 5 Flags Speedway. The marquee 300-lap Super Late Model event will mark Labbe’s first trip to the lauded ½ mile. The St. Albert, Quebec driver earned runner-up honors in the SÉRIE ACT championship standings in 2013, and recently earned a 7th place finish in Super Late Model competition at New Smyrna Speedway’s Governor’s Cup in late-October. Labbe will pilot a Port City Racing chassis for his family owned-team, but will receive trackside support from the same Larue Motorsports team that carried him to SÉRIE ACT title contention this Summer. Veteran Mario Gosselin has been tabbed to fill the role of Crew Chief, with the team receiving marketing support from VR Victoriaville and Larue Industrial Snowblowers. Further details for the Crown Jewel event can be found at www.SnowballDerby.com
3-time Barrie Speedway titlist Ian Bourque (above, by Thompson Photography) has announced this week that he will return to fulltime competition at Barrie in 2014. The former OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour regular will campaign his Junior Hanley-built chassis, in search of the 2014 Ltd. Late Model division championship, whilst appearing in a handful of OSCAAR tour events that do not conflict with Barrie’s Saturday night schedule. The Newmarket, ON veteran finished 7th in Barrie Speedway points in 2013, his first full season of competition in several years. The team has already secured sponsorship from Bourque Transmission, RB Graffix, Burl’s Creek, VP Racing Fuels and Luk Clutches with additional support expected to be announced throughout the off-season.
Earlier this season, we were able to chat with former Snowball Derby champion – and current NASCAR Nationwide Series competitor – Johanna Long about all things related to short track racing. The Pensacola, FL driver speaks about her loyal fanbase, her Super Late Model background and her time spent on the road with the Nationwide Series. The video can be found here and be sure to follow Jo on Twitter @JohannaLong.
Recently, third-generation star Samantha Shaw (above, by Pamela Guppy) took the time to speak with our cameras about her 2013 season. The Mini Stock standout speaks candidly about her skillset, her breakout 2012 season, her struggles competing within a talent-laden division and what she’s looking to improve on moving forward. Click here for the interview and follow Sam on Twitter @81Shaw
Follow Spencer Lewis on Twitter @itsspencerlewis
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