SASKATOON, SK – Starting from the pole in the No. 74 Valvoline / NAPA Racing Chevrolet after earning the pole position, Kevin Lacroix captured his first career win at Sutherland Automotive Speedway. Throughout the race, he fended off relentless pressure from Jason Hathaway and Marc-Antoine Camirand.
Camirand, who climbed from eighth on the grid to cross the line first, received a one-lap penalty for his driving on the final lap. The penalty handed the Leland Industries 250 victory to Lacroix and dropped Camirand to a fourth-place finish.
“It’s been so close for many years. I was second here last year. I’m happy to finally get the win at this track,” said Lacroix. “We’ve led so many laps this season but always had bad luck at the end. Starting on the pole and getting the win feels really good. I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
Jason Hathaway finished second in the No. 3 Choko / Leland / Fast Eddie / HGC Chevrolet after a hard-fought battle for the lead throughout the race.
“It was a good battle with Kevin Lacroix,” Hathaway said. “We went at it hard right from the green flag. Made a few changes at the break and stayed with him for a while, but he just had better drive off. Still, great to be back up front and to bring home a podium. Big thanks to our sponsors and to the fans in Saskatoon.”
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who was fastest in practice earlier in the day in the No. 47 WeatherTech / Groupe Bellemare Dodge, rounded out the podium in third.
“I’m very satisfied with the performance of the No. 47 today. The car was fast, but we were just missing a little something to go for the win. I’m extremely proud of my team’s work. We’ll take this third-place finish and keep building for the rest of the season,” said Dumoulin.
The race featured intense side-by-side battles throughout the field. Donald Theetge, driving the No. 80 Garoy Construction / Revêtements Vulcain Chevrolet, was awarded the EVIRUM Fastest Lap of the Race, while Marc-Antoine Camirand, in the No. 96 GM Paillé Chevrolet Canada Chevrolet, earned the GULF Race Fuels Move of the Race. Local favourite Matthew Shirley, in the No. 46 Crush-It Hard Iced Tea Dodge, was named JOSTENS Rookie of the Race.
Following the Leland Industries 250, the championship battle is tighter than ever. Camirand holds the lead with 166 points, just ahead of Lacroix with 165, and D.J. Kennington close behind at 163. Earlier in the day, Camirand was docked six points for intentional contact under caution during the NAPA 300 at Edmonton International Raceway.
The NASCAR Canada Series returns to action July 26-27 with a first-time visit to Calabogie Motorsports Park.
