Kamloops, BC – Traveling back to New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Canadian Brendan Langlois would once again join forces with Tim and David Russell of the TRI Driver Development race team. After looking to make his Pro Late Model debut back in March, rained forced the cancellation of the event proceedings and his makeup event would take place Saturday, June 30. Making the coast-to-coast trip from Western Canada to the Sunshine State of Florida, Langlois would pick up where he left off with an impressive fourth place result.
Making the cross country trek in time for Friday’s unofficial test day, Saturday would mark the first official sessions of the weekend with qualifying setting the grid for Saturday evening’s main event. With 17 cars set to take the green, Langlois would turn in a quick qualifying effort, scoring the sixth fastest lap of the session as well as an outside row three starting position for the evening’s feature event.
“With the ambient temperature into the 90’s, the in car temperature was well over 100F,” said Langlois. “Thankfully, we were racing in the evening and it had cooled down a little before our 100-lap event.”
After two years out of motorsports, Langlois returned to the seat back in March only to have his Pro Late Model debut put on hold due to weather. Picking up right where he left off, Langlois quickly settled into a rhythm at the drop of the green flag and was hitting his marks until the first caution was displayed on lap 87. With only thirteen laps remaining, Langlois had moved forward to the fourth position as the lead drivers had lapped most of the cars in the field.
Lining up for the restart on the outside row, Langlois took advantage of the preferred line and quickly advanced forward to the second position. Running right behind his teammate, the TRI Driver Development duo ran first and second, before a pair of cautions would slow the racing action yet again. Forced to start the last two restarts from the un-preferred bottom groove, Langlois would battle hard to maintain his position, but would be forced to yield to his competitors in the faster outside line.
Though the quick Canadian had a faster car than his competitors in front of him, there were not enough laps left in the race to retake the positions lost before the checkered flag would fly. Crossing the stripe in the fourth position, Langlois was happy with his results but had hoped for more with such a fast racecar.
“I’m happy with how everything went for my first race in a Pro Late Model. I learned a lot throughout the race, and am pleased with fourth place despite a couple of late cautions hurting my results,” he said. “The TRI crew did a fantastic job setting up the car and giving me all the help I needed to perform. I look forward to working with TRI again soon and improving my results next time.”
His results were echoed through the team and paddock as the West Coast driver had come to Florida with very little experience and challenged for the win. Charging hard throughout the race while showing great driving and passing skills, Langlois’ results put him ahead of several veteran and regular series drivers and proves that he is a threat for victory each and every time out.
Brendan Langlois would like to thank the entire TRI Driver Development team for the great equipment and support throughout the weekend. A special thank you to local supporters Zimmer Autogroup, Wyatt McMurray of A&W, Redline Motorsport and Braddik Roofing and Sheetmetal.
For more sponsorship opportunities and more information about Brendan Langlois, please visit his website at www.BrendanLanglois.com.
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