A Learning Experience for Thomas Nepveu in his First NASCAR Pinty’s Event

A Learning Experience for Thomas Nepveu in his First NASCAR Pinty’s Event

Innisfil (Ontario), May 14, 2023 – Last Saturday marked the kickoff of the 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s season at Sunset Speedway. It was also Thomas Nepveu’s first-ever race in the Canadian stock car series.

Thomas was behind the wheel of the #24 Evirum | Home Hardware Nepveu machine prepared by Jacombs Racing, taking on the 1/3 mile oval track on Saturday night in front of hundreds of fans who came to cheer on their favourite drivers.

He was immediately at ease while driving his Ford in his first laps of the practice session, setting the 14th fastest time. In the qualifying session, where the drivers had the opportunity to set the fastest time across two flying laps, he achieved a respectable 12th place finish.

“I’m satisfied with my first stock car qualifying on an oval track,” he said. “I learned a lot about the car, but also about the series. Sunset Speedway is a notoriously challenging oval, so I’m happy to have been able to set that time.”

As he started the NTN Ultimate Bearing Experience 250 from the 6th row on the outside line, Thomas followed the pack, fighting with the competitors around him and swapping positions with them.

The 250-lap event was punctuated by a 5-minute break on the 125th lap, allowing the team to make some adjustments to the car. While they were able to proceed with the first part of the race without any major problems, a different story unfolded in the second half.

In the second portion of the race, Thomas was sent spinning after some contact with a competitor. During the caution, the car suffered an electrical problem, forcing the team to return to the paddocks for a repair. This was detrimental to Thomas’ progress, who returned to the track 37 laps down.

“In the first half of the race I lacked some speed, but during the break the team made adjustments. I am very happy with the progress we made despite the electrical problem. I learned a lot from this first event, and I’m already looking forward to getting back on track this weekend at CTMP.”

EXCLUSIVE AUTOSPORT LEAVES SEBRING WITH THE USF JUNIORS DRIVER AND TEAM POINTS LEAD

EXCLUSIVE AUTOSPORT LEAVES SEBRING WITH THE USF JUNIORS DRIVER AND TEAM POINTS LEAD

Team drivers Brienza and Jeffers deliver first team win and five podium finishes

opening round of the 2023 schedule at Sebring International raceway on March 23-24. Driver Joey Brienza showed incredible speed and consistency, starting all three races from the pole, while collecting a pair of runner-up finishes before notching his first series victory in a dominant Race 3 performance. Brienza’s success has put him in the point lead heading to the next event for the first rung of the USF Pro Championships Presented by Cooper Tires ladder. Texan Jack Jeffers was also racing at the front of the pack throughout the event, eventually scoring a pair of third-place podium finishes to sit third in the points. The team has a dedicated quartet of drivers in the series. Erick Schotten in the #90 Exclusive Autosport car and Giovanni Cabrera in the #93 Exclusive Autosport car maximized the event to gain crucial experience, each making considerable progress. As a result, Exclusive Autosport left the Sebring weekend leading the Team Championship standings.

“I am thrilled to kick off the Juniors season with a win, 5 podium finishes, and the team and driver championship leads,” said Michael Duncalfe, Team Principal. “A lot of work has gone into this program, and it was great to celebrate the team’s success at Sebring. The unique part of our Juniors program is that we have drivers with very different levels of experience. That said, I am proud of all four of our drivers as I believe they each, individually, achieved their goals through the weekend. We are going to really keep pushing to develop their skills so we can have all four challenging upfront. We have very positive momentum to capitalize on as we shift our focus over to Barber at the end of April.”

“Race 3 was about how you would imagine it when you go to sleep or when you are in the car 10 minutes before,” Enthused Joey Brienza, driver of the UBS #91. “I made a good start, nothing fantastic, but enough to keep the lead through Turn One. Nicolas (Giaffone) and Jimmie (Lockhart) both pushed hard at the start of the race and applied a lot of pressure, but I was able to hold them off. As soon as I got some clear track, I was able to push. The car was fantastic. Exclusive Autosport did an awesome job with the car and I can’t say thank you enough to them. This win and my two second-place finishes in Race 1 and 2 give us good momentum for the long season.”

“The races started off decent. We didn’t have the pace of the other guys and we fell back a little bit,” said Jack Jeffers, driver of the Corpay Cross-Border Solutions #92. “We were still fighting hard and then they were battling so I was able to catch up a little bit. My pace really came through as I gained more confidence with the car. I was able to get past the two VRD cars and catch the leaders. Giaffone made a mistake at the end that allowed he and Brienza to battle a bit more. I think if we had a few more laps, I could have been there. Overall, a good comeback from what wasn’t an ideal start, especially after grabbing two podiums in my first two starts. I’d like to thank Exclusive Autosport, my parents, and Corpay Cross-Border for getting me here.”

The team will now head back to the shop and prep the cars for Rounds 4 and 5 at Barber Motorsports Park on April 26-27.

CABRERA JOINS EXCLUSIVE AUTOSPORT FOR THE 2023 USF JUNIORS SEASON

CABRERA JOINS EXCLUSIVE AUTOSPORT FOR THE 2023 USF JUNIORS SEASON

Photo Courtesy of Exclusive Autosport

15-year-old Florida native ready for his USF Pro Championships debut.

BROWNSBURG, IN (February 24, 2023) – Exclusive Autosport is pleased to announce Giovanni Cabrera as their fourth driver in the 2023 USF Juniors Presented by Cooper Tires line-up. The 15-year-old, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida driver is relatively new to racing, but he amassed significant seat time in competitive karting at the AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex before a planned run through the Lucas Oil School of Racing Advanced Course that led to F4 testing. Giovanni has been preparing for the 2023 season with a focused fitness regiment, testing his #97 Exclusive Autosport Tatuus JR-23, and competing in the YACademy Winter Series with his fellow EA teammates.

“I feel so fortunate to have been introduced to Exclusive Autosport,” Cabrera enthused. “From the very first meeting I had with Michael Duncalfe, I knew I wanted to be a part of this team. I have not had a lot of seat time, however, with just the few test days I have had with the team, including the YACademy Winter Series, I feel confident that I will be ready for the season. I am excited, ready to learn, and ready to keep improving this year. I am so appreciative of everything my parents and family have done to help me get to this level. I am fortunate to have Carico International, Millennium Merchant Services, and Cabrera Racing, who have supported me to make my dream a reality.”

Cabrera’s signing/announcement brings the Exclusive Autosport USF Juniors squad up to four full-season drivers. Cabrera will join his already-announced teammates Joey Brienza, Erick Schotten, and Jack Jeffers in the team’s quest for a 2023 USF Juniors Championship. Giovanni has been taking part in Exclusive Autosport’s off-season testing program leading up to his USF Pro Championships debut next week at the series yearly ‘Spring Training’ held in Sebring, FL.

“It has been a pleasure having Giovanni join our program,” said Exclusive Autosport owner Michael Duncalfe. “He is incredibly eager to learn and work hard to perfect his craft. He has a great family supporting him and we look forward to working with them this coming season.”

Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin announces 2023 schedule

Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin announces 2023 schedule


Photo By: ©Ray MacAloney/cdn-r.com

 

For Immediate Release:

Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin announces 2023 schedule

FEL Motorsports’ RCC to mirror SCCC four-weekend, three-race format

ST. CATHARINES, ON (February 17, 2023) – FEL Motorsports is excited to announce the 2023 schedule
for the Radical Cup Canada (RCC) presented by Michelin. The 2023 RCC schedule will follow the format change of sister-series, Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin. Both will run as a 12-race championship, now condensed into four weekends, each featuring three races. The new format is designed to save all teams money and allow for personal time and travel, while delivering the same great competition experience.

“The new format was designed based on feedback from the existing teams of the RCC,” said Series Manager, Jessica Benevides of this year’s Radical Cup Canada event schedule. “The RCC teams and drivers are comprised of a mix of upcoming talent and gentlemen drivers. A condensed hybrid schedule of main-stream and regional events will allow drivers to showcase their talents in front of the biggest crowds in Canadian motorsport.”

Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin 2023 Schedule

Rounds 1, 2, 3 – May 19, 20, 21 @ Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Victoria Day Speedfest
Rounds 4, 5, 6 – July 14, 15, 16 @ Honda Indy Toronto
Rounds 7, 8, 9 – August 19, 20 @ Calabogie Motorsports Park
Rounds 10, 11, 12 – September 1, 2, 3 @ Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Labour Day Sprints

“We are definitely gaining traction going into the 2023 season. We have previously announced the prize package for the Radical Cup Canada, as well as the addition of Honda Indy Toronto to the schedule,” said FEL Motorsports President, Chris Bye. “I think the Radicals put on some of the best road racing in Canada and we will do our best to keep the momentum going,” Bye continued.

Registration is now open. Visit www.felmotorsports.com for more details about the series.

About FEL Motorsports

FEL Motorsports grew out of a deep base of automotive roots from FEL Automotive Learning and Promotion. FEL Motorsports is focused on growth and sustainability in the Canadian Motorsports landscape by giving back to its teams through prizing and prize money.

Canadian Race results from the Rolex 24 at Daytona 2023

Canadian Race results from the Rolex 24 at Daytona 2023

Congratulations to Anthony Mantella of AWA and Roman De Angelis of The Heart of Racing on their victories in their respective classes today at the Rolex 24 at Daytona race.

  IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship Series
Finish Position in Class DRIVER TEAM CAR TYPE
  Le Mans Prototype 2 ( LMP2 )
5th #8 John Farano Tower Motorsports ORECA LMP2 07
6th #51 Devlin Defrancesco Rick Ware Racing ORECA LMP2 07
  Le Mans Prototype 3 ( LMP3 )
4th #13 Orey Fidani AWA Duqueine D08
1st #17 Anthony Mantella AWA Duqueine D08
6th #87 James Vance FastMD Racing Duqueine D08
6th #87 Antonio Serravalle FastMD Racing Duqueine D08
  GT Daytona Pro ( GTD PRO )
5th #9 No CDN Drivers Pfaff Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
9th #95 Bruno Spengler Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3
  GT Daytona ( GTD)
5th #12 Parker Thompson Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3
9th #16 Zacharie Robichon Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
1st #27 Roman De Angelis Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3
15th #32 Mikael Grenier Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes AMG GT3
7th #78 Mikhail Goikhberg US RaceTronics Lamborghini Huracan GT3
6th #93 Kyle Marcelli Racers Edge Motorsports with WTR Acura NSX GT3
  IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series
  Grand Sport (GS)
15th #57 Danial Morad Winward Racing Mercedes AMG GT GT4
10th #69 Jesse Lazare Motorsports In Action McLaren Artura GT4
10th #69 Alex Filsinger Motorsports In Action McLaren Artura GT4
  Touring Car (TCR)
12th #15 Nick  Looijmans Rockwell Autosport Development Audi RS3 LMS DSG

 

12th #15 Denis Dupont Rockwell Autosport Development Audi RS3 LMS DSG
5th #33 Robert Wickens Byran Herta Autosport Hyundai Elentra N TCR
6th #98 Mark Wilkins Byran Herta Autosport Hyundai Elentra N TCR
7th #99 Karl Wittmer Victor Gonzalez Racing Team