In an Unprecedented Cavalcade of Vehicular Virtuosity: The NASCAR Pinty’s Series Unfurls its Final Road Course Drama at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Ah, my friends, gather ’round, for the tale I am about to regale you with is one of roaring engines, clashing titans, and the unyielding pursuit of glory. Yes, the NASCAR Pinty’s Series has returned to the hallowed asphalt of the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) for the second time this year, and what a spectacle it promises to be!
The Battle of Titans: Lapcevich vs. Camirand
Last year, Marc-Antoine Camirand was the knight in shining armor, the championship leader heading into this race. With a 23-point lead over D.J. Kennington, he clinched his maiden championship by conquering the 2022 WeatherTech 200. But ah, the wheel of fate never stops turning! This year, the young prodigy Treyten Lapcevich, a mere 19 years of age, stands atop the leaderboard with a 38-point chasm between him and Camirand.
In a déjà vu of epic proportions, these two gladiators clashed swords at this very track back in May during the eBay Motors 200. The final lap was nothing short of a Shakespearean drama, with Lapcevich’s No. 96 GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada Chevrolet edging past Camirand’s No. 20 GSR/FBM/Delta Bingo Chevrolet in a breathtaking finale. The gods of speed were clearly on Lapcevich’s side, as he emerged victorious, leaving Camirand to taste the bitter herbs of defeat.
A Symphony of Victories
Camirand, however, is no slouch. He has tasted the nectar of victory four times this season, leaving his mark on tracks from Autodrome Chaudiere to Circuit ICAR. Lapcevich, the young lion, has roared even louder with six wins, including the Pinty’s 100 at Ohsweken Speedway. The stage is set, the actors are ready, and the final act of the 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Championship is upon us.
A Sea of Steel and Horsepower: 31 Cars Enter the Fray
For the first time since the halcyon days of August 2014, more than 30 cars have entered the coliseum that is CTMP. Among them are familiar faces and rising stars, from Daniel Bois to 2017 Champion Alex Labbe. The Klutt family—Peter, Ryan, and Gary—are all geared up, and Brent Wheller is making his grand entrance for the first time this year.
The Prodigal Son Returns: David Thorndyke
But wait, there’s more! After a two-year sabbatical due to health tribulations, David Thorndyke is returning triumphantly. At 66 years old, Thorndyke is back in the driver’s seat, fully rejuvenated and ready to go. “Returning to the track after these two years away feels like a dream come true. I’ve missed the competition, the fans, and the thrill of racing,” he proclaimed.
The Final Countdown
So, as the sun sets on the horizon, 31 drivers are set to take the green flag on Sunday, September 3, for the WeatherTech 200. The air is thick with anticipation, the asphalt quivers in excitement, and the engines are revved up for what promises to be an unparalleled display of speed, skill, and sheer audacity.
In conclusion, my dear readers, fasten your seat belts and hold onto your hats. The NASCAR Pinty’s Series at CTMP is not just a race; it’s an odyssey, a saga, a monumental clash of titans. And as always, in the immortal words of the great Ayrton Senna, “Racing, competing, it’s in my blood. It’s part of me, it’s part of my life.”
This is Doug “Moose” McMaple, signing off. Until next time, may your engines roar and your spirits soar!