The American-Canadian Tour’s (ACT) 12-race Late Model series has a new name for the 2007 stock car race season. The Series ACT Castrol will make its debut on Friday, March 30 at the 10th annual Salon National Auto-Sport Motorise, in St-Hyacinthe, Qc, it was announced today (March 30). The series’ opening race will take place on Saturday, May 19 at the Autodrome Montmagny Speedway (St-Pierre-Montmagny, Qc). The 3/8ths mile high-banked paved oval will host the Montmagny 100.
Robert Huberdeau, Regional Manager – Eastern Region, Castrol Wakefield Canada Inc. remarked, “Castrol Canada is proud to join forces with Tom Curley and the ACT Castrol Series as title sponsor for 2007. After the dissolution of the Castrol LMS Series in 2006, Tom approached us with his team, experience and knowledge; we knew then that the new ACT Castrol Series would be successful. The driver’s association and the race tracks owners involved in the ACT Castrol Series are all very enthusiastic and the success of the Series is assured. Once again, congratulations Tom and a great 2007 season to all.”
"ACT is very excited about the Quebec stock car racing season. Castrol has been very positive about the Series and to have them renew their entitlement for the coming season is very rewarding. We have enjoyed our negotiations with Bob Huberdeau and are delighted to welcome Castrol into the ACT family of fine sponsors. This should be the most exciting year in the history of Late Model racing for Quebec teams and fans,” commented ACT president Tom Curley.
Sylvain Lacombe of Terrebonne, Qc is the Montreal area representative with the RPQ, the Quebec Late Model driver’s organization, and is considered a top contender for the championship. “I am pleased that Castrol will be returning to sponsor our Late Model Series. It should be a good year with ACT overseeing things. Their rules will put everyone on the same playing field as we chase the Castrol title,” Lacombe remarked. In addition to being one of several names on the short list for the Series ACT Castrol crown, Lacombe will be a favorite at the Autodrome Montmagny Speedway season opener. The veteran competitor is the 2002 champion at the speedplant.
Last fall, ACT announced its return to Canada following a ten year absence when the Vermont-based group announced it would manage and administer Quebec’s very popular and successful Late Model Série in 2007.
Quebec racing is deeply rooted in northern New England stock car history. “La Belle Province” has produced many notable competitors who were mainstays at the former Catamount Stadium (Milton, VT) and Thunder Road (Barre, VT) in the 1960s. Additionally, many Quebec drivers were among the foundation of the ACT Pro Stock Tour years later.
In making last fall’s announcement Curley remarked, “Series management, in cooperation with the Quebec promoters, did a very good job establishing this touring series. ACT’s job is to help make it grow and have a lot of fun along the way. The Quebec Late Model Series fits our regional business plan perfectly. Universal rules, inexpensive race costs and affordable ticket prices will be our goal in Quebec, just like in New England.”
Castrol joins Goodyear, Koni shocks, Holly, Five Star and MSD as major supporters of Quebec Stock car racing.