The opening two rounds of the 2011 Formula Tour 1600 HGregoire/Toyo/Pascan Championship were held last weekend on the picturesque Mont-Tremblant circuit in the Quebec Laurentides.
The conditions were somewhat difficult with rain and cool temperatures.
The 33 competitors were divided into two categories: Master and Pro. The wingless single-seaters are still powered by a 1.6-litre normally aspirated engine but are shod this year on new American Racer slick tires.
Former competitor Marcel Lafontaine, now the series’ director was delighted to see that the lap times are now extremely competitive, down in the 1:43 bracket.
“What I really like however is to see so many youngsters taking part in the series this year,” said Lafontaine.
“The average age has come down with drivers such as New Zealander Chris Vlock, Nathan Blok, Xavier Coupal, Garrett Grist, Kevin Lacroix, Charles Leclerc and Jean-Philippe Jodoin. It’s like the breath a fresh air,” Lafontaine added.
Veteran drivers experienced some difficulties in battling against the newcomers. Didier Schraenen, driving a CMV, scored top 5 finishes while reining series’ champion Olivier Bonnet captured a podium finish in Race 1 but suffered from engine problems in the second race.
Former Formula Atlantic competitor Kevin Lacroix won Race 1 while young Garrett Grist finished first in Round 2.
After two races, Lacroix is first in the standings with 55 points, ahead of Grist (53), Schraenen (49), Nathan Blok (47) and Olivier Bonnet (45).
Next race will be held in Montreal as part of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Results
Pro category
Race 1: 1. Kevin Lacroix 2. Olivier Bonnet 3. Garrett Grist
Race 2: 1. Garrett Grist 2. Kevin Lacroix 3. Xavier Coupal
The conditions were somewhat difficult with rain and cool temperatures.
The 33 competitors were divided into two categories: Master and Pro. The wingless single-seaters are still powered by a 1.6-litre normally aspirated engine but are shod this year on new American Racer slick tires.
Former competitor Marcel Lafontaine, now the series’ director was delighted to see that the lap times are now extremely competitive, down in the 1:43 bracket.
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| Olivier Bonnet, Vector (Photo: Sportimage communication) |
“What I really like however is to see so many youngsters taking part in the series this year,” said Lafontaine.
“The average age has come down with drivers such as New Zealander Chris Vlock, Nathan Blok, Xavier Coupal, Garrett Grist, Kevin Lacroix, Charles Leclerc and Jean-Philippe Jodoin. It’s like the breath a fresh air,” Lafontaine added.
Veteran drivers experienced some difficulties in battling against the newcomers. Didier Schraenen, driving a CMV, scored top 5 finishes while reining series’ champion Olivier Bonnet captured a podium finish in Race 1 but suffered from engine problems in the second race.
Former Formula Atlantic competitor Kevin Lacroix won Race 1 while young Garrett Grist finished first in Round 2.
After two races, Lacroix is first in the standings with 55 points, ahead of Grist (53), Schraenen (49), Nathan Blok (47) and Olivier Bonnet (45).
Next race will be held in Montreal as part of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Results
Pro category
Race 1: 1. Kevin Lacroix 2. Olivier Bonnet 3. Garrett Grist
Race 2: 1. Garrett Grist 2. Kevin Lacroix 3. Xavier Coupal