Auto123.com has learned that a Quebec entrepreneur is currently working hard at setting up a NASCAR Canadian Tire team with veteran Claude Bourbonnais as the driver.
Patrick Jannard, who contested the Esso Protec Formula Ford 1600 series in 1995 and who currently works in the Czeck Republic, is the mastermind of the project.
"The goal is to offer a structure in which the young, up-and-coming drivers will evolve," said Jannard. "We are planning to have a team in karting, stock-cars, a state-of-the-art race shop located near Montreal, experienced mechanics and engineers, and a solid marketing program. At this moment, there are no Quebec teams that compete in NASCAR, and we want to change that, especially since we have a Nationwide race in Montreal."
"I currently have some of the funding but I am working hard at finding new partners," Jannard added. "Our plan is to compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire race held during the Nationwide event in Montreal with Claude Bourbonnais behind the wheel."
Bourbonnais, who raced Formula Atlantics, Champ Cars and Indy Cars in the past, is delighted to be back behind the wheel of a race car. "I'm really happy to be back racing," he said. "I've raced on ovals in the past, including the Indy 500, but this will be my first time behind the wheel of such a heavy race car. The Canadian Tire series offers a good mix of road course and oval events. Patrick works hard to build a very good racing team. We want to do things correctly."
Patrick Jannard, who contested the Esso Protec Formula Ford 1600 series in 1995 and who currently works in the Czeck Republic, is the mastermind of the project.
"The goal is to offer a structure in which the young, up-and-coming drivers will evolve," said Jannard. "We are planning to have a team in karting, stock-cars, a state-of-the-art race shop located near Montreal, experienced mechanics and engineers, and a solid marketing program. At this moment, there are no Quebec teams that compete in NASCAR, and we want to change that, especially since we have a Nationwide race in Montreal."
"I currently have some of the funding but I am working hard at finding new partners," Jannard added. "Our plan is to compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire race held during the Nationwide event in Montreal with Claude Bourbonnais behind the wheel."
Bourbonnais, who raced Formula Atlantics, Champ Cars and Indy Cars in the past, is delighted to be back behind the wheel of a race car. "I'm really happy to be back racing," he said. "I've raced on ovals in the past, including the Indy 500, but this will be my first time behind the wheel of such a heavy race car. The Canadian Tire series offers a good mix of road course and oval events. Patrick works hard to build a very good racing team. We want to do things correctly."