So, after an intense period of training, and completing several racing schools, Bourque returned to racing full-time competing in the full 2006 Nascar Busch East Series. He also drove in three races in the Canadian Cascar Series - a wise move considering that Nascar was poised to purchase the series. "I'm the oldest rookie on the circuit" he said, "and the only full-time Canadian. My only secret is to believe in yourself, and pursue your passion."
Bourque and his #29 Dodge Charger were on hand at the Mosport display during the recent Canadian International Auto Show where he graciously answered a few questions (and invited me to sit in the Dodge race car!) With such extreme examples of left and right-brain passions, I asked him if there were any similarities in the way that he approaches racing versus painting. "Painting is the opposite of racing on the track, and yet there are elements of similarity.
I forget about the equipment, the noise and get in the "zone", the proper headspace. In that regard, at least, it's cerebral." It sounds almost zen-like, put that way. "Yes", he laughs, "I guess you could say there are elements of zen, or za-zen to it." He has no plans to add racing-themed art to his portfolio. "I'm no good at it" he says, "too technical" and there are so many others who do it well."
How does Bourque feel about Nascar's recent purchase of Cascar? "I'm ecstatic, this is fantastic news for Canadian motorsports fans. The exposure, the brand awareness... it's the most exciting form of racing in the world. " On Nascar's frustrating silence and lack of forthcoming news following the purchase announcement, he says "I think we are waiting for a surprise, some big news. It's going to be an exciting season."
There are four dates planned for the Nascar Canadian Tire Series this coming year and Bourque is aiming for a top five finish. He'll be driving his white #29 Dodge Charger, that he says is "a huge hit with the fans because it's so noisy, it stands out from the other cars."
Political watchdog, author, painter, entrepreneur... and Nascar driver? One thing becomes blindingly clear. Pierre Bourque shatters any preconceptions we might have of the stereotypical Nascar driver.
photo:NASCAR, Lesley Wimbush
Bourque and his #29 Dodge Charger were on hand at the Mosport display during the recent Canadian International Auto Show where he graciously answered a few questions (and invited me to sit in the Dodge race car!) With such extreme examples of left and right-brain passions, I asked him if there were any similarities in the way that he approaches racing versus painting. "Painting is the opposite of racing on the track, and yet there are elements of similarity.
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I forget about the equipment, the noise and get in the "zone", the proper headspace. In that regard, at least, it's cerebral." It sounds almost zen-like, put that way. "Yes", he laughs, "I guess you could say there are elements of zen, or za-zen to it." He has no plans to add racing-themed art to his portfolio. "I'm no good at it" he says, "too technical" and there are so many others who do it well."
How does Bourque feel about Nascar's recent purchase of Cascar? "I'm ecstatic, this is fantastic news for Canadian motorsports fans. The exposure, the brand awareness... it's the most exciting form of racing in the world. " On Nascar's frustrating silence and lack of forthcoming news following the purchase announcement, he says "I think we are waiting for a surprise, some big news. It's going to be an exciting season."
There are four dates planned for the Nascar Canadian Tire Series this coming year and Bourque is aiming for a top five finish. He'll be driving his white #29 Dodge Charger, that he says is "a huge hit with the fans because it's so noisy, it stands out from the other cars."
Political watchdog, author, painter, entrepreneur... and Nascar driver? One thing becomes blindingly clear. Pierre Bourque shatters any preconceptions we might have of the stereotypical Nascar driver.
photo:NASCAR, Lesley Wimbush