OHSWEKEN, N.Y. — Marc-Antoine Camirand claimed victory Thursday night at Ohsweken Speedway, where the Freshstone Dirt Classic took place in front of thousands of spectators.
It was a star-studded lineup as not only NASCAR Canada Series regulars were on track, but also NASCAR Cup driver Chase Briscoe, ARCA driver Amber Balcaen, legend Ken Schraderand series veteran Cayden Lapcevich participated.
The event was split into three stages, the first two being 25 laps and the final segment being 50 laps. The race saw action across the board, as all drivers waltzed in the top 10, yearning for a place on the podium.
Early in the race, Quebec native Donald Theetge pressured Briscoe in his No. 80 RPM Designs/Vulcain Chevrolet.
However, Camirand quickly came to charge and gained the lead of the race, while Briscoe took advantage of a caution flag to make a quick trip in the paddocks.
It was an impressive feat as Briscoe spent the remainder of the race making his way up the field. He was back amongst the leaders in the last few laps, but had to settle for fifth place. However, Camirand was in a battle of his own with Ranger who was closing in on him.
Schrader, in the No. 52 APC/Pennzoil/Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet, was busy fending off Kyle Steckly who made an appearance in the No. 22 APC/Pennzoil/GSR/Stewart’s Equipment Chevrolet at Ohsweken.
“What a way to bounce back after our weekend at Antigonish,” said Marc-Antoine Camirand. “We prepped the car pretty well. The #96 was awesome today. I was able to make the tight line and have good traction coming out. What a way to bring the car back in the victory lane. So happy for the GM Paillé Team.”
Andrew Ranger came in second.
“I am very happy that we made it on the podium,” Ranger said.” I am very happy for this first and second place for the GM Paillé team. Today, my goal was to salvage what I could and do well. I think it’s mission accomplished. I am not sure where we stand in the championship, but it should be very close.”
Schrader came home third.
“We probably had a fifth-place car under us, but we kept digging until the third place,” he said. “I’m happy with it. The guys in front were in a league of their own. The No. 96 was fast, and we had nothing for them. So we were just fighting back there for what was left.”
With this win, Camirand is back in the championship lead, but only by a point.