MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Nissan Micra Cup drivers took to the track this weekend as part of the 49th edition of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R). Highlights from the action-packed weekend included two intense races, a paddock filled with thousands of fans and the “From the Track to the Stage” free show presented by Nissan on Saturday night. The weekend couldn’t have gone better for Olivier Bédard, who was the winner of both race seven and eight.
The Nissan Micra Cup was a huge hit at the 2018 GP3R, starting with Thursday’s downtown parade all the way to the podium following Sunday’s race. There were 27 drivers entered in the Nissan Micra Cup this weekend, making it the second-most impressive start grid of all the series that took part in the 2018 GP3R.
A first in Canadian motorsport: the 100 per cent electric, all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF was used as the Nissan Micra Cup pace car at the GP3R. Download image, here.
On Saturday, the top two drivers in the championship standings, Olivier Bédard and Kevin King, dominated the lead as spectators enjoyed numerous battles throughout the pack. Just as impressive were driving performances by actor and comedian Michel Barrette and Trois-Rivières mayor Yves Lévesque, a newcomer to the series.
Qualifying in pole position, Bédard led all the laps in Saturday’s race despite being under constant pressure from King, with just over a second separating the two at the finish line. Last year’s Novice champion, Englishman Jake Exton, finished in third, completing the podium.
Marc Héroux, a local Trois-Rivières driver, had an excellent performance finishing in fourth place – his best result since joining the series this spring. Héroux finished ahead of American Mike Ogren, newcomer Éric Chaput, Sylvain Ouellet, Fadi Mourad, Frédéric Bernier, and Nicolas Touchette. Michel Barrette was beaten by his sons, Nicolas Barrette (11th) and Martin Barrette (13th), however his 18th place finish was 5 spots ahead of mayor Yves Lévesque, with whom he had entered a friendly competition.
For the second year in a row, the “From the Track to the Stage” free show, presented by Nissan in downtown Trois-Rivières Saturday evening, was a huge success. Download image, here.
Once Saturday’s track excitement ended, Micra Cup fans flocked to an autograph session in the paddocks, followed by the drivers appearing center stage downtown that evening. The 27 drivers were introduced to the public as a prelude to the “From the Track to the Stage” free show presented by Nissan at Trois-Rivières’ Parc Portuaire. The event included performances by comedian Étienne Dano and singer Travis Cormier.
On Sunday, the 2018 Nissan LEAF all-electric vehicle appeared for the first time at a Canadian motorsport series as the security pace car, leading the pack of Nissan Micra Cup drivers. Once again, the battle for victory took off between Bédard and King, who executed the best starts. However, the 2015 and 2017 series champion Olivier Bédard stole the lead midway through the race and eventually earned himself a second consecutive win. Finishing closely behind was Jake Exton, Valérie Limoges, Jean-Michel Isabelle, Mike Ogren, Marc Héroux – who once again won Senior Class – and top finishing Novice Fadi Mourad.
For the fourth year in a row, the Nissan Micra Cup presented two action packed races at the GP3R. Download image, here.
Nicolas Barrette completed the top eight ahead of Sylvain Ouellet and Mario Berthiaume. Nicolas’ father Michel Barrette finished 19th, 2 spots ahead of mayor Yves Lévesque; the friendly challenge between the actor and the mayor proved to be very entertaining for the fans. By finishing the two races behind Barrette, the mayor lost their bet and must now mow the lawn at the Trois-Rivières city hall.
Comedian Michel Barrette (left) and Trois-Rivières mayor Yves Lévesque (right) were on track in the Nissan Micra Cup at the GP3R. Their friendly challenge has generated attention from media and fans. Download image, here.
On the podium, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard presented the winner’s trophy to Olivier Bédard. The Premier said he was impressed by the show put on by all the Nissan Micra Cup drivers and was excited watching the 2018 all-electric Nissan LEAF lead in the pack.
By winning the two races this past weekend, Olivier Bédard holds a solid lead in the championship standings ahead of Kevin King in second and Jake Exton, who made his way into the third spot by surpassing Normand Boyer. Boyer, leader of Senior class, sits ahead of Valérie Limoges in the overall standings, while Fadi Mourad maintains his status as the highest-ranking Novice.
For more information on the Nissan Micra Cup and its drivers, please visit www.micracup.com. Don’t miss series news on the Nissan Micra Cup Facebook page, as well as live information and results on Twitter at @micracup. All official videos will be available on the Micra Cup TV YouTube channel.
NEXT EVENT:
The ninth and tenth rounds of the 2018 season will be held on Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), northeast of Toronto. It will be the second Nissan Micra Cup visit to CTMP this year, part of the American NASCAR Camping World Truck series weekend.
Race 1 results: www.micracup.com/2018-Results_Race?RID=407
Race 2 results: /www.micracup.com/2018-Results_Race?RID=408
Drivers’ Championship Standings: www.micracup.com/2018-Results_ClassGen
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