RAPHAEL LESSARD ACHIEVES HIS BEST PERFORMANCE TO DATE IN A NASCAR TRUCK
Newton, Iowa (United States) - June 16, 2019. Raphael Lessard, driving the #17 Réseau dynamique | FRL Express truck, was on track today at the Iowa Speedway oval for the "M&M's 200 Presented by Casey's General Store" race. This 200-lap event was scheduled to take place yesterday (Saturday, June 15), but rain caused the cancellation of the qualifying session. As a result, the race grid was established according to the owner's points standings so far this season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Series, and the race was rescheduled to start at noon on Sunday. After setting the 3rd and 2nd best times in the practice sessions, this situation did not help Raphael Lessard and the DGR-Crosley team. With a great performance - Thirteenth at the start and ninth at the finish - the young driver once again made the truck look better, showcased his incredible talent and growing maturity as a driver.
"I got along very well with the team members; communication was easy. In the race, I gave it all!" says the driver of the #17 Réseau dynamique | FRL Express truck. "Tires wear quickly on this track, and the truck was very quick on new tires, but the understeer came back after 15 to 20 laps. The team tried all kinds of adjustments to correct it and it cost us precious seconds during pit stops. I was very patient at each restart and it paid off. At the end, the truck performed a little better in the last few laps of the race. In fact, we had some great battles with the other drivers, and it was fun," explained Raphael Lessard, happy with his flawless performance.
Saturday, June 15
Team #17 Réseau dynamique | FRL Express made several changes to the suspension settings, especially to correct the understeer that was present right from the start. The times achieved during the two practice sessions kept on improving, hinting at a top-5 grid position until the rains came and messed things up.
"I have learned a lot since the beginning of the season, and it continues with each race. Thanks to my partners, to Réseau Dynamique and all the people who have supported us since the beginning. All this is thanks to you," said Raphael Lessard.
Upcoming events: June 29 - Autodrome Chaudière - NASCAR Pinty's and NASCAR Late Model Series
Read the complete press release here.
Photos credits: David Baker Photography or Russell LaBounty
High resolution photos: http://bit.ly/31deAJa
