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Memories of Groupe Octane's François Dumontier announcing the shocking end of the partnership between NASCAR and the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve are still fresh in everybody's mind.
The news shook the motorsport community, and it triggered the interest of Dominic Fugere, the former journalist turned into the general manager of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.
'What about bringing the NASCAR Nationwide race here in Trois-Rivieres?', he asked his team.
"We looked into it and soon we received the green light from our financial partners and from the municipal, provincial and federal authorities. For Tourisme Québec, it was very clear the Nationwide race was not to leave the province," Fugere told Auto123.com.
Fugère is adamant the race is financially viable for the event. As for the practical side, he insists there is lots of room in the paddock for the trucks of every Nationwide team.
"Our track was inspected by [ASN Canada president] Roger Peart. He granted us a three-year license that allows us to stage this kind of race."
The plan for Fugère was to make sure everything was feasible before presenting the project to NASCAR officials. He now hopes the series will accept the idea of moving the event from the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to Trois-Rivières, while keeping the same dates as the Montreal race.
"Instead of putting together an event around the Nationwide race, we integrated it to our existing program. By keeping the same dates, the only difference for the team is that they have to drive 140 km more.
"The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières exists since 1967; it's well known all over North America. Our race is a true and serious event which success is guaranteed by deep roots and devoted fans.
"NASCAR should like that," concluded Fugère.
The news shook the motorsport community, and it triggered the interest of Dominic Fugere, the former journalist turned into the general manager of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.
'What about bringing the NASCAR Nationwide race here in Trois-Rivieres?', he asked his team.
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| Start of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire race at the GP3R (Photo: Yannick Gougeon) |
"We looked into it and soon we received the green light from our financial partners and from the municipal, provincial and federal authorities. For Tourisme Québec, it was very clear the Nationwide race was not to leave the province," Fugere told Auto123.com.
Fugère is adamant the race is financially viable for the event. As for the practical side, he insists there is lots of room in the paddock for the trucks of every Nationwide team.
"Our track was inspected by [ASN Canada president] Roger Peart. He granted us a three-year license that allows us to stage this kind of race."
The plan for Fugère was to make sure everything was feasible before presenting the project to NASCAR officials. He now hopes the series will accept the idea of moving the event from the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to Trois-Rivières, while keeping the same dates as the Montreal race.
"Instead of putting together an event around the Nationwide race, we integrated it to our existing program. By keeping the same dates, the only difference for the team is that they have to drive 140 km more.
"The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières exists since 1967; it's well known all over North America. Our race is a true and serious event which success is guaranteed by deep roots and devoted fans.
"NASCAR should like that," concluded Fugère.