Photo Credit: Matthew Manor/NASCAR Hometracks
Toronto (Ontario, Canada), July 14th, 2018 – Jean-François Dumoulin and his #04 Spectra Premium | Bernier Crépeau Chrysler Fiat | Groupe Bellemare | MIA teammates went all in to achieve their podium finish: determination, performance and passion could almost be felt throughout the Pinty’s Grand Prix of Toronto. Starting from sixth on the grid, the Quebec driver never let any one of his competitors get by. Jean-François Dumoulin even got up to second place at the green-white-checkered restart that ended the race on lap 36, and fighting off strong attacks to end up third overall. Dumoulin Compétition totals three podium finishes after four races so far in 2018, using the Spectra Premium high-performance radiator.
The team set the car up for the first testing session using the settings from the 2017 race here, on the newly repaved track over most of its length. We then proceeded to fine tune the main settings (Toe-in, caster, camber, and cross weight). “The changes all workd and we ended up with a very quick and efficient #04 Spectra Premium | Bernier Crépeau Chrysler Fiat | Groupe Bellemare | MIA race car”, according to Jean-Francois Dumoulin after the session.
The podium finish came about thanks to the growing synergy within the team, from dedicated individuals who always believed in the team’s potential. “We have been expecting this one for a while” according to Jean-François Dumoulin. “I fought off the #59 for most of the race. We were quicker than him and I finally got by him cleanly on lap 29.” The driver of the #04 Spectra Premium | Bernier Crépeau Chrysler Fiat | Groupe Bellemare | MIA car always finishes races with a strong push. “I seem to always get the best out of old tires, happily for me as the other guys are trying to cope with worn out tires and brakes.” Jean-François Dumoulin fought off the attacks over the four restarts, especially the last one when things got very physical as he worked to protect his podium finish.
Western Canada Tour, July 25th and 28th
Jean-François Dumoulin and the #04 Spectra Premium | Bernier Crépeau Chrysler Fiat | Groupe Bellemare | MIA team will unfortunately not take part in this year’s western swing due to previous commitments. This decision was taken in accord with principal partner Spectra Premium, to allow the team and driver to concentrate on their home race, the upcoming Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (August 10 to 12). This work will include the preparation of a #07Spectra Premium, a second car on the team for visiting driver Frédéric Gabillon, a participant in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series who will become Jean-François Dumoulin’s teammate for this major event.
