Press release
For immediate publication
Alex Labbé Marks 100th NASCAR Xfinity Career Race
Quebec driver first to achieve this status
Saint-Albert, Qc, August 12, 2021 – This Saturday, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Alex Labbé will be at the starting line for his 100th career race – the first time a Quebec driver reaches this milestone. Quite a feat for a young man who was told that the prestigious American circuit might be beyond his reach!
“This 100th race in NASCAR means a lot to me. I’ve dreamed of competing at this level ever since my first karting days. And though deep down I always believed it would happen, a lot of people told me it wasn’t realistic,” says the Saint-Albert resident and DGM Racing driver. Skeptics will have been confounded: the Indianapolis track will mark this great achievement. “The best part is that the track really suits my driving style. It will be a memorable race in my career.”
Labbé’s first race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series was at Phoenix Raceway on November 12, 2016. At the time, Alex was not yet racing full time on the American circuit. But the Quebecer has since surprised observers with his more than respectable results and faultless racing technique. The race on the Roval in Charlotte is a good example of this. The number 36 car finished fourth in that event, which took place under a torrential rain and was punctuated by many exits. Labbé had also taken third in the first two segments. “That was definitely the best race of my career,” he recalls.
Many people to thank
“So many people have helped me get to where I am today, starting with my family. Without the support of my parents and siblings, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve half of what I’ve accomplished so far,” Labbé says.
Then there are the businessmen who saw the driver’s potential and gave him the chance to chase his dream: “The Larue brothers (Denis and Louis) gave me the opportunity to learn and to refine my driving at a pivotal time in my career. Alain Mounir also played a big part. He’s the one who allowed me to compete full time in 2016 in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series when we had been trying to do so for several years.”
Then Can-Am came into Labbé’s life. This is the part of the story most people know. The team won the Pinty’s Championship in 2017 and was able to move up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2018 and race there full time. Can-Am’s contribution helped give Labbé’s career on the American circuit a second wind. Midway through the 2020 schedule, when the driver was on the verge of cutting his season short due to a lack of funds, BRP, through its Can-Am brand, stepped in to assist once again.
Mario Gosselin, now head of the DGM Racing team, has personally witnessed Labbé’s progression and been instrumental in it. “Mario helped in many aspects of my career, from the preparation of my cars to my driving techniques. He was always available to answer any and all questions. And now I drive for him. Just goes to show how life works!”
A number of other partners have also helped Alex reach this very important milestone in his racing career.
Testimonials
We are extremely proud to have contributed to Alex’s success by enabling him to perform at a higher level in keeping with his remarkable talent. Larue’s objective is to help Quebec drivers develop their racing skills and we have supported Alex for close to 10 years now. He got his start with our Larue Motorsport stable, and we’ve always made sure to give him plenty of “seat time” to expand his visibility across Canada and the United States. This 100th race is a major milestone and proof that an ambitious and talented Quebec driver can indeed go this far. We wish him many more races, wins, and a bit of luck! – Louis and Denis Larue
“We are very proud to be part of Alex Labbé’s success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In 2016, the Quebec driver was already making his mark in the Canadian NASCAR series under the banner of our Can-Am brand. Last year we reiterated our support of Alex by sponsoring some of his races and this season, again, we are pleased to provide financial support to Alex. This 100th race is a major milestone in his career and an incredible accomplishment for a Quebec Driver. We are thrilled to share this adventure with him.” Julie Tourville, Director of Global Marketing, Can-AM Off-Road and Marine Group.
Quick takes
Number 36’s favourite track?
Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a short track with lots of banking and a track where everything happens so fast. The venue is breathtaking. It’s like a football stadium but with a racetrack in the middle.
What’s the most important thing for a NASCAR driver?
I think it’s being able to keep a cool head. It’s so easy to get carried away and give into emotion, but that usually gets results you’ll regret quickly. You’ve got to be in the zone and focused on always getting the most out of your car.
What does your pre-race routine look like?
The most important part is nutrition and hydration. I try to eat 2.5 to 3 hours before my race and hydrate as much as possible in the two days before the event. Then, hydration ends 1.5 hours before I get into my car.
Who’s the driver you get along with best on the track?
Without a doubt, Jeremy Clements. He and Ross Chastain helped me a lot in my transition to NASCAR Xfinity in 2018. Our cars were always parked close to each other in the garages and we’ve maintained a good relationship since.
To follow Alex
Facebook: AlexLabbe36
Instagram: @alexlabbe36
Twitter: @AlexLabbe36
Information
Dominique Ladouceur
Agence AF-2 Inc
(514) 576-2379