Condensed: Raphael Lessard: A Journey from Mini Stock to Motorsport Stardom (Interview)
February 9th, 2024
Introduction: The Making of a Motorsports Champion
Raphael Lessard's journey from a Mini Stock in Quebec to the first French Canadian NASCAR National Touring Series winner embodies more than raw talent; it’s a story of remarkable drive, passion, and professionalism. His career is marked by respect and enthusiasm, key traits that have propelled him ahead in the competitive world of racing. Lessard's savvy in attracting sponsorships, coupled with his incredible ability to adapt rapidly to new racing environments, has already carved a unique and storied path in his pursuit of motorsports excellence, all before he has hit his mid-20s.
The Early Days: Steering Towards Destiny
Lessard's racing journey began in Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec, where he honed his driving skills in his father's trucking yard. By age 10, a trip on his birthday to the go-kart track revealed his innate racing talent, catching the eye of his father, a racer himself. This passion for speed was further fueled when his father gifted him a Honda Civic for Mini Stock racing the following year, on his 11th birthday, marking the start of a career that no one could have predicted would go as well as it has.
Milestones and Victories: From Mini Stock to Late Models
Lessard’s first victory came on his 12th birthday - a symbolic start to his string of successes, given the crucial moments that also occurred on his prior 2 birthday’s. He quickly progressed to the Quebec Sportsman series, becoming the youngest to ever do so in Quebec. The following year, he showcased his adaptability in his first full-time season, securing a 2nd place finish in the rookie standings. By age 13, in 2015, Raphael entered the PASS North Series in the United States (with some starts in Quebec), demonstrating his growing prowess on a larger stage. To this point, he had always driven family owned equipment, the #71 in PASS, but his potential caught the attention of David Gilliland, and he spent the final 4 races of the year in the David Gilliland #99, a car he would remain in until the end of the 2017 season. Of those 4 races, he would finish in the top-10 in 3 of them.
Perhaps his most impressive feat that year was his 23rd place finish in the Oxford 250 - from a starting position of 41st. For context, this is a kid who had just turned 14 less than 2 months prior, in family equipment, making his debut in the race. 39 drivers failed to qualify that year, including many prominent names, and some of the best in PASS: DJ Shaw, Patrick Laperle, Jason Corliss, Tracy Gordon, Alan Tardiff, Dave Farrington Jr, and Derek Griffith.
2016: The Breakthrough Year
Starting the year at age 14, and finishing it at age 15, Raphael clinched the CARS Super Late Model series championship, making him the second non-American, and second Canadian to achieve this feat. His dominance in the series was marked by 4 wins in 10 starts, an average finish of 3.5, and numerous track records.
Along with beating some of the best drivers in the country in the CARS Tour, he had a 3rd place finish at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in the CRA Super Series. His debut at the Crown Jewel Winchester 400 was marked by a strong performance, finishing 6th despite a late-race crash that thwarted his contention for the win in an attrition-filled event. Preparation for the Snowball Derby saw Lessard securing a 4th place finish in a Southern Super Series/Blizzard Series race at Five Flags Speedway. This was not his first trip to Florida, as he had started his year at New Smyrna Speedway in the 2016 Pro Late Model division at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. An event in which he recorded one win, three top-5s, and four top-10s across his 6 starts.
Remarkably, he also also earned a commendable 3rd place in his first attempt at the Crown Jewel All American 400. As for Lessard’s Snowball Derby debut, it ended with a strong 10th place finish, on the lead lap. 2016 was more than just a long list of impressive races for Lessard; it was a year of remarkable achievements that solidified his status as a rising star in motorsports. His performances across different series and events underscored not only his racing talent but also his determination and ability to excel under varying conditions and against the biggest name drivers in the discipline.
2017: Expanding Horizons
Lessard's racing repertoire expanded in 2017. Along with his first starts in the ARCA Racing Series, and a second year visiting the PASS South series, he continued to shine in the CARS Tour Super Late Model Series, and CRA Super Series, racking up top finishes and further establishing himself as a versatile and competitive racer. His performances were highlighted by a 5th place finish in the marquee Redbud 400 race, and his return to the prestigious Snowball Derby, where he improved upon his previous year's performance by finishing in 9th place at 16 years young. This improvement was a testament to his growth as a racer and his determination to excel in one of the most challenging events in all of motorsports.
The year 2017 was not just about Lessard's participation in various racing events; it was about his relentless pursuit of excellence and making a statement in each series he competed in. His impressive finishes across these diverse racing platforms solidified his reputation as a formidable and versatile racer, capable of adapting to and excelling in a variety of competitive racing environments.
2018: The Start of the Kyle Busch Motorsports Era
2018 was a defining year, with Lessard switching to the #51 house car for Kyle Busch Motorsports, the car Kyle himself was driving, and had been driven by the likes of Christopher Bell prior, and Chandler Smith and Sammy Smith after. As far as marquee race victories, this was his biggest year in a Late Model: Besides achievements such as a 3rd place finish in the Governor's Cup, he achieved glory by winning in the marquee US Short Track Nationals Super Late Model feature at Bristol Motor Speedway, and claimed a remarkable victory in the marquee Redbud 400, a race that some even consider a Crown Jewel - he was the second Canadian to do so, after Junior Hanley.
While he wouldn’t find victory lane in another race of that calibre in 2018, he did qualify on the pole for the Crown Jewel All American 400 (cancelled due to weather), he had a top-5 at both Speedfest and the Rattler 250, and a top-10 in the Winchester 400. Just before finishing the year with the Snowball Derby, he was awarded the Bertrand-Fabi Trophy by the Quebec Motorsport Federation as the outstanding Quebec driver on the international scene. He showed this was deserved with his performance in the Snowball Derby. Leading 68 laps, he was a strong contender for the win. However, a fluid leak with just nine laps remaining forced an untimely retirement, showcasing the unpredictable nature of racing.
2019: Stepping into the NASCAR Truck Series
In 2019, Raphael Lessard expanded his racing horizons, stepping into the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, split between Kyle Busch Motorsports and David Gilliland Racing. His inaugural year was marked by a swift adaptation to racing trucks and new tracks. Demonstrating his innate racing talent, Raphael made an impactful debut at Martinsville, Virginia, qualifying an impressive seventh out of thirty and finishing in 14th place. His performance at Dover, where he posted the quickest time in the first practice session and finished 11th, further underscored his growing comfort and prowess in the high-speed racing environment. Ultimately he would post 2 top-10s in 5 starts.
Parallel to his Truck Series endeavors, Lessard juggled multiple racing formats with remarkable versatility, participating in ARCA East, ACT Style Late Models, and NASCAR Canada, among others. His diverse racing year included breaking track records in the Super Late Model at Lucas Oil Raceway, a testament to his skill and commitment. In his home country's NASCAR Canada Series, Lessard triumphed at his home track and achieved another top-10 finish, empowered by his connection to his roots and versatility across various types of vehicles.
Triumph Amidst Adversity: 2020 and 2021
Lessard's 2020 season, his first full year in the NASCAR Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, was a defining period in his burgeoning career. The highlight was a dream-come-true victory at the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Talladega Superspeedway, marking his first win in a NASCAR National Series. This win, amidst the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a lack of traditional practice, qualifying sessions, and a live crowd at times, showcased his adaptability and raw talent. Raphael's 2020 campaign concluded with one win, four top-5s, six top-10 finishes, and a respectable 12th place in the standings.
In 2021, Raphael faced new challenges and changes. Transitioning to GMS Racing for what was initially a partial season, he demonstrated his racing skill with promising early performances, and the plan was going to switch to him doing another full season. However, the year took an unexpected turn due to funding issues, leading to his departure from the Truck Series after seven races. Despite this setback, Raphael returned to the Canadian racing scene with a flourish, achieving notable success in the NASCAR Canada Series. He won both races of a double-header, bringing his total to three wins in his first four NASCAR Canada starts, alongside impressive performances in the NASCAR Late Model Series and the ACT Quebec Series. This period of resilience and triumph back in Canada underscored Raphael's versatility and continued growth as a racer.
2022 and 2023: Continued Success and Focus at Home
In 2022, Raphael Lessard competed in 8 NASCAR Canada races, securing a strong 2 top-5 and 4 top-10 finishes. Parallel to this, Raphael showcased his versatility in the premiere ACT Tour, his victory at the near-to-home Autodrome Montmagny track was a significant highlight, again demonstrating his skill on familiar ground. Additionally, his foray into the unsanctioned, ACT-Style Late Model Milk Bowl race at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Vermont added a new dimension to his racing portfolio, indicating his willingness to explore another unique racing format.
2023 was another standout year for Raphael, particularly in the ACT Quebec Series. Clinching the championship with two wins in ten races, he solidified his reputation as a full-time top contender in his home province of Quebec, netting 8 top-5s and 10 top-10s, coupled with an average finish of 3.5, along the way.
Lessard is anticipating the upcoming NASCAR Canada Series, as he will be competing in the 4 Quebec dates in 2024. Grateful for the support of sponsors Larue and XPN, he will also be defending his ACT Quebec championship, returning to tracks like Montmagny and Chaudiere, where he has a strong connection and history.
Interview
Having spent several years as one of the best, if not the best Super Late Model driver from Canada, racing in the USA, I thought it was neat to see you qualify on the pole for the 2018 All American 400 (which was sadly cancelled due to weather), and Cole Butcher from Nova Scotia qualified second, making it an ‘All Canadian’ front row for the ‘All American’. Do you feel like you're representing Canada in a way, when you race in the USA? And do you ever feel a bit like an outsider?
I would say yes. When I was racing in the US, everytime people would ask where I’m from - I’m from Canada, and they would always be very surprised. So in a way, when you do good, you always represent your country, for sure. My helmet always had maple leafs on it. People always knew where I was from, as soon as I put my helmet on. But that was really cool, that I always had the Canadian flag right beside my name on the car. That weekend it was for sure really special, it being two Canadians on the front row. It would have been really, really cool to run that race for sure. I remember Cole, those years was always super fast in qualifying. So when I saw him get on the race track on the end — I was one of the first to go out in qualifying and ran a really good time — I wasn’t sure anyone was going to beat that. But when I saw Cole, I thought it would be close. I still have the video of our laps on-top of each other, Dartfish footage. It was really cool, I would see I would beat him off of the corner, but he was getting in a bit harder, but I would get my straight-away a bit longer than him, so I beat him by my front-bumper, maximum.
You always represent your Country, and I feel like it’s hard for us Canadians to get sponsors in the US. People in the US, racing is like a religion, it’s something else down there. A lot of people, what they don’t understand, some people depend on racing to make a living, that’s their whole life. Out here, people that do that — it’s only a couple of people that make a living out of racing in Canada. When you’re Canadian and going down there, it’s really hard to get people to help you, sponsorship wise. There are a lot of people who would love to sponsor people, but they would like to sponsor their own. People love racing a lot more in the US, and when you find a sponsor, if it’s not doing business in the US, people don’t see the value in it.
When you strap into the car, you’re just another racer. You see girls in race cars sometimes, and a lot of people ask them questions about it. But when we’re on the race track, and you have a helmet on, if it’s a girl in front of me, I don’t care. We’re racers - that’s it. If you’re Mexican, American, it doesn’t matter. We’re all fighting for the same spot when we’re on the race track.
The 2019 Lucas Oil Super Late Model Race: When the entry list for that came out, I was really happy to see you on it. It ended up being a really fun race, it would be neat to see them do that again. If I remember right it was an invite only race, with you in a Donnie Wilson Motorsports prepared car along with Harrison Burton and Casey Roderick. [Raphael said Yes, to confirm] Was that your most recent race in a Super in the US? It would be awesome to see you potentially get another race in a Donnie Wilson ride.
I got invited, and didn’t have a car or anything. I put money together, called Donnie Wilson, and he put a good car together for me. I ended up beating the track record in practice, then my first qualifying lap was faster than that, and my second lap beat the track record again. That was really cool. During the race, we ended up with a flat tire right before the end. But it was super hard to pass that day, I remember the race track, I couldn’t pass on the bottom. When anybody was on top, the momentum was really fast.
My plan right now is to really work on getting something figured out, and getting a contract done with a team in NASCAR Canada for not only 1 year, but hopefully something solid for a couple of years. That’s my goal. To get something good in Canada, so then I can start working back in the US. In the past I have done it the other way, trying to get something figured out in the US, and then I came back in Canada. Right now, we’re just focusing on trying to figure our stuff out here in Canada, make something happen to where I can run full-time in the biggest series in Canada, and after that, get with our sponsors, our partners, and maybe go in the US, and do some Super Late or maybe even higher series, that’s always the goal, the vision. But the last few years, I will tell you, it’s been that close to me going back to the Derby. The last 3 years, I’ve been super close every year. We had the money put together last year, but just didn’t have the car to do it, that I felt comfortable in it, and going to win. Because I want to do it right, and this year, I am working on it right now. The plan is to be hopefully at the Snowball Derby in the first week of December this year.
Perhaps in the future, we will run our own Super Late, when we can. I feel like that would be the best deal, when we can run our own equipment. Running rides from other people makes it tough, because you always have to start over, when you only run a couple of races. You never get to have a good chemistry with the team, with your crew chief, etc. Or you never get the same crew chief.
[Raphael mentioned how fast Winchester was, and how his mom struggled, seeing him out there on that track]
I'm not surprised to hear your reaction, or your mom’s, to Winchester Speedway. The sprint cars don't even look real. Someone has the half-mile fastest lap there at 12.6 seconds. Despite being such different tracks, and racing different, like sometimes running against the wall the whole time and stuff, did you find any similar feelings between Winchester in a Super and Taladega in the truck?
Not really. With the air, it’s so different. At Talladega, you never have to lift - only when you’re in the pack, with the air, you have to lift a little bit. Because the guy is going to push you, even if he isn’t touching you, he is pushing you to go faster, so you always have to gauge your gap with the guy in front of you. Sometimes you’re lifting - people think you’re wide open all the time. When you’re out front you might be wide open all the time, but when you’re in the back, you’re half-throttle and pedaling it a lot. Winchester, it’s crazy, because Talladega, you have time to relax. Winchester - no time to relax at all. It’s crazy. The first laps I did there, I went and did I think 10 laps. And when I got back in the pit, my crew chief asked me, so how did it feel. I said ‘give me a minute’, I couldn’t even say a sentence. I was out of breath, it’s crazy, you’re so stressed and you’re going so fast, that you almost forget to breath the first laps at a place like that.
Do you have any advice for other young kids, from Quebec or anywhere, who are interested in getting involved in racing at their local track?
If you’re someone like that (a second or more generation racer), it’s easier. But if I’m speaking for someone who is not involved in racing at all, I would probably tell that person to start with iRacing. To get a good set-up in iRacing, and make some laps. You’ll see right away if you love it or not. If you love it, and you get pretty good at it, then I would tell my parents to drop me off at the race track every week, and just go watch some racing, and maybe make some friends there. Get involved, or try to help. At local race tracks, nobodies going to say no to a young guy that wants to learn, and wants to help you. I would get involved in a team, if your family is not involved in racing, or try to get close to teams like that. Get to know stuff about racing, and learn to sell myself. Learn to be a good salesmen too, because that’s the biggest thing in racing, it’s always the money, money, money. If your family doesn’t have any money, that’s all you’re going to work on, is to find sponsorships, and trying to bring values to them. See what guys who are good at it do, and learn that aspect of it, first.
Lessard, recognizing the importance of never knowing who is watching, and to always act professional, and never knowing what things can lead to potentially, serves as an interesting advice, as it appeals to the first generation racer without a lot of money just entering the sport, all the same as it applies to Lessard, who has a NASCAR Talladega win under his belt.
As Lessard gears up for future challenges, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring racers, especially those hailing from regions where motorsports opportunities are less prevalent. His journey highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work. With a career already marked by significant milestones and a skill set that continues to grow, the future looks promising for him.
Whether he's competing in Canada or making his mark on international circuits, Lessard is a name that resonates in the world of racing. His achievements are not just a source of pride for his family and hometown of Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec, but also for the entire racing community. As he continues to navigate the fast-paced world of motorsports, he stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished with talent, dedication, and the courage to chase one's dreams.
