Raphael Lessard: A Journey from Mini Stock to Motorsport Stardom (Interview)

February 9th, 2024

Introduction

Raphael Lessard's journey through the ranks of motorsports from a young kid in a Mini Stock to winning in a NASCAR National Touring Series race at Talladega Superspeedway for Kyle Busch Motorsports, and back to his roots in Canada, carving the next chapter of his young story is not just one of talent and victories; it's also a testament to his exceptional drive, passion, and enthusiasm. Driven by passion, and grounded by professionalism, Lessard’s approach to racing extends beyond the track — he takes respect seriously, qualities that have helped, and will help him with the challenging goal of taking racing as far as you can, as a Canadian.

Attracting and maintaining sponsorships is crucial. Lessard has shown a keen awareness of this aspect from a young age, showcasing sponsorships with pride and gratitude. Prominent and respectful representation of brands, backed by excellent racing ability honours these commitments, but also helps build strong and lasting relationships, and attracts new opportunities. The approach is a win-win, enhancing his appeal to current and potential sponsors while reinforcing his reputation as a professional and dedicated racer. In addition to this, Lessard had a Limited Partnership Company created as a young teenager to enable investors to buy shares of the company, and help support. He managed these things, while rapidly adjusting to new racing environments, at a time when he was heavily focused on learning the English language, which he has since become fluent in.

In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Raphael Lessard’s career, from the very start, to present, with a particular focus on his time in a Late Model.

The Early Days: A Racing Prodigy Emerges

In the quaint town of Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec, a young Raphael Lessard's racing journey began in an unconventional classroom — his father's trucking yard. At the age of nine, Lessard was already mastering the art of maneuvering large trucks, along with four wheelers, and snowmobiles (snowmobiles are still a hobby of his to this day) a skill that laid the foundation for his extraordinary driving abilities. Having already gained some experience with vehicles, Lessard celebrated his 10th birthday in 2011 with a special request: a trip to the go-kart track. This outing would be his first foray into go-karting, yet it proved to be a pivotal moment. On the track, he displayed an innate talent, nearly matching the speed of his father, a skilled driver in his own right.

The Gift That Launched a Career: Entering the Mini Stock Class

2012-13; 10-12 years old.

One year later, his father, having recognized the potential in his son, was inspired to kickstart his racing career, marking the path’s most decisive turn. On his 11th birthday (July 5th), his father gifted him an old Honda Civic, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of Mini Stock racing at Autodrome Chaudiere - his home track, very close by. This decision, while initially causing concern for his mother, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the young, second-generation driver. With an instinctive understanding of the vehicle and the track, he navigated each race with a skill and maturity that belied his young age. His innate talent and rapid mastery of racing fundamentals continued to impress his father, and grabbed the attention of the local racing community.

Continuing the trend of milestone birthday moments, Lessard would go on to grab his first victory on his 12th birthday, in front of his family at his own track, and before the 2013 season was through, he made his first start in a sportsmen, the youngest to ever do so in Quebec, ushering in the next stage of progression.

Making Strides: From the Late Model Sportsman class to Pro Late Models

2014-2015; 12-14 years old.

2014 marked a significant milestone in Raphael Lessard's racing career as he embarked on a full-time venture in the Quebec Sportsman series. As he navigated the complexities and challenges of the Sportsman class, his ability to swiftly adapt and succeed was evident. His dedication and burgeoning talent shone through as he clinched 2nd place in the rookie standings and finished 10th overall in the series.

Already having the confidence to make the next step, as 2015 dawned, Lessard, still 13 years old and transitioning to 14 by the season's end, took a significant leap into the realm of Late Models. Participating in the prestigious PASS North Series (which at the time ran across the Northeast USA and Quebec), he raced in his family-owned #71 machine. His participation in 13 of the 16 race PASS North Series schedule was a formidable challenge, pitting him against some of the most promising racers in North America, on new tracks, in a new car, and trying to gain a hold on a new language.

Lessards's performances throughout the season were very impressive. Notably, he achieved his best finishes at familiar tracks, securing 6th place twice at his home track of Autodrome Chaudiere and 9th at the nearby Autodrome Montmagny, with another strong 11th place finish at Autodrome Chaudiere. These results were a clear indication of his growing prowess in the racing world.

2015 also marked the year Lessard ventured to a Maritime track for the first time, and so far only time, participating in the annual 250-lap event at Speedway 660. This race was a significant addition to his racing portfolio, adding to his experience and exposure in the racing community. Additionally, his success extended beyond local tracks, as evidenced by his top-10 finish in a PASS South race. Each of these achievements highlighted Lessard’s versatility as a racer and his ability to compete at a high level across various racing circuits. Perhaps his most impressive feat that year was his 23rd place finish in the Oxford 250 - from a starting position of 41st. For context, 39 drivers failed to qualify that year, including: DJ Shaw, Patrick Laperle, Jason Corliss, Tracy Gordon, Alan Tardiff, Dave Farrington Jr, and Derek Griffith.

To close out 2015, and escalate his ascent, Lessard spent the last 4 races of the year in his #99 David Gilliland machine, notching 3 top-10s during those races.

A Star is Born: Winning the CARS Tour Super Late Model Championship

2016 - 14-15 years old.

2016 was a landmark year in the racing career of Raphael Lessard. Starting the season at the age of 14 and turning 15 along the way, he faced the greatest test of his abilities thus far, racing against the likes of: Chandler Smith, Chase Purdy, Josh Berry, John Hunter Nemechek, Christian Eckes, Stephen Nasse, Preston Peltier, Dalton Sargeant, Zane Smith, Steve Wallace, Tate Fogleman, Tyler Ankrum, Quin Houff, Matt Craig, and Brandon Setzer. He seized the moment, and used it as a highlight reel production to show off his extraordinary talent. Lessard’s crowning achievement came with clinching the CARS Super Late Model series championship, a feat that distinguished him as the second non-American, and a fellow Canadian alongside Mario Gosselin, to win this coveted title.

Racing in the David Gilliland #99, Lessard’s dominance throughout the CARS Tour was undeniable. He secured four victories in ten starts, an outstanding record for any racer, let alone a very young rookie. His consistency was equally impressive, with a second-place finish, two third-place finishes, and only one race where he did not finish in the top 10 due to an early retirement from a mechanical issue, culminating in an average finishing position of 3.5. In some races, he wasn’t just beating his opponents, he was setting and breaking track records, leaving a lasting impact on the series.

Beyond the CARS Tour, Lessard’s diversity was evident in various other events throughout the year. He achieved a top-10 finish in a PASS South race and 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

Lessard’s Snowball Derby debut ended with a strong 10th place finish, on the lead lap. Additionally, he finished 8th in the Florida Governor's Cup at New Smyrna.

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.

Expanding Racing Ventures and Achievements

2017 - 15-16 years old.

2017 was a year of significant expansion and development for Raphael Lessard, building on the momentum of his previous successes and branching out into new challenges. This year was characterized by a diversification of his racing portfolio, participating in high-profile events and series, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

Lessard ventured into the ARCA Racing Series, making two starts and impressively securing a top-10 finish. This foray into ARCA was yet another reiterative validation of his adaptability and skill in a highly competitive environment.

He also participated in the Easter Bunny 150 for the PASS South series, while taking on the CARS Tour Super Late Model schedule, competing in 5 of the 13 races. His achievements in this series were again noteworthy; he claimed victory in one race, finished in the top-5 three times, and secured top-10 finishes in four races. These results were a clear indication of his ability to consistently perform at a high level, year-over-year, at a time when he was still improving all the time at his racecraft.

Lessard’s participation in the CRA Super Series was marked by his participation in 9 of the 15 races. His performances were highlighted by a 5th place finish in the Redbud 400, a 3rd place finish in a 100-lap race at Winchester Speedway, and another 3rd place finish at Flat Rock Speedway.

In the Southern Super Series, arguably the best series in America at the time, Lessard made three starts. He debuted in the Rattler 250 with an impressive 8th place finish, secured a 10th place at Speedfest at Cordele Motor Speedway, and achieved another 10th place in the Governor's Cup at New Smyrna.

Lessard also returned to the prestigious Snowball Derby, where he improved upon his previous year's performance by finishing in 9th place. 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.

The Kyle Busch Motorsports Era: Reaching New Heights

2018 - 16-17 years old.

As Raphael Lessard continued to chart his path in the world of motorsports, his humble beginnings, learning to drive in his father's trucking yard, seemed almost surreal in contrast to his current achievements. Yet, these early experiences remain an integral part of his racing story, grounding him and reminding him of where it all began. With each race, Lessard carries the dreams and hopes of his family, his hometown of Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, and the personal aspirations of a young racer driven by a passion for speed and victory. His journey in motorsports was far from complete, and 2018 would mark his greatest achievements to date.

He made a pivotal switch to the #51 house car for Kyle Busch Motorsports, a machine previously driven by notable racers like Christopher Bell, and later by Sammy Smith and Chandler Smith. This transition would also begin a relationship with Kyle Busch Motorsports that would end up carrying on to NASCAR.

In the famed #51 car, Lessard’s performances were outstanding. He clinched a 3rd place finish in the Governor's Cup, an improvement from his previous attempts. He showcased his skill by qualifying on the Pole for the All American 400, although the race was unfortunately rained out. His triumphs continued as he won the Super Late Model portion of the US Short Track Nationals at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, and secured a solid 5th place at Speedfest.

On the CARS Tour Super Late Model Series, across his eight starts, he notched four top-5 finishes, including a victory. Additionally, he claimed a remarkable victory in the Redbud 400, the second Canadian to do so, after Junior Hanley, marking 2 marquee victories on the year.

His skill and determination were on again on full display at the Crown Jewel Winchester 400, where he finished in the top-10, and in his Rattler 250 debut, where he took 4th place. At the end of the season, but just before the Snowball Derby closer in December, Lessard 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.

Lessard's Beginnings in the NASCAR Truck Series, and More

2019 - 17-18 years old.

2019 was a year of significant progress and new ventures for Raphael Lessard, solidifying his relationship with the Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) team and expanding his horizons into the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. This was a year about showcasing his talent on a larger stage, and to a new audience, as well as stepping up to new challenges with the same remarkable adaptability and skill that those who had been following him, had come to expect.

Lessard's signing for five races in the NASCAR Truck Series, including two with the David Gilliland Racing (DGR) team, was a natural and deserved progression in his racing journey. His transition to the racing trucks and unfamiliar tracks was seamless. In his Truck Series debut at Martinsville, Virginia, Lessard made an impressive entrance, qualifying seventh out of thirty drivers. He navigated an almost vertical learning curve, adjusting to the nuances of driving, car setup, and race tactics. His 14th-place finish was commendable. At Dover, Lessard continued to impress, posting the quickest time in the first practice session. Qualifying seventh again, his comfort was already growing, and his prowess in the high-speed racing environment showing, finishing 11th.

Parallel to his endeavors in the Truck Series, Lessard maintained an active presence in various other racing series, running 6 additional completely different types of vehicles in total, racing: ARCA East, ARCA, ACT Style Late Models, Late Model Stock Cars, Dirt Sportsman, Pro Late Model, Super Late Model, and NASCAR Canada. His ability to juggle multiple series was a testament to his versatility and commitment to his craft. His Super Late Model race was quite a fun race with a neat concept, an invite only race at Lucas Oil Raceway. Lessard, in his only Super Late Model start in 2019, and his last start in one to date, drove for Donnie Wilson Motorsports, and broke the track record during practice, followed by officially breaking the track record on his first qualifying lap, and yet again broke his track record with an even faster second lap.

In the Truck Series, Lessard achieved a top-10 finish at a both a short track and a road course. His ARCA starts were impressive, with two top-5s and three top-10s across three starts, both top-5s at Pocono. His NASCAR Canada debut resulted in a victory at his home track, carrying on his special connection he has with his roots, which continues to this day. His performance in his other start in the series, resulted in a top-10 finish, further cementing his status as a formidable racer in anything with 4 wheels. Also at his home track, he competed in five late model stock car races (NASCAR Late Models), achieving a victory and five top-5s. These results were a clear indication of his dominance and deep understanding of the track that had nurtured his early racing ambitions in a Mini Stock and Sportsman, only a few short years prior.

Full-time NASCAR Truck Series Season for Kyle Busch, and becoming the first French Canadian to win a NASCAR National Series Race

2020 - 18-19 years old.

The 2020 racing season marked a watershed moment in the career of Raphael Lessard, the 19-year-old sensation from St-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec. Embarking on his first full season in the NASCAR Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, Lessard faced 23 grueling races that tested his mettle and showcased his burgeoning talent.

Lessard’s season was highlighted by a momentous victory at the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. This win was a dream realized for the young Canadian, catapulting him into the spotlight and setting his phone ablaze with congratulatory messages and interview requests, including a text from his boss, Kyle Busch. His victory, slightly strange feeling amidst an empty COVID lock-down era crowd, was clinched on the final lap amid a chaotic crash. As his crew chief broke the news of his win during the cooldown lap, Lessard's emotions overflowed – a mixture of disbelief and elation, a childhood dream fulfilled.

“My buddy called me and asked, how is the race track (Talladega), I said I can’t even see the corners, they’re too far away,” Raphael shared about his experience at Talladega, going on to continue that it felt like highway speeds due to the size along the straightaway, but when looking at the fence, he would really recognize the speed (up to about 200 miles per hour in the pack), and tried to avoid looking at it.

Lessard described the feeling like turbulence in an airplane, and almost feeling the air coming off of the truck in front of you, moving you back and forth. He stressed the importance of bumper-gap, and the sweet-spot for stability - factoring in using all of the cars around you, due to side draft, and the draft from the car pushing you from behind. He also commented on the high, coloured spoiler, forcing him to rely on his spotter to even know when to turn in the corner, sometimes only seeing the line on the left side, when he is on the bottom. Tucking out of line to get a peak of visibility is not a good option, as it will slow down your entire line.

The 2020 season was unlike any other, marked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including no practice or qualifying rounds for races, adding to the importance of simulator racing, but still forcing Lessard to attempt many new tracks of very different types, shapes, and sizes, for the first time with no seat time beforehand. As well as that, traditional victory celebrations were forgone, in the case of his Talladega win, it was replaced by a celebration with his crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. hosting a bonfire in his backyard in Mooresville, N.C. These unique circumstances did not dampen Lessard’s spirits; instead, they fueled his resolve and dedication to the sport.

Lessard's 2020 campaign featured: 1 win, 4 top-5s, and 6 top-10 finishes, and a 12th place finish in the standings. Despite not qualifying for the playoffs, Lessard remained focused on finishing the season strong, hoping to attract more sponsors and secure his place in the Truck Series for the following year.

To recap: Lessard’s journey to NASCAR stardom began at age 11 with a Honda Civic mini stock car, a gift from his father, François. His rapid ascent through the ranks, from the Quebec Sportsman Series to the American Pro and Super Late Model circuits, was marked by determination and an unwavering passion for racing. His success in the U.S., including winning the CARS Super Late Model Tour Championship, caught the attention of influential figures like David Gilliland and Kyle Busch, leading to his eventual rise in the NASCAR Truck Series.

2021: Raphael Lessard's Year of Challenges, Resilience, and Triumphant Return to NASCAR Canada

Now becoming a young man, the 2021 racing season was a period of significant change and adaptation for Raphael Lessard. After parting ways with Kyle Busch Motorsports, as they opted to bring John Hunter Nemechek back down from the NASCAR Cup Series for further seasoning and confidence building, he embarked on a new chapter with GMS Racing, driving the No. 24 truck. Initially slated for a 12-race schedule, the plan extended to a full season, reflecting high expectations for the 19-year-old from Quebec. Raphael's early season performances were promising, showcasing his growing talent with one top-five and two top-10 finishes, and ranking 13th in the series standings.

Despite a strong start, Lessard's season at GMS Racing faced unexpected funding challenges, compounded by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unforeseen hurdle led to his early departure from the series after seven races, citing "unfortunate circumstances."

Amidst these challenges, 2021 also brought a silver linings for Lessard at home, returning to the NASCAR Canada Series. Having previously won one of his first two starts in 2019, Lessard delivered an exciting double victory in one night, winning both races of a double-header to begin the NASCAR Canada season. This meant that he had now won 3 of his first 4 NASCAR Canada career starts. Along with this, he participated in 7 starts for the NASCAR Late Model Series at his home track, winning 4 of them, and finishing top-5 in all 7, and he won the Tom Curley 250, now part of the ACT Quebec Series.

Recalling his most memorable moments in the NASCAR Canada series, Lessard fondly remembered the night at Sunset Speedway, winning two races in one evening. This accomplishment, achieved while replacing Donald Theetge, brought him lots of the joy and excitement that he loves about the sport.

Looking towards the future: 2022 to Present, and Beyond

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. Of note, Raphael has also been taking seriously the idea of running again in the Maritimes for a race, as well.

Interview

[Thank you to Jonathan from Maritime Racing Network Podcast (click to visit the page) for giving me the opportunity to join his episode with Raphael Lessard, to ask these questions - episode available here]

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.