By: Simon Sperber / Journal Courrier de Laval
An exceptional season is within sight for the Birel driver Nataël Cantin. After a great performance in Las Vegas and two races in Florida, the young Collège Laval student says he’s ready to take the Canadian Championship title. As a result, he will have a very busy summer schedule.
The ECKC (Eastern Canada Championship) consists of four weekends, for a total of eight races. The first race will take place from next May 15th to 19th at the prestigious Mosport site in a Toronto suburb. “I can hardly wait to race this track, a technical and very fast track, with numerous steep upgrades and descents – what thrills!” To quote this thrill seeker. “This year, I’m aiming for nothing less than first place in the junior season. Last year, I was a rookie and I finished fifth out of a total of thirty five drivers.”
To participate in the World Championship to be held in Spain next November, Nataël has two ways to qualify: finish first in ECKC driver ranking or win the Canadian Championship to be held this year at the Mont-Tremblant track. “Last year, I had the pole position in the Tremblant race. For the 3 years that I’ve been training on this track, no one has done more laps than me!” His team, KMS North America, is based there. His coaches, Peter Kalman and Ben Cooper as well as his mechanic, Ben Cooper senior, have confidence in Nataël’s future performance.
Financial Support. Motor sports are expensive activities. Hotels, transportation, living expenses, mechanics, etc. Budgeting is constantly an issue. “Automobiles Chevrolet du Québec” dealerships are happy to join in this promising endeavour. “I am proud to be associated with Chevrolet. I’m going to show them that they did well to support me once again this year. If all goes well, I could be present at the Euro Challenge in July in Spain.”
“Yes, it’s a thrilling sport!” says his father. “We would like large companies to be associated with Nataël because without their help, it will be very difficult to send our son to compete against the best drivers in the world.”
