With only seven karts on the grid in Rotax Junior, it appeared that Sunday’s race would be a bit of a snoozer. But that changed with the emergence of Nataël Cantin (KMS/Birel) joining the action up front.
Championship points leader Cedrik Lupien (SHR/FA Kart) grabbed pole-position by a mere 0.016 seconds over Cantin, with Cedrik’s younger brother Samuel third.
While Cedrik cruised in the prefinal, the Final was a much different story.
Cantin put the pressure on early but wasn’t able to secure the lead until lap ten. With the front two well ahead and the laps winding down the lead would exchange nearly every lap. Coming to final lap sign, Cantin made a brave move through the first chicane to regain the lead, only for Lupien to cross over into corner four. Cantin dove deep into five and six with the two making contact and both driving through the grass and Cantin back in the lead. This action allowed Samuel to catch up as Cedrik regained the lead a corner later. From there, Cantin had to defend his second position as Cedrik Lupien scored his second win of the year by less than a tenth of a second over Cantin and Samuel.
Charles Robin (SHR/FA Kart) quietly earned a fourth place result ahead of Raphael Forcier (Birel), Michael Grandmont (Birel) and Aleandre Foteas (Techno).
Photo by: Cody Schindel/CKN
This weekends coverage on CKN was presented by KMS North America and the Jim Russell Karting Academy in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Lead by three-time Rotax Grand Finals Champion Ben Cooper, the Jim Russell Karting Academy helps prepare drivers of all ages and experience levels for every aspect of kart racing. Whether you want to improve for your next club race or challenge for a National title, the Jim Russell Karting Academy can help you. For more information about the racing school or to sign up, be sure to email bcooper@kartingjimrussell.com or visit http://kartingjimrussell.com.
