After competing at the United States Rotax Grand Nationals, DeFrancesco Racing (DFR) pilot Devlin DeFrancesco would make the trip north of the border to compete in the annual ASN Canada FIA Canadian Karting Championships. Taking place at the picturesque Mont-Tremblant facility in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, DeFrancesaco would overcome a disqualification in qualifying to take his Yougurty’s, Yogen Fruz and BRM Watch sponsored chassis to the front of the field.
Descending on the 16-corner facility just north of Montreal, DeFrancesco would prove to once again be one of the quickest drivers throughout the Wednesday and Thursday test sessions. Topping the charts during the official timed practice sessions, DeFrancesco would fall victim to a post qualifying disqualification and would be forced to start the heat races from the tail of the field.
“We were unaware of the rule,” expressed Team Manager and Driver Coach Nick Mitchell. “We had both tape on the radiator and the flap accessory that comes with the kit but that is not allowed here in Canada like it is in the United States and Europe. We weren’t the only driver disqualified for this infraction, but it is a rule and we will start all three heat races from the tail of the grid.”
With the goal of finishing and gaining as many spots as possible in the heat races, Devlin would slice and dice his way through the field when wheel-to-wheel action commenced. Driving from the back of the grid in heat one to an impressive third place result, the Supertune USA powered driver would encounter a six position penalty for a jumped start.
Redemption would be made in heats two and three as DeFrancesco used his knowledge, skills and abilities to again move forward. Penalty free on the day, Devlin would claim a third place result in heat two and have a fifth place effort in the third and final heat race.
After progressing through the heats with three decent results, Devlin DeFrancesco would line his Supertune USA powered chassis up in the fourth position for the start of the prefinal. Looking to move forward and better give himself a shot at the Canadian championship, DeFrancesco methodically moved his way into the second position and would start Sunday’s main event from outside row one.
Devlin wasted no time moving to the point at the start of the main event as he made a late braking move from the outside to take the top spot in the first corner, bringing the crowd to their feet. Looking to maintain the position, DeFrancesco quickly went into defensive mode for the rest of the opening lap in the hopes to keep his competitors at bay.
Leading the first few circuits, an intense battle would then ensue, as a trio of drivers would battle for the top position. Falling back to P2, only to take over the top position once again, DeFrancesco would maintain the point until just before the halfway mark where he was passed down the long back straightaway. Working hard to get back to the front, Devlin would run out of laps as the checkered flag would fly, leaving him to settle for the second position.
“It was a pretty good race,” explained Devlin. “I was able to lead a few laps and at least have a shot at the win. Starting every heat race from last was tough but I proved that I could drive forward. I would like to thank all of my sponsors.”
For more information on Devlin and Lachlan DeFrancesco’s supporters, please visit them online at www.BRM-Manufacture.com, www.Yogurtys.com and www.YogenFruz.com or follow them on Twitter at @MyWatchIs_BRM, @Yogurtys and @YogenFruz.
For more information on DeFrancesco Racing, please contact Andy DeFrancesco via e-mail to Info@DFRUSA.com or visit them online at www.DFRUSA.com. For more information on Devlin DeFrancesco, please visit him online at www.DevlinDeFrancesco.com. For real time updates from DFR Racing and Devlin DeFrancesco live trackside, please follow them on Twitter at @DFR_USA, @DevlinD00 and @LachlanD03.
