Photo credit: Don SimpsonThe Canadian Nationals is one of the most prestigious series!
Cornwall Motor Speedway will host the first round of the Canadian Nationals series on May 20.
The french version here The countdown to the opening round of the Draper Doors Canadian Nationals Modified Series at Cornwall Motor Speedway has begun. With former champions of this series like Dale Plank, Danny Johnson and local heroes like Stephane Lafrance and Chris Raabe, the Canadian Nationals series has become one of the most prestigious series in the Northeast. The Canadian Nationals series originated when the track's former owner, Ron Morin, was looking to have a local series at Cornwall Motor Speedway. Before that, there was a series that Ron had established that involved several tracks around the area that had been very successful. But as time passed and the series grew, so did the number of hours worked, Ron explains. Therefore, at the start of the 2009 season, it was decided that this would be the last year for the Lucas Oil Canadian Dirt Series. Morin, always looking for a new event for fans, had the idea in 2010 of a local series dedicated to Cornwall Motor Speedway. Based on the hugely popular Lucas Oil Canadian Dirt series, the plan called for three 100-lap events as well as a final 125-lap event that would include a pit stop mid-race. So in 2011, the Cornwall Canadian Nationals was born. the plan called for three 100-lap events as well as a final 125-lap event that would include a mid-race pit stop. So in 2011, the Cornwall Canadian Nationals was born. the plan called for three 100-lap events as well as a final 125-lap event that would include a mid-race pit stop. So in 2011, the Cornwall Canadian Nationals was born. 
Stephane Lafrance.
The series' inaugural year was marred by bad weather, which saw two events postponed, including the final 125-lap race. But finally after a two-week delay, the final race took place and local hero Stephane Lafrance overtook the 28-car field to take the trophy along with the series championship. Morin remembers: “This first edition was a success even though we often struggled with bad weather throughout the season. We had a good field of cars for each of the events. The final race of the series was delayed due to weather, but in the end it was one of the most successful events the track has ever seen. »
Photo credit: Rick YoungWith the concept of the series proving successful, Ron continued to refine the series by adding cash prizes for the number of first place laps or to reward teams that participated in all races. This would prove positive as more and more teams began to enter the series with the prestige of winning the series championship. Over time, the Canadian Nationals continued to attract more drivers to this great series. Some of the best Modified 358 pilots from Ontario, Quebec and New York State answered the call. Drivers like Plank, Johnson, Clair, Rudolph, Hearn, Sheppard as well as local drivers Raabe, McDonald, Morin and two time series winner Stephane Lafrance. 
Photo credit: Rick YoungIn early 2014, longtime owner Ron Morin decided to retire as owner and sold the track to the Lavergne family. It will, however, continue to play an advisory role. With that, new owner Raymond Lavergne, impressed with the four-race series, wanted to not only continue with the series, but also improve it further. Raymond promoted the series and brought in new sponsors, increasing the purses. Raymond explains, “We are very excited about the series and it attracts riders from all over, including New York State, Quebec and Ontario. The series is very popular with our fans and is a big part of our programming. We will continue to improve the series as needed so that fans can watch great races with an overall great track experience. We are also thrilled to have Draper Doors of Harrowsmith, Ontario as presenting sponsor of the Canadian Nationals series for this year. » 
Raymond Lavergne. Photo credit: Don SimpsonAs the teams prepare for the upcoming season, I stopped to ask two-time Canadian Nationals Series Champion Stephane Lafrance what it takes to win the series championship. He said, “Consistency is a big part of what it takes to win this series. You only have four chances to rack up enough points to win, which in most cases is easier said than done. The first time I won the series in 2011 I was on a roll because I also won the track championship, but the second time in 2013 winning the Canadian Nationals series title was a lot harder and that's where consistency made the difference. Later, I stopped by the #01 workshop to ask Chris Raabe, winner of the series and champion of the year 2017, what it takes to win the title. As with Lafrance, Chris explains: “There are a lot of good riders trying just as hard as me to win the title and we only have four races to win it. » 
Chris Raabe. Photo credit: Don SimpsonThe series has grown into a prestigious race over time and many of the Northeast's best Modified 358 riders are vying for the crown on this challenging 1/4 mile track. Chris explains: “The caliber of drivers who want to win the title is so high that any of them can have the chance to win one of the events. That's what makes winning the series championship so difficult. The series will begin on Sunday, May 20 with the first 100 lap final. The second and third rounds of the series will take place on June 24 and August 5 and the final round with 125 laps will take place on September 2. So be sure to mark these events on your calendar, as this season will provide lovers of good racing with an exciting year ahead. 
Photo credit: Don Simpson
Here are the past champions of the Canadian Nationals series:
Stephane Lafrance. Photo credit: Don SimpsonMany thanks to Rick Young for providing some images. You can see more images by visiting his website: http://www.rickattheraces.net/
Stephane Lafrance.
The series' inaugural year was marred by bad weather, which saw two events postponed, including the final 125-lap race. But finally after a two-week delay, the final race took place and local hero Stephane Lafrance overtook the 28-car field to take the trophy along with the series championship. Morin remembers: “This first edition was a success even though we often struggled with bad weather throughout the season. We had a good field of cars for each of the events. The final race of the series was delayed due to weather, but in the end it was one of the most successful events the track has ever seen. »
Photo credit: Rick YoungWith the concept of the series proving successful, Ron continued to refine the series by adding cash prizes for the number of first place laps or to reward teams that participated in all races. This would prove positive as more and more teams began to enter the series with the prestige of winning the series championship. Over time, the Canadian Nationals continued to attract more drivers to this great series. Some of the best Modified 358 pilots from Ontario, Quebec and New York State answered the call. Drivers like Plank, Johnson, Clair, Rudolph, Hearn, Sheppard as well as local drivers Raabe, McDonald, Morin and two time series winner Stephane Lafrance. Photo credit: Rick YoungIn early 2014, longtime owner Ron Morin decided to retire as owner and sold the track to the Lavergne family. It will, however, continue to play an advisory role. With that, new owner Raymond Lavergne, impressed with the four-race series, wanted to not only continue with the series, but also improve it further. Raymond promoted the series and brought in new sponsors, increasing the purses. Raymond explains, “We are very excited about the series and it attracts riders from all over, including New York State, Quebec and Ontario. The series is very popular with our fans and is a big part of our programming. We will continue to improve the series as needed so that fans can watch great races with an overall great track experience. We are also thrilled to have Draper Doors of Harrowsmith, Ontario as presenting sponsor of the Canadian Nationals series for this year. » Raymond Lavergne. Photo credit: Don SimpsonAs the teams prepare for the upcoming season, I stopped to ask two-time Canadian Nationals Series Champion Stephane Lafrance what it takes to win the series championship. He said, “Consistency is a big part of what it takes to win this series. You only have four chances to rack up enough points to win, which in most cases is easier said than done. The first time I won the series in 2011 I was on a roll because I also won the track championship, but the second time in 2013 winning the Canadian Nationals series title was a lot harder and that's where consistency made the difference. Later, I stopped by the #01 workshop to ask Chris Raabe, winner of the series and champion of the year 2017, what it takes to win the title. As with Lafrance, Chris explains: “There are a lot of good riders trying just as hard as me to win the title and we only have four races to win it. » Chris Raabe. Photo credit: Don SimpsonThe series has grown into a prestigious race over time and many of the Northeast's best Modified 358 riders are vying for the crown on this challenging 1/4 mile track. Chris explains: “The caliber of drivers who want to win the title is so high that any of them can have the chance to win one of the events. That's what makes winning the series championship so difficult. The series will begin on Sunday, May 20 with the first 100 lap final. The second and third rounds of the series will take place on June 24 and August 5 and the final round with 125 laps will take place on September 2. So be sure to mark these events on your calendar, as this season will provide lovers of good racing with an exciting year ahead. Photo credit: Don Simpson
Here are the past champions of the Canadian Nationals series:
- 2017 Chris Raabe
- 2016 Carey Terrance
- 2015 Danny Johnson
- 2014 Stephane Lafrance
- 2013 Brian McDonald
- 2012 Dale Planck
- 2011 Stephane Lafrance
Stephane Lafrance. Photo credit: Don SimpsonMany thanks to Rick Young for providing some images. You can see more images by visiting his website: http://www.rickattheraces.net/
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