Photo credit: Don SimpsonSteve Bernard wants to defend his DIRTcar championship!
Steve Bernard wants to defend his DIRTcar championship!
The french version here Recently, I hung out with Steve Bernard as he raced to defend his 2017 DIRTcar 358 Modified Series title in the 100-lap series finale at Autodrome Granby. With 38 Modifieds in the pits, this fast half-mile oval is always a challenge for local racers as well as away riders. Steve, a veteran of this track, never takes things for granted. "A lot of good drivers will be competing tonight and a 100 lap final can be tough," explained Steve. "We will do our best to win, but in the end time will tell." Steve's dad, Jocelyn, also explained: “Races are never a given. Sometimes everything falls into place, but other times, no matter how hard you work at it, there are always obstacles to overcome. " 
Photo credit: Don Simpson
Last year was a great story for the 37-year-old veteran driver who won the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series title in the final race of the season at Brockville Speedway's Fall Nationals. He also won the track championship at RPM Speedway and Autodrome Drummond. Currently, Steve sits in third place in the DIRTcar 358 Modified series, but there are eight races left in 2018, so the standings will change over time. The race at Autodrome Granby started with a series of laps in practice, Steve came out in the third group getting his best time on the second lap, he finished with the fourth fastest time. After some adjustments, Steve made some gains and finished second in timed times just behind Maxime Plante in the 79 car. It was now the qualifying round, Bernard was starting second and again his main competition was David Hébert in the ONE car and Maxime Crash in car 79. Steve held on to second place until Hébert, with just two laps to go, passed under Steve, leaving Steve with third place. With a break of nearly an hour before the race, Team 54 went to work on the car, adjusting the suspensions and prepping the tyres. While the team worked on the car, Steve prepared his helmet and discussed the race plan with his father, Jocelyn.
Photo credit: Don SimpsonWith the call from DIRTcar officials, it was now time for Bernard to get behind the wheel and prepare for the finale. 
Photo credit: Don SimpsonAs he sat in the car waiting to race, you could see Steve quietly thinking about the task ahead. Eyes closed, he waited for the last call on the line. You could hear the final honk of the race officials as Steve opened his eyes and started the engine. It was now time for the 37-year-old veteran and his car to do the best possible hundred laps from his starting position in eighth position. 
Photo credit: Don SimpsonAs soon as the green flag was given, Steve started to move down the field. On lap fifteen, Steve, who was on a charge, took second place behind Carey Terrance in the 66 car as the yellow flag was out. On the restart, Terrance edged out Steve in car number 54. 
Photo credit: Don SimpsonWithin ten laps the peloton was once yellow flagged and Steve was down to third place, but still in a competitive position. This, unfortunately, would be short-lived, as the race continued to go on, and after a series of yellows, the tires on car 54 were deteriorating. Lap after lap Steve's car was slowing down although you could see he was working hard to keep his place in the field. In the end, Steve Bernard had to settle for 7th place. Still, it was a good race for the 54 team. Yes, it would have been nice to finish first, but at least they came home with some points and it's just one of many races to come this season. The next race in the DIRTcar 358 Modified series is September 14 at Mohawk Intl. Raceways.
Photo credit: Don Simpson
Last year was a great story for the 37-year-old veteran driver who won the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series title in the final race of the season at Brockville Speedway's Fall Nationals. He also won the track championship at RPM Speedway and Autodrome Drummond. Currently, Steve sits in third place in the DIRTcar 358 Modified series, but there are eight races left in 2018, so the standings will change over time. The race at Autodrome Granby started with a series of laps in practice, Steve came out in the third group getting his best time on the second lap, he finished with the fourth fastest time. After some adjustments, Steve made some gains and finished second in timed times just behind Maxime Plante in the 79 car. It was now the qualifying round, Bernard was starting second and again his main competition was David Hébert in the ONE car and Maxime Crash in car 79. Steve held on to second place until Hébert, with just two laps to go, passed under Steve, leaving Steve with third place. With a break of nearly an hour before the race, Team 54 went to work on the car, adjusting the suspensions and prepping the tyres. While the team worked on the car, Steve prepared his helmet and discussed the race plan with his father, Jocelyn.
Photo credit: Don SimpsonWith the call from DIRTcar officials, it was now time for Bernard to get behind the wheel and prepare for the finale. Photo credit: Don SimpsonAs he sat in the car waiting to race, you could see Steve quietly thinking about the task ahead. Eyes closed, he waited for the last call on the line. You could hear the final honk of the race officials as Steve opened his eyes and started the engine. It was now time for the 37-year-old veteran and his car to do the best possible hundred laps from his starting position in eighth position. Photo credit: Don SimpsonAs soon as the green flag was given, Steve started to move down the field. On lap fifteen, Steve, who was on a charge, took second place behind Carey Terrance in the 66 car as the yellow flag was out. On the restart, Terrance edged out Steve in car number 54. Photo credit: Don SimpsonWithin ten laps the peloton was once yellow flagged and Steve was down to third place, but still in a competitive position. This, unfortunately, would be short-lived, as the race continued to go on, and after a series of yellows, the tires on car 54 were deteriorating. Lap after lap Steve's car was slowing down although you could see he was working hard to keep his place in the field. In the end, Steve Bernard had to settle for 7th place. Still, it was a good race for the 54 team. Yes, it would have been nice to finish first, but at least they came home with some points and it's just one of many races to come this season. The next race in the DIRTcar 358 Modified series is September 14 at Mohawk Intl. Raceways.
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