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ESS EXTRA!!
Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Quebec
Autodrome Drummond is about 45 minutes North of Montreal and this dirt track can boast the history of being Quebec’s longest running dirt facility. For well over 50 years, Drummond has been playing host to some of the finest racing Quebec fans have known and since 1984, the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) have been a part of that history.
Modifieds have been the main class for most of the years like its Friday night partner Granby. But, in the 70’s and early 80’s full blown late models used the trek these parts as well and for the past two seasons the management of Drummond has brought back some history with the booking of the World of Outlaw Late Models. The trek up north by WoO comes one week after ESS’ first visit in June.
The Lucas Oil Series will again make three stops and all three are the day after events at Granby making for three of the most look forward to weekends on the tour. These six events also bring the biggest purses on the trail with each event paying $2,000 to win and also $450 just to take the green. All non-qualifiers will also take home at least $225 on each night.
Some of the local drivers of interest all come from the French speaking province. That includes probably the best to ever come from Quebec modifieds and defending ESS champion Steve Poirier, 2006 ESS champion Alain Bergeron, 2006 rookie of the year Michael Parent, who hails from Granby, 2007 rookie of the year Normand Beaudreault, Daniel Lampron and Quebec City’s Jake Langlois. As you can see, the last two champions and last two rookies of the year have come from Quebec making ESS a true tour of two nations.
Drummond had gone through many changes and facelifts to the track surface and size in the past 6 or so years. It went from one of the biggest 5/8ths mile ovals that you would ever see with frightening speeds to a small 1/3rd mile oval for two years before finally settling in on its current 3/8ths mile size. It has fairly long straits with tight turns and makes for a tricky oval. The grandstands run the entire length of the front stretch and can hold upwards of 5,000 people. The pits used to be in the infield with the original size, but now are located off turns three and four. Ironically, they would still be INSIDE the original track! One of the most unique aspects of Drummond is their sound system with actual stereo speakers that cost plenty making for a wild atmosphere. The speakers have to be taken down after each event and stored. Drummond also has a mascot that is very popular with the kids along with a special victory lane that is on the grandstand side of the front stretch wall.
ESS Facts – Autodrome Drummond:
ESS Events Run: 25
Different Winners: 15
Most Wins: Mike Woodring (5)
Last Event Run: 9/1/07
Most Recent Winner: Bubby Kerrick
Autodrome Drummond Facts:
Location: Exit 177 off of Rte. 20, Head west for one kilometer.
ESS Date(s): June 14th, August 2nd and August 30th
Dash Sponsor(s): June 14 – Normand Beaudreault Construction, Aug. 2 and 30 – TBA.
A-Main Sponsor: Fondations 4 Saisons
Promoter: Yan Bussiere
Track Phone: (819) 474-2222
Website: www.autodrome-drummond.com
Sites of Interest:
Montreal 45 minutes away.
Popular Photography Museum
Village Québécois d'Antan
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