It was a perfect day for NASCAR Canada competitor and NAPA Auto Parts business owner Kevin Lacroix at Riverside Speedway in Antigonish, N.S., as the driver of the #74 Valvoline/NAPA Racing car claimed pole position for the Pro-Line 150 and then went on to win both races.

The Pro-Line 150 was scheduled for Saturday, while the second race of the weekend, the Choko 150, was set for Sunday. However, both 150-lap races took place on Saturday evening due to inclement weather expected on Sunday and Monday.

Lacroix is co-owner of Pieces D’Auto Lacroix, a six-outlet NAPA Auto Parts operation based in Sainte-Eustache, Que.

Starting from the front row for the Pro-Line 150, with Jason Hathaway beside him, Lacroix led 147 of the 150 laps. Though Hathaway occasionally pressured him, the Saint-Eustache driver always managed to retain the lead.

“This first win of the season took a while, but I’m savouring it!” said Lacroix. “We had an excellent car, both at the start and at the end of the race. Hathaway was pressuring me, but we stayed respectful from start to finish. I really enjoyed racing with him.”

Lacroix started from the 2nd position in the Choko 150, the second race of the evening, with Hathaway having the advantage of starting on the inside line. This race was more challenging as they swapped positions several times. With 10 laps remaining, Hathaway seemed to have the upper hand, but Lacroix managed to overtake him in the final laps, securing the victory.

“We had good pace throughout the race,” he explained. “The second event started off calm, but a series of restarts mid-race added some action, and Hathaway took the lead. I managed to get past him at the very end, but it wasn’t an easy win.”

He continued, stating that “the retirement at CTMP hurt for the Championship points; I can’t afford to retire from any races anymore. I need to be strategic and patient to secure points.”

Thanks to his two victories, he now sits in 2nd place in the drivers’ championship.