His 2009 Plans Are Still Up in the Air, But Patrick

Laperle is Ready for Florida Speedweeks Anyway

New Smyrna, Oxford 250, Dirt Mod Races Are Only Definates So Far

By Mike Twist

When we last heard about Patrick Laperle at the 2009 racing season, the news wasn't about where the Canadian racer was, but rather where he wasn't.  After a dispute with ACT Director Tom Curley in the season finale for the ACT Quebec Series, Laperle skipped the Milk Bowl at Thunder Road Speedbowl (VT).  It was a race that Laperle had been the defending champion of, in fact he had won it in three of the four previous years, so his absence was absolutely shocking.

Laperle has skipped the event because of what happened in the 2009 ACT Quebec Series finale at Autodrome St-Eustache.  In that race, he was battling with Donald Theetge for the championship.  Theetge wrecked early while Laperle appeared to be on his way to the championship.  Late in the event, Laperle had a flat tire around the same time that the caution came out from the car of Patrick's cousin Jacques.  A quick caution was brought out and nobody was allowed to pit.  From that point forward, things got fuzzy with some saying that the Laperle family tried to manipulate the race while others said that the series came down too hard on Patrick Laperle.  But the end result was that Laperle was penalized, the scoring wasn't official until a day after the race and Theetge ended up winning the title by one point.

Curley and Laperle weren't exactly close friends after the incident.  Curley called Laperle's actions “abhorrent” in an interview with Justin St. Louis of Vermont Motorsports Magazine.  Laperle, in turn, skipped the Milk Bowl and the rumor was that all of his cars and equipment were for sale.

But Laperle isn't done racing, and might not even be back racing in ACT this year as well.

“We've still got everything,” said Laperle late last week.  “People have come and looked at it, but they want me to give it away.  I'm not poor, so I don't need to do that.  So nothing is sold.  It's all ready to race for this year.”

Where and when Laperle will race is largely undecided.  He currently owns ACT Late Model equipment along with a Super Late Model car, so he can be somewhat flexible with his schedule.  Laperle wouldn't rule a return to ACT, where he is the 2008 Late Model champion, in or out at this point.

“We don't know yet,” said Laperle.  “There's nothing that we really know for sure.  We're definitely going to race, but I don't know what we'll do yet.  It all depends on the sponsor.”

But there are some definites on Laperle's 2009 schedule - starting later this week.  Speed51.com caught up with Laperle as he was headed to the paint shop late last week - preparing for his trip to the 44th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway (FL).

“Right now, I'm going to paint up some fenders,” said laughed Laperle.  “So when I wreck down in Florida, I'll be all ready to go.”

Laperle knows all too well about wrecking at New Smyrna.  Last year, he nearly destroyed his car in a late-week wreck.  That same car though has been repaired and will be back at Speedweeks this time around.  Laperle is hoping for better luck this year too.  In 2009, he won a few races in the ASA-Type Late Model class and held the point lead until his wreck forced the team to withdraw from the week early.

Now, he is well prepared to try and go after the championship again.

“We'll get to the track on Wednesday and maybe get some practice.  Then we'll practice on Thursday and then it's racing on Friday.  We'll be ready.”

Laperle is also ready to try and better his finishing position in the TD Oxford 250.  He finished a close second to Eddie MacDonald in the prestigious race last season and although Laperle's 2010 schedule is largely uncertain, he will definitely be back at Oxford.

“That's for sure man,” said Laperle.  “We'll be there for that one.  I came so close to winning it last year and I can't wait to try again.”

And one other thing is set for Laperle's season - he's going dirt racing at Quebec's Autodrome Granby

“We're going to run a 358 Modified at Granby this year and we're going to get dirty!” said Laperle.  “I was asked, 'Patrick, are you interested in trying dirt?' and I said 'for sure'.  That's something else for me to put in my book.  I've never raced on dirt though.  But I've done lots of driving on ice and snow in Quebec, so that might help.  They told me that if I flip the car, it's no problem.  So I told them that I'd probably flip it then.  It's going to be a lot of fun.”

Patrick Laperle

Laperle (#91) lost the ACT Quebec Series championship to Donald Theetge (#80) by one point last year.

Laperle in victory lane for the 2008 Milk Bowl at Thundr Road (Jamie Williams Photo)

Laperle rebuilt his racecar after last year's races at New Smyrna and will be back at the event later this week.