Alex Labbé Captures E3 Spark Plugs Pole Award at Autodrome Montmagny

The late September air at Autodrome Montmagny carried something electric on Saturday afternoon. Alex Labbé knew it the moment his tires hit the asphalt for qualifying. After spending the morning fine-tuning his setup, the Quebec driver unleashed a lap that sent the home crowd into a frenzy in 17.436 seconds around the demanding 3/8-mile oval, good enough for his second consecutive pole position at this track.

Standing in victory lane after securing the E3 Spark Plugs Pole Award for Sunday’s season-ending XPN 250, Labbé couldn’t hide his satisfaction. This wasn’t just any pole position. This was redemption, validation, and hometown pride all rolled into one perfect qualifying lap.

“As soon as I went out in qualifying, I knew we had a lot of grip,” Labbé said, still catching his breath from the adrenaline rush. “This is our second consecutive pole here in two years. Tomorrow, we’ll try to lead as many laps as we can.”

Record-Breaking Speed Defines Championship Finale

What happened during Saturday’s qualifying session will be talked about for years to come at Autodrome Montmagny. Nine drivers, including Labbé himself, shattered his own track record from 2024. When nearly half the field betters an existing track record, you know the racing surface and weather conditions aligned perfectly with months of engineering preparation.

The speed wasn’t limited to just one manufacturer or team. Every crew chief seemed to find that extra tenth of a second that separates good from great. But when the checkered flag waved on the final qualifying session of the NASCAR Canada Series season, it was Labbé who stood alone at the top of the timing sheets.

Front Row Sets Up Championship Drama

Defending champion Marc-Antoine Camirand will start alongside Labbé on the front row, bringing his No. 96 Paillé Racing Chevrolet to the line in second position. The symbolism couldn’t be more perfect – the current champion challenging the pole-sitter who dominated this very track just one year ago.

Camirand knows what it takes to win championships, but he also understands that starting positions matter more at some tracks than others. Autodrome Montmagny has a reputation for being tough on equipment and even tougher on drivers’ patience. Clean air and track position become premium commodities when the green flag waves.

Practice Speed Translates to Qualifying Performance

Donald Theetge proved that practice speeds often carry over into qualifying by securing third position in his No. 80 Garoy Construction/Revêtements Vulcain Chevrolet. Earlier in the day, Theetge had topped the practice charts, showing the kind of consistency that championship contenders dream about.

William Larue earned fourth place in qualifying with his No. 45 Larue Industrial Snow Blowers/XPN Chevrolet, while L.P. Dumoulin rounded out the top five in the No. 47 WeatherTech/Bellemare/Omnifab Dodge. These drivers understand that starting in the top five gives them legitimate shots at victory lane, especially at a track where passing opportunities can be limited.

Championship Contenders Face Uphill Battle

The championship picture tells a compelling story heading into Sunday’s finale. D.J. Kennington, sitting second in the season-long standings, will have his work cut out for him starting from 13th position. In championship racing, every position on the starting grid can make the difference between celebrating and wondering “what if.”

Andrew Ranger, currently third in points, managed a ninth-place starting spot in his No. 27 Paillé Racing Chevrolet. While not ideal, ninth gives Ranger a fighting chance to work his way forward early in the race before track position becomes absolutely critical in the closing stages.

Quebec Pride Runs Deep

There’s something special about watching a Quebec driver dominate at a Quebec track. The fans who made the journey to Autodrome Montmagny weren’t just cheering for fast lap times; they were celebrating one of their own, showcasing what regional racing pride looks like when everything comes together perfectly.

Labbé has carried the hopes of Quebec racing fans throughout his career, and moments like Saturday’s pole position remind everyone why regional racing matters. This isn’t just about one driver going fast for 17.436 seconds. It’s about representing your province, your fans, and your racing heritage on the biggest stage available.

Sunday’s Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

The XPN 250 represents more than just the season finale. It’s the culmination of months of preparation, sacrifice, and determination from every team in the garage area. Starting from pole position gives Labbé the best possible chance to control the race from the drop of the green flag, but Autodrome Montmagny has a way of creating its own drama regardless of starting positions.”I’m really looking forward to the race tomorrow.

We have an excellent car and made a few adjustments after practice,” Labbé reflected. His confidence was earned, not given. You could hear the quiet determination in his voice and the kind that comes from knowing you’ve done everything possible to prepare for the moment that matters most. The highly anticipated XPN 250 takes the green flag at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, with live coverage available on the REV TV YouTube channel and TVA Sports. For Labbé and his Quebec faithful, the wait is almost over.