Waterbury, VT – Patrick Laperle from St. Denis, QC has confirmed his entry in the American Canadian Tour (ACT) 500 event scheduled for Sunday, July 21 at Airborne Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY.
Laperle is a 4 time ACT Champion, with titles in the Serie ACT in 2007, 2011 and 2012. Laperle also won the US ACT title in 2008.
“My team is coming to Plattsburgh to win the $25,000.00 dollar first prize,” said Laperle. Laperle credited his legion of Quebec fans in helping the 91QC team’s decision to race in the International 500.
Laperle is considered one of the top racers in the Northeast. The team is one of a few select teams to run the legendary Jr. Hanley prepared chassis. Hanley is a former ACT Champion.
Patrick’s twin brother Eric has been the crew chief for the Laperle racing team since their very first stock car race at Airborne International Raceway in 1996. “Really, Plattsburgh is where we started racing. Actually both Patrick and I attended school in Plattsburgh. It is so close to all our Quebec fans we felt we had to race the ‘500’ weekend. We have won three Milk Bowls at Thunder Road and the Fall Foliage 300 at Airborne four times. We have experienced the pressure of Milk Bowl style racing; I hope it gives us an edge. The whole team is very excited,” said Eric Laperle.
Airborne owner at that time, and ACT President Tom Curley said, “I remember when the twins first showed up at Airborne for a weekly race. They had not decided who would be the driver. They asked me to flip a coin. The deal was whoever won would race the first week and the other the following week. Patrick won the coin toss. For nearly twenty years Patrick has been the appointed driver, and Eric has become a well-respected crew chief.”
Laperle will join 39 other drivers on the starting grid for the $140,000.00 inaugural ACT International 500. Gates open Sunday, July 21 at 9:30. Adult admission is $30, children 6-12 are admitted for $5.00. Reserve top five rows are on sale for $40. Post time for ACT qualifying is set for 1:00pm.
For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963,
www.acttour.com.