Proving that practice makes perfect, Kevin Lacroix managed to not only secure pole position for the 2017 NASCAR Pinty’s series season opener—the Can Am 200 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on May 21—but also victory in the race as well.

Lacroix, driving the #74 Bumper to Bumper/Total/Gates sponsored Dodge Challenger, battled with Andrew Ranger during the closing stages of the race but ultimately pulled ahead, securing the first win of the season and his second victory at CTMP.

Inclement conditions including a downpour before the start of the race, and the return of rain during the closing stages meant tire strategy was critical for each team but also made for some exciting and close racing. Alex Tagliani led for 14 laps but the conditions got the better of him and he slid off the track and into the guardrail on lap 49, bringing out a final caution and extending the race by another six laps.

Commenting on his victory, Lacroix said it was “very tough during the last few laps especially battling with Andrew, but I was very happy to get the win, especially for my first time in the rain.”

With a strong start to the season, Lacroix and the Bumper to Bumper/Total/Gates team are looking forward to building on their success at the next round of the Pinty’s Series.

The Choko/Fast Eddie 250, presented by Havoline, takes place a the historic Delaware Speedway near London, Ont. on June 3. Dry conditions are currently expected, though close quarter racing should make the event both challenging and rewarding.