Trois-Rivieres: Maryeve Dufault preview

Maryeve Dufault sponsored by Dodge for NASCAR Canadian Tire Trois-Rivières and Montreal Rounds

Montréal, August 10, 2010 - The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Quebec Dealers recently concluded an agreement with racecar driver Maryeve Dufault. The Quebec native will drive the number 10 Dodge Avenger during the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rounds scheduled for the Trois-Rivières Grand Prix on August 13 to 15, and the Autopro 100 race to be held on Circuit Gilles- Villeneuve, August 28 and 29.

A native of Sorel, Maryeve Dufault discovered her passion for racing at a young age. Like her father and brother, she began her career in motocross before moving to karting and single-seat racecars. The Quebec-born driver has also competed in the Jim Russell and Skip Barber Series, the Star Mazda Championship and Formula BMW USA. In addition to her career as a driver, Maryeve also uses her talents as a stuntwoman in Hollywood films and works as a precision driver for automotive and motorcycle companies. She currently resides in California.

"We are pleased to work in collaboration with the FAZZT Race Team in their Driver Development Program," said Jean Gosselin, President of the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Quebec Dealer's Association. "With Dodge acting as the presenting sponsor of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 in Montréal and contributing to the growth of high caliber car racing in Quebec, the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Quebec Dealer's Association focus their attention on young upcoming Quebec drivers. Beside sponsoring Maryeve Dufault, we are also involved with Andrew Ranger who will be driving the number 27 Dodge, sponsored by the Dealer's Association, in the Trois-Rivières and Montréal events.

"As a mater of fact, we believe that it is a privilege to be associated with Quebec drivers that show an extreme passion for the sport they love, are highly motivated, and are always ready for a new challenge. At Dodge and its dealers, we know all about challenges."

"This is an great opportunity for me" said Maryeve Dufault, who is part of the driver development program with FAZZT Race Team. "I was so thrilled to learn that Dodge had come on board that I could not believe it. I have worked so hard to advance my career over the past few years. To have the Quebec Dodge Dealers Association sponsor me for these two races is a dream come true."

In order to familiarize herself with the number 10 Dodge Avenger prepared by Derek White Racing, Maryeve tested, under the supervision of racer coach Alex Tagliani, during the month of July on the ICAR road circuit in Mirabel. The young driver was very satisfied and surprised by how well the car handled.

"When I first tested the Dodge Avenger, I liked how it reacted, but it was a far cry from what I was used to in a formula car. At first, I was pushing too far, a bit like what you do in open-wheel racing. Then, I realized that I would have to listen to the car to get the most out of it. Trois-Rivières will be my first NASCAR experience. I know that there is a lot of things I need to learn in this type of racing, but I am a very competitive. That's why I chose to be a racecar driver."

Maryeve will make her NASCAR debut at the Trois-Rivières Grand Prix on Sunday, August 15. The 3:30 p.m. start, a 43-lap race on the cement wall lined street circuit, will be the first big test for the Sorel driver. Practice and qualifying for the eighth round of the Canadian Tire Championship will take place on Saturday.

-source: maryeve dufault PR