Few races on the NASCAR Canada schedule carry more significance for Louis-Philippe Dumoulin than the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières.
The three-time series champion returns to his hometown event this weekend aiming for his third career NASCAR Canada victory at the legendary street circuit, adding to previous triumphs in 2014 and 2019. Driving the No. 47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare | Omnifab entry, Dumoulin enters the season’s marquee event with momentum after recording two top-five finishes during the series’ recent Edmonton doubleheader.
Those results allowed Dumoulin to maintain third place in the championship standings through nine of 14 races, keeping him firmly in contention as the title battle enters its final stretch.
“It’s really a special moment,” Dumoulin said. “The entire team behind the No. 47 car is going there to win.”
The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières is widely regarded as NASCAR Canada’s biggest annual event, drawing large crowds and attracting one of the season’s strongest entry lists. More than 30 drivers are expected to compete on the challenging temporary street circuit, creating one of the most competitive fields of the year.
For Dumoulin, the race carries additional meaning because of its hometown atmosphere. The veteran driver will spend the week participating in fan events, sponsor activities and the traditional transporter parade through downtown Trois-Rivières before turning his attention to race day.
The 2026 edition also introduces a new wrinkle to the weekend format. NASCAR Canada competitors will take part in two qualifying sprint races Saturday afternoon that will determine the starting lineup for Sunday’s 45-lap main event.
Dumoulin believes the format change adds intensity and risk management to the weekend.
“These two races represent a lot of pressure for the teams and drivers,” he said. “We can’t afford to make a mistake or damage any equipment.”
The stakes are heightened further because the series returns to action less than a week later at Markham, making reliability and equipment preservation critical considerations.
In addition to Louis-Philippe’s championship pursuit, Dumoulin Compétition will field a second car for his older brother, Jean-François Dumoulin, giving the family another opportunity to compete together at one of Canadian motorsports’ most celebrated events.
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