Many wondered whether NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCTS) driver Alex Guenette’s early weekend speed at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway would stick for Saturday’s Kroger 200.
Simple answer.
Yes.
The Terrebonne, Quebec native showed that with the right equipment and patience, goals can be accomplished in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). Last week, the 18-year old tweeted out a photo that he would make his series’ return driving for Turner Scott Motorsports.
This weekend, he lived up to the hype of driving for one of the most predominate teams on the circuit by finishing ninth in the No. 32 Motos Illmitees Chevrolet Silverado.
In retrospect, the teenager withstood challenges from his competitors and his inner self, threading the needle, but as the payday line soon began to form, Guenette was ready to cash in.
His first career top-10 finish in just his third series start is enough to give motivation for the Canadian as he steers towards a blossoming career in the States.
“I’m really proud of my Turner Scott Motorsports team,” said Guenette. “We had a good weekend. We were making our qualifying run and the caution came out, so that put some pressure on me. But, we were able to recover from that and start 12th.
“We stayed out of trouble during the race and found ourselves near the front. That’s all you can ask for. We had a goal to finish inside the top-10 and we did that. I’m very happy.”
Despite his noteworthy performance on Saturday, the opportunity to climb (back) behind the wheel of a Turner Scott Motorsports machine the rest of the season just isn’t there.
But, Guenette’s okay with that.
Instead of hustling to find an opportunity to prove that Martinsville’s finish wasn’t a fluke, the former Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year is concentrating his efforts on becoming a permanent fixture on the tour by campaigning a potential rookie season in 2015.
“We’re working at it,” he said. “A lot of things have to come together to make it happen. But, I want to be in the Truck Series, I think I like it here. The team treated me well and I seemed to have earned the respect of others. I can’t wait to come back.”
Before Saturday’s run, a 25th place finish was his best effort at his hometown track of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario last September driving for fellow Canadian and racer Mario Gosselin.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
