When the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 20, Raphael Lessard, and his No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado will carry the colors of long-time sponsor Richelieu Hardware, who has expanded their partnership with the St. Joseph de Beauce, Quebec-native to include primary sponsorship of the Fr8 Auctions 200.
“Richelieu Hardware is pleased to reaffirm its support for Raphael and his team for the 2021 season,” said President and CEO of Richelieu Hardware, Richard Lord. “This ongoing commitment will allow him to drive a truck bearing exclusively the RICHELIEU colours during the Atlanta race on March 20. We all wish him the best of luck in achieving a well-deserved podium finish.”
Saturday’s event will mark Lessard’s second start in the NASCAR Truck Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway and his first with GMS Racing. Last season, Lessard was running inside the top-five late in the race, before a flat tire relegated him to an 18th-place finish.
“I am very pleased to see Richelieu Hardware reaffirm their confidence in our team and come back to help us for this race,” said Lessard. “Partnering with leaders in their industry such as Richelieu Hardware is key to the success of our endeavour. I am convinced that this partnership will help both parties achieve their business and sporting goals.”
Lessard enters the fourth race of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season 15th in points, after three finishes outside the top-20 to start the 2021 season.
“The track surface at Atlanta is extremely hard on tires. You have to take advantage of the first few laps on new tires to gain positions, but always think about saving something for the end of a stage and especially the end of the race,” added Lessard. “We are driving at around 186 mph on the straights with very little downforce, which reduces grip everywhere. You can really feel it when braking at high speed on entering pit lane. You also have to be very careful not to go over the speed limit in the pits, something NASCAR is quick to penalise. Overall, my team and I did a good job in Las Vegas and really improved the truck for the last segment, which is promising for this race and the rest of the season. We are ready to win.”
The Fr8 Auctions 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, March 20 at 2:30PM / EST and will be broadcasted live on FOX Sports 1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).
