CCTCC rookie driver Michel Sallenbach, driving his MINI Original Parts- MINI Cooper S, has set his focus on trying to obtain the runner-up position in the Touring class of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. The last two events of the season will be contested this weekend at Circuit Icar in Mirabel Quebec, on the grounds of the Airport bearing the same name. After edging close to finishing on the podium during both races at Grand Prix de Trois Rivières, Sallenbach, piloting his #46 GE Nighthawk MINI Cooper S who drove the trifluvien track for the first time, managed to qualify and finish fourth in the first race and fifth during the second event. During the last weekend of competition at Mosport, Sallenbach qualified on the pole position, but was involved in a first corner incident and had to retire from the first race. The Sunday race brought better luck to the team as the Roxton Pond driver was able to finish in fourth position after a spectacular drive, as he started at the back of the field, bringing back precious championship points. Sallenbach will arrive at Circuit Icar only 8 points behind the second place competitor, Tom Kwok.â€We were very competitive during the first event that ran at Icar earlier this year and we are hoping to gain enough points to propel us in the second place in the championship†explained the MINI Cooper driver. “We realise that it will not be an easy task as 3 drivers are competing for the runner-up positionâ€. Team Octane would like to thank GE Nighthawk for their partnership during the last 3 events. The team is proud to also partner with, MINI Original Parts, Castrol, Simone Performance Imports, Birchmount Collision, Trimo, Fix Auto, Cruisecanada.com and BULLY clutches. Michel Sallenbach is sponsored by Carrefour Icra, Carrosserie Touchette, La Clinique du Pneu, Lettrage Raoul et ASG. LIVE UPDATES AVAILABLE ON: LiveTiming
Michel actually won the Sunday race - his first win - to cpature second place in the championship. More details when we come back from Targa.