Alex Labbe continues solid start to full-time Xfinity Series season
Reigning NASCAR Pinty’s Series champion shows strong Daytona run was no fluke as he scores top-20 finish in first race at challenging Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Photo by: NASCAR Media
Most drivers will tell you that finishing in the top-20 is a modest goal for a rookie competitor. For a driver with a new team in a different country and first time racing on one of the most challenging tracks in NASCAR, it feels really good.
Labbe was running in the top-10 late in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway before running out of fuel due to five overtime attempts.
Alex Labbe finished 18th for his best showing in five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and ran on the lead lap for most of the race Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which was dominated and won by Kevin Harvick.
“We started 33rd after a bad qualifying effort as I took it too easy on my lap,” said Labbe. “We raced against some established and experienced teams and maybe overachieved a little bit, but we had a good race and I learned a lot.”
Labbe remained in the top-20 throughout the race and despite having a car that was a little off on the set-up, he was happy to be able to race some more experienced drivers.
“Our car was a little too tight, but we have a good car that has some speed,” Labbe said. “It’s really encouraging as a rookie driver to have a car that has speed.”
Labbe is quick to thank crew chief Mario Gosselin and the entire team. Gosselin also served as crew chief for Labbe’s NASCAR Pinty’s Series championship effort last year in Canada.
“Mario and his guys are working really hard on the cars and it shows when they get to the track,” Labbe added. “Mario and all the guys make sure the car shows up at the track prepared and ready to compete and that’s all you can ask for as a driver.”
Labbe hopes to continue to have momentum going into Las Vegas this Saturday.
“I didn’t expect to run that good last weekend, but with Mario and the team and my spotter Tab Boyd really helping me throughout the race we had a good day,” Labbe said. “Tab really helps me throughout the race with telling me good lines to try with the car on the track and helping me learn on these new tracks.
“We’re going to another new track for me this weekend in Las Vegas. I’m ready for the next challenge and I’m sure it will be fun.”
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