Preview of the grand finale of the 2016 Nissan Micra Cup

Launched on May 14th of this year, the second season of the Nissan Micra Cup will come to an end with the final two rounds that will decide the drivers’ championship title. Two drivers from Quebec and one from Alberta make up the three candidates that are in contention for the coveted trophy.

An (important) new rule for 2016

Current series leader in points and 2015 champion, Olivier Bédard, will attempt to claim his second consecutive championship title, but this challenge will put him head-to-head against his teammate Xavier Coupal. Coupal is ranked second in the championship at this point in the season, but with the 2016 regulation stipulating that each driver’s top 12 results count towards the championship title, he could finish directly behind Bédard in both races and still clinch the title. However, given that points are also awarded for pole position and fastest race lap, it is safe to say that nothing will be decided ahead of time and that both drivers will have the same strategy going forward - to win the last two rounds of the season!

But if these top two drivers score poor results, Albertan Stefan Rzadzinski will have a chance to claim the title. Currently third in the championship standings, the driver from Edmonton has enjoyed a remarkable season as a driver consistently among the leaders.

Other drivers to watch

In addition to the three title contenders, ten other drivers will compete with the hopes of ending their season on the podium. For example, Kevin King, who ranks fourth in the rankings and winner of no less than three races at the start of the season. Marc-Antoine Demers, who won the last event in the 2015 season and is currently seventh in the championship, is another contender for a podium finish. As well, Valérie Limoges, who earned herself a podium three weeks ago at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario and is currently sixth in the standings, could finish in the top three.

Other drivers to watch include veterans Normand Boyer and Jacques Bélanger; Stéfan Gauthier, who already secured the Rookie title after an exceptional season; and fan-favourite, Bertrand Godin, who is returning to the Albi Nissan Team for this event.

The Fall Classic at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant will also be the chance for the Nissan Micra Cup to celebrate the completion of the series’ second season. In 2016, more than 40 drivers participated in the eight race meetings.

Provisional point standings (14 races/16, top 10 drivers):