NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. Patrick Laperle will not attempt to defend his American-Canadian Tour championship.
On Monday night at New Smyrna Speedway, where he won the Crate Late Model feature, Laperle said he is only targeting "big money races" in 2009. Laperle won the ACT-sanctioned Castrol Series title in 2007 and then won the 2008 ACT Late Model crown when he dramatically overtook leader Scott Payea in the season-ending Milk Bowl at Thunder Road.
Laperle has two cars at his disposal this season, one will be an ACT-legal Late Model and the other will be a PASS-legal Super Late Model.
The one thing Laperle said he really wants to do is qualify for the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September.
"Oh, yes," Laperle said. "Junior Hanley is building me a car for that right now."
The Invitational is open to any driver who wins an ACT Late Model or Castrol Series race, plus anyone who wins the Governor's Cup at Thunder Road, the TD Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway or the Showdown at Chaudiere in Quebec. Points leaders or champions in ACT-legal Late Model divisions around New England and Canada will also be extended an invitation to the 50-lap race during Sprint Cup Series weekend at NHMS, plus any promoter's options.
