Ambrose rides the momentum to win the NAPA Auto Parts 200

Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

Riding the wave of momentum that is often spoke about in racing, Marcos Ambrose brought home the checkered flag today at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after winning the NAPA Auto Parts 200. Ambrose held off Alex Tagliani and Michael McDowell for the win.

Hometown favorite Jacques Villeneuve started the race on pole and led a race high 29 laps before being involved in a wreck with race winner Marcos Ambrose in which both cars sustained damage. Ambrose was able to overcome while Villeneuve finished the race -2 laps down in p. 27.

Impressive in the race were several drivers, first off Alex Tagliani, who makes his living as an IICS driver. Tags, as he is nicknamed, led 11 laps and was in contention throughout the entire race. He finished in second in only his third NASCAR Nationwide series race. Also impressive was Scott Speed, driving for KHI this weekend. Seeing Speed do so well today and bring home a 6th place finish brings up the question: why does he not have a ride?

Making her NNS debut, Maryeve Dufault, who had a rough race and spun out multiple times. Finishing in 30th and -5 laps, still an impressive debut for an NNS rookie. Not everyone would attempt to make their NASCAR debut on a road course, that shows guts and determination in my book.

Race results:

1. Marcos Ambrose
2. Alex Tagliani
3. Michael McDowell
4. Steven Wallace
5. J R Fitzpatrick
6. Scott Speed
7. Carl Edwards
8. Justin Allgaier
9. Jason Leffler
10. Elliott Sadler
11. Ron Fellows
12. Brian Scott
13. Jason Bowles
14. Kyle Kelley
15. Mike Bliss
16. Kenny Wallace
17. Mike Wallace
18. Michael Annett
19. Luis Martinez Jr.
20. Aric Almirola
21. Joe Nemechek
22. Timmy Hill
23. Trevor Bayne
24. Danica Patrick 
25. Reed Sorenson
26. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
27. Jacques Villeneuve
28. Louis-Philippe Dumoulin
29. Josh Wise
30. Maryeve Dufault
31. Robby Gordon
32. Patrick Carpentier
33. Alex Kennedy
34. Tomy Drissi
35. Derrike Cope
36. Eric McClure
37. Boris Said
38. Blake Koch
39. Jeremy Clements
40. DJ Kennington
41. Andrew Ranger
42. Morgan Shepherd
43. Jeff Green