Canadians set for strong showing in Montreal

Jacques Villeneuve maybe the most familiar name to grace the entry list representing
Team Canada, but he is not the only Canadian entered into the Nationwide race this weekend.
Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

As the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads north to Montreal, racing at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the series will play host to a record number of Canadian racers as well.

Representing the Canadians will be Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier (racing for one final race before retirement), IndyCar driver Alex Tagliani and Maryeve Dufualt, making her NASCAR debut.

Dufualt will become only the second Canadian woman to race in NASCAR. She has gained recognition from racing in the ARCA series, making 12 starts so far this year. Dufualt will be piloting the No. 81 car for MacDonald Motorsports during Saturday’s race.

Alex Tagliani will be making his third NASCAR Nationwide Series start, driving the No. 12 car for Roger Penske. The No. 12 car hold much significance for Tagliani; it is the same number that Jacques Villeneuve drove to victory his first time at the Canadian Grand Prix. Tagliani has been racing in the IndyCar series since 2008 and most recently started on the pole for the Indianapolis 500 in May.

Patrick Carpentier is making his last hurrah in NASCAR before retirement at the young age of 40. After a full season in 2008 (24 of 36 races), Carpentier has only made occasional appearances since, particularly on the road courses.

Jacques Villeneuve needs no introduction to the fans of Canada. His father is the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, which the track is named after. Villeneuve will be climbing into the No. 22 car for Brad Keselowski.

Will the hometown advantage play into their favor? Good question … but the roar of the crowd will definitely light a fire for these four drivers.

NASCAR By the Numbers and In the Rearview Mirror (looking back at NASCAR's history) are Amanda's two weekly columns with Skirts and Scuffs, but as an Associate Editor her duties are limitless. Amanda also strives to provide exclusive interviews for the readers of Skirts and Scuffs. To read her past columns and interviews click here.. Feel free to contact Amanda via Twitter.