True to form, the 2023 edition of the annual Sainte-Justine-de-Newton tractor race provided plenty of thrills for participating drivers and spectators alike. Néomédia was among those who turned out to witness the event on Saturday August 19. 

The crowd in attendance was treated to quite a spectacle as dozens of cars travelling between 65 and 85 km/h, depending on the category, took to the track over the course of the evening. Despite uncertain weather conditions, the drivers gave their all to deliver unforgettable performances and wow the fans. 

Thanks to Éric Dufresne, the track was perfect on race day. All week long, Dufresne, who was also a racer, worked on the course to ensure optimal conditions for D-Day. 

The annual event is organized by the non-profit organization Les loisirs de Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, and raises funds that are used to offer free activities to the population throughout the rest of the year. 

Several local drivers stand out 

Among the competitors were several local drivers.  Jérémie Levac, from Saint-Zotique, took to the starting line in his green John Deere number 42. He took first place in the Promod class. 

In the Open class, Dany Dallaire Beauchamp, tractor number 80, climbed to the top of the podium. He beat Raphaël Benjamin, tractor number 4, and Éric Dufresne, number 566. The latter worked very hard this week on the quality of the track. 

In the Ecomomod category, Elliot Vallée dominated at the wheel of tractor number 101. This was his third race in his young career.  He beat Alexis Dufresne, number 65, and Carolane Lanthier, number 22. 

Patrice Lavergne, chief of the Sainte-Marthe and Sainte-Justine-de-Newton fire brigades, was literally on fire at the track on Saturday evening. Last year's 2nd-place finisher surpassed that performance this year, taking first place in the Mod class in his number 911 car. His hunger to win was fuelled by the enthusiastic crowd. He finished ahead of Charles Verreault, racer 211, and Chris Duplantie, racer 221. 

It has to be said that Mr. Lavergne is very well known and involved in the community. In addition to being a firefighter, he works at public works in Sainte-Marthe and runs his own dump truck business. After his victory, he told Néomédia he was very pleased with the track conditions. 

Another driver who demonstrated his know-how behind the wheel despite his young age was Zavier Desmarais, son of Simon Desmarais, owner of Remorquage Saint-Lazare. The young man fought solid battles without flinching on the track against older drivers.