Halfway between Quebec City, Quebec and the north western edge of Maine is a relatively new ¼ mile paved track named Autodrome Chaudiere. The nearest town, Vallee-Jonction, is just a couple of miles away and has anything you could ever need. The track has become popular for Canadians and sits in a hilly area that gives you a beautiful view of the Quebec countryside, which can be a bit distracting at times. It was born in 1992 as a dirt track and ¼ mile in length. Four years later they stretched it to 1/3 mile, but transformed it back to a ¼ mile track during the 2005 season and covered with asphalt. The out come is a progressively banked speed-drome with fast, close races.
There are several different divisions that race throughout the year, including, Pro All Star Series, ACT Latemodels, Lucas Oil Sportsman, and a four cylinder class named Kamikaze that has some technically advanced cars, i.e. cambered right rear wheels. Specials include the likes of ISMA, International Super Modified Association, which always puts on incredible, super fast, exotic cars and exciting races.
I must note here that being in Quebec means everything is in French. Quebec used to have English on their street signs, but not anymore. Some Quebecers speak English, but seem put out by it, while others seem to revel in speaking English and act proud of the fact they speak two languages. Personally, I don’t get it. It would seem to me that keeping your head buried in French soil could only hurt tourism.
Hopefully, by the time you get to the track you’ve exchanged US dollars for Canadian dollars. Sure, you can use credit cards at most places, the credit card companies do charge for each transaction exchange (a rip off), but somewhere along the line you’ll need cash. Concession stands are one of those places. Autodrome Chaudiere’s menu resembles many other race track menus, with one exception. Here you’ll find a goopy mess, which is basically what it means, called Poutine (pronounced peut-sin’ by many sources and NOT poo-teen). It’s a concoction of fries, cheese curds, covered with gravy and is very popular in eastern Canada. However, race tracks may serve it with grated cheese, instead of curds. I was at one track that covered the fries with just a cheese sauce yet called it Poutine, but believe me it wasn’t in Quebec. Quebec is where it began in the 50’s and Quebecers can be rather strict about these things.
This was another track that I camped at, but not until I found a person in authority, who was able to speak English and could tell me where there was a good, flat place to pitch my tent. That wasn’t easy because every place was sloped. If you have a trailer or motor home you can park it closer down the hill and/or nearer the highway, if you get there early enough, or move after the races are over.
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| "Dang it, I hit the trunk release!" |
It probably couldn’t hurt to get there during warm ups; you never know what might happen. While I was there, a four cylinder Kamikaze car made contact with the wall in turn two and turned over, sliding down the track on its roof, while a few laps later another Kamikaze car had his hood fly up and cover his windshield. All of the cars, in every division, are beautifully prepared, go through tech inspections to keep the cars equal and put on a great show. Keeping with a French flair, their winner circle ceremonies are probably something you don’t get to see at any other local short track. The top three drivers take the spotlight on a podium similar to the Olympics or Formula One, popping Champagne and spraying anyone and everyone nearby.
Over all, I enjoyed myself and may go back again, if it wasn’t for the language barrier. It won’t prevent me, but it will be something I’ll think about. I think if you go, especially with a buddy or two, or a family member, you’ll have a great time and have plenty to talk about when you get back home.
Track site: http://autodromechaudiere.com/
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