NASCAR Pinty's Profile - Alex Labbé

Driver: Alex Labbé

Number: 32

Age: 24

Hometown: St-Albert, Québec

When did you start racing?

I started racing go karts when I was 6 years old and moved into stock cars when I was 14 years old. I started out in late models and super late models at area tracks near home then I moved on to the ACT (American-Canadian Tour) series and now I’m racing full-time in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series.

What is the most stand-out race you’ve been in?

It would be Chaudière’s race in 2016 because I won one of the most exciting races of our series. Cayden and I fought for the lead exchanging lines for over 30 laps.

What is your greatest achievement?

I am proud of everything I accomplished up to this day. The greatest would be between, my first NPS win because it happened at my home track or either making my XFinity Series debut. 

What is your pre-race ritual?

I used to think I didn’t have one. But I notice I have a special moment with my tire’s specialist that could count as ritual. He helps me buckle up before the race and we always do it the same way in silence.  

Who has influenced your career the most excluding family?

In stock cars it would be Mario Gosselin. When I started racing stock cars, he was always there and been my mentor since I started racing late models. He’s taught me a lot about set up and how to drive stock cars. Mario has really helped me so far in my career.

Which Canadian racer do you idolize the most?

Growing up, I looked up at Giles Villeneuve. He is one of the first French Quebecers that set us on the map. He is a legend who grew up not so far from where I was born and that is pure motivation for me.

What is your favorite memory from Honda Indy Toronto?

After a hard hit in the wall last year, my team worked all night on our Can-Am Ford. I will always remember people cheering for us as we were going through our last inspection. The fans’ support really helped our team to bring our Can-Am Ford on the grid for the race.

What advice do you have for aspiring race car drivers?

My brother is on the team as my spotter. Surprisingly, after all these years my family still travels to as many races as they can with their motorhomes. Having my family by my side is honestly helping me to stay the guy that I was when it all began. They remind me that racing is racing. You will have to lose many more time than you will win. Stay grounded is my best advice.

Do you have a pump-up playlist? Can you give us five songs that are on that list?

When it comes to music, I kinda just go by the pop and country songs trending at the moment.

-   Whatever It Takes—Imagine Dragons

-   Rockabye (feat Sean Paul& Anne-Marie)

-    No Vacancy—OneRepublic

-   Country Girl (Shake it for Me)—Luke Bryan

-   Shape of you—Ed Sheeran