As the NASCAR Canada Series heads to Autodrome Chaudière, Connor Bell prepares to make his first-ever oval start, while William Larue returns to familiar short-track territory after tackling a road course circuit for the first time at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. For both drivers, the early stages of the season continue to offer new opportunities to learn and adapt. Connor Bell Set for First Oval Experience At 20 years old, Connor Bell has quickly established himself as one of the newcomers to watch in the NASCAR Canada Series. The Ottawa driver built his racing foundation through a combination of some karting and mostly sim racing. After his first track day at age 15, Bell gained experience in Spec Miata competition, the Super Production Challenge, and Radical racing before making the jump to NASCAR Canada. His first appearances in the series produced immediate results. Bell earned a victory in his NASCAR Canada debut at Calabogie Motorsports Park in 2025 before following it with a second-place finish at CTMP later that season. Next weekend at Autodrome Chaudière, Bell will add another first to his résumé as he prepares to race on an oval for the first time. While the challenge will require a steep learning curve, Bell believes the precision he developed on road courses could prove valuable on the Québec short track. “I’m really looking forward to racing the double-header at Autodrome Chaudière next weekend,” said Bell. “It will be my first time ever running on any kind of oval, so I’ll have a lot of learning to do in a short period of time, a challenge I’m ready for.” The event will also mark Bell’s first NASCAR Canada appearance in Québec, an opportunity he is eager to embrace. “I hope to be able to bring my road course experience over