The 83rd edition of the Régates de Valleyfield deemed a success despite the weather
- 17 July 2023
Nearly 135,000 festival-goers gathered at the Delpha-Sauvé Park for the 83rd edition of the Régates de Valleyfield. Despite disastrous weather conditions that led to the cancellation of Thursday's concerts and the postponement of Friday morning's races, the sun shone for the rest of the race and concert weekend.
An Exciting Grand Prix Finale
The most anticipated event of the Hydroplane Racing League's (HRL) circuit was filled with emotion, notably crowning the youngest driver of the event, as well as the North American Champion.
The Novice class made its very first appearance in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and the final was highly emotional, as Jayden Théorêt (N-144 Miss Virgo) claimed victory on the Robert-Théorêt racecourse, named in honour of his grandfather. At 10 years old, he becomes the youngest champion of the Régates de Valleyfield.
In the 2.5-litre class, Grant Liddycoat won the honours on his first visit to this course, aboard the S-97 Send It. Adam Carruthers (S-38 Herrin Choker) and Valleyfield native Alexandre Leduc (S-88 Fatboy) completed the podium.
In Formula 2500, John Shaw (F-92 Tenacity), who dominated all weekend, won his first victory at the Régates de Valleyfield. He crossed the finish line in front of Owen Henderson (F-3 Secretly Ahh-Sum) and Tommy Shannon (F-4 Pièces d’auto Valleyfield).
The duo of Jimmie Stewart and Peggie Ewancio climbed the first step of the podium in Jersey Speed Skiff, aboard the JS-10 Yumpin' Yiminy. This is their second victory in as many years on the Robert-Théorêt racecourse.
The Hydro 350 class final was dominated by American Bobby King (H-242), who won in Valleyfield for the second consecutive year. The podium was completed by Andrew Tate (H-300 Pennzoil) and Tommy Shannon (H-306 Dognasty).
In the Grand Prix class, American Andrew Tate earned the champagne on the winners' dock for the second consecutive year, this time aboard the GP-88 Hydrofish. Tate and Jeff Bernard (GP-79) engaged in a fierce battle throughout this memorable final. With this victory, Andrew Tate is crowned North American champion.
Nearly 80,000 people attended the racing part of the event.
107.3 Rouge FM Evenings of Concerts
The strong gusts of wind and the intense rain that hit the site on July 13 in the late afternoon made it impossible to hold the concerts of Brittany Kennel and Roch Voisine.
However, music lovers came in numbers, as more than 16,000 people attended the hip-hop evening featuring La Bronze and FouKi. On Saturday night, more than 18,000 festival-goers were present at the Cajun-flavoured show of Mentana and Salebarbes, as well as the fireworks.
In total, nearly 55,000 people were able to see the twenty or so artists of the program presented by Valspec who took turns on the Distillerie Trois-Lacs stage.
A Resilient Team
For the General Manager of the Régates de Valleyfield, Émilie Daoust, the uncontrollable weather events of the weekend reaffirmed the strength of character of the team of employees and volunteers, as well as the dedication of the partners.
"No one was discouraged by the amount of work that awaited us last Thursday night," she explained. "From cleaning the site to setting up the racecourse, everyone rolled up their sleeves to make sure the rest of the event went smoothly."
The organization was able to rely on more than 250 volunteers, who exceeded expectations and showed great availability and generosity.
The organizing committee also wishes to highlight the participation of its valuable financial partners, including the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, the Quebec government, Molson Coors, the Journal de Montréal, Distillerie Trois-Lacs and Grues Tremblay.
