Raphael Lessard Returns to New Smyrna World Series Victory Lane

There was an international flavor to Sunday's Pro Late Model feature at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, with Canadian Raphael Lessard taking the win ahead of Brazilian Gabriel Casagrande.

Lessard took the lead on lap 47, with the race shortened by six laps due to the time limit. The 2025 American-Canadian Tour champion and former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor celebrated his second career World Series victory, with the first coming in the Pro Late Model division back in 2016.

"It means the world," said Lessard in victory lane. "It's been 10 years since I won here in 2016 with David Gilliland. I just can't believe it. It's a dream come true.

"When I stopped racing in teh NASCAR Truck Series, I thought I would never be able to come back and afford to come back here. Now I'm back."

A late restart offered Lessard the chance to take the lead from Brody Monahan, who had dominated the race prior to Lessard's move to the front.

"I knew I needed to do the best job I could, do the best restart possible," said Lessard. "He pinched me down a little bit in turn one, racing deal. Everybody was trying to get that win.

"II have to thank all my guys with Velocity Race Cars. David White, who is here with me, built this race car. It's fast. It's awesome to win with a car from Ontario. Can't thank all my guys enough. It's this car's first win, and it's my first win as a car owner."

Casagrande picked up the runner-up finish, bouncing back from damage in an early multi-car incident that sidelined several competitors in his No. 96 for NEXUS Racing.

"I know it hurts because it's P2. We were like this from getting a win. Especially seeing where we were because of that hit, I don't know what that guy was thinking. He just ran into me.

"The car, obviously, was hit, and that pace was alright. I think my spotter worked really well to get me here. We made good decisions, so it was really nice.

"I just have to thank all the crew from NEXUS Racing, Surf USA Mobile, NASCAR Brasil, that makes it possible for me to come here."

Meanwhile, Monahan crossed the finish line third, but was disqualified in post-race technical inspection. Vito Cancilla inherited the third position, followed by William Roberge and Conner Jones.

The ASA STARS National Tour takes center stage at New Smyrna on Monday and Tuesday, February 9-10. Monday night features pole qualifying for the Clyde Hart Memorial, with a Last Chance Qualifier also on Monday's schedule. Tour Modifieds, Pro Late Models and 602 Modifieds also race on Monday.

The Clyde Hart Memorial is slated for Tuesday, February 10.

-Photo: Screenshot from FloRacing Broadcast

World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Night Three
Pro Late Model Unofficial Results