The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R) is renowned for its blend of high-octane racing and the convergence of automotive innovation. And, since its inception in 1967, this annual motorsport event has become one of the most famous and long-running street races in Canada.
This year’s event, hosted from August 9th to 11th, was no exception with the Super Production Challenge (SPC) standing out as a particularly thrilling component of the weekend. Among the stars of the show was the Xtreme Motorsports team, proudly supporting the Solidxperts and Mecanica race cars.
Their performance not only highlighted their racing prowess but also the cutting-edge technology and mechanical expertise that goes into crafting and refining their custom-engineered Nissan 370Zs.
The weekend kicked off with a torrential rainstorm on Friday that tested the mettle of both drivers and teams. The adverse weather conditions forced two series to postpone their races until the following day. However, the SPC forged ahead, running a clean race despite the difficult driving conditions.
The precision and skill exhibited by the drivers, combined with the engineering excellence behind their vehicles, ensured that the race proceeded without major incidents, underscoring the capabilities of the drivers, mechanics, and their machines.
Dominating the Podium: A Weekend of Success for Xtreme Motorsports
On Sunday, August 11th, the SPC witnessed a dominating performance by the Xtreme Motorsports team. Sylvain Ouellet, behind the wheel of the no. 39 Mecanica-branded Nissan 370Z, claimed pole position with a masterful drive that demonstrated his skill and the superior engineering behind his vehicle.
Not far behind him, Solidxperts’ very own CEO, Alex Habrich, secured a commendable 3rd place in the no. 75 Solidxperts 370Z.
This result was made even more special with Alex’s son—and Solidxperts Tech Expert—Michael Habrich finishing less than a second later in 4th place, in the no. 89 Solidxperts 370Z.
The double podium finish was a proud moment for Xtreme Motorsports and SXP, and it was a testament to the synergy between driver skill and the advanced automotive design that powers these vehicles.
Check out the full SPC official results for the weekend here
Advanced Engineering Meets the Racetrack
The Xtreme Motorsports 370Zs are not your typical race cars. They are the result of countless hours of design, simulation, and testing, all performed using the latest in engineering software and hardware.
One of the standout features of these vehicles is the integration of 3D printed carbon fiber components, which were manufactured using Markforged printers. These high-strength, lightweight parts play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of the 370Zs, offering improvements to aerodynamics, heat distribution for the braking systems, and overall car performance.
The Role of 3D Printing in Motorsport
3D printing has become an essential tool in modern motorsport, offering teams the ability to rapidly prototype, test, and produce components that would have been impossible or prohibitively expensive to create using traditional manufacturing methods.
These parts include everything from aerodynamic components, such as spoilers and diffusers, to critical structural elements that contribute to the overall rigidity and safety of the cars. The lightweight nature of carbon fiber, combined with its high strength-to-weight ratio, makes it the ideal material for tangible performance advantages on the track.
The ability to quickly iterate on designs and produce parts on-demand meant that the Xtreme Motorsports team could continuously refine their vehicles. This agility is a significant competitive advantage in motorsport, where the smallest improvement can be the difference between winning and losing.
A Celebration of Innovation and Community
The GP3R weekend was more than just a race; it was a celebration of innovation, community, and the spirit of collaboration. For us, it was an opportunity to showcase our passions and see our impact on our small corner of the massive world that is motorsports.
The success of the Xtreme Motorsports team at GP3R is a testament to the power of collaboration. By combining their strengths, Solidxperts and Mecanica were able to create vehicles that not only competed at the highest level but also demonstrated the cutting-edge capabilities of their design and manufacturing processes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Motorsport and Engineering
As motorsport continues to evolve, the role of advanced engineering and technology will only become more pronounced. The success of our team at GP3R is just one example of how these innovations are shaping the future of the sport. With the continued development of tools like SOLIDWORKS and CATIA, and the growing adoption of 3D printing technologies, teams will be able to push the limits of performance even further.
For Xtreme Motorsports, Solidxperts, and Mecanica, this GP3R weekend was a clear demonstration of their ability to deliver results at the highest level. Their involvement in the event not only highlighted their technical capabilities but also reinforced their position as leaders in the field of industrial design and engineering.
As the motorsport season continues, all eyes will be on Xtreme Motorsports and their 370Zs. With the backing of Solidxperts and Mecanica, and the continued use of advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing, the team is well-positioned to achieve even greater success in the races to come.
GP3R was a remarkable event that showcased the best of what Solidxperts, Mecanica, and Xtreme Motorsports have to offer. It was a weekend of triumph, innovation, and collaboration—a fitting reflection of the spirit that drives them forward. As they look ahead to future challenges, there is no doubt that they will continue to set the standard for excellence in motorsport and beyond.
For more info on GP3R, the SPC, or even more photos and official standings from the exciting race weekend, check out these links!
Learn more about The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
Check out the Super Production Challenge
A special photography “Thank you!” to @michaelcola on Instagram.
Explore more photos from the weekend on Poleposition.ca:
