Montreal event tabbed as Nationwide’s Top Race of 2011

The Napa Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was named Top Race of 2011 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. NASCAR announced accolades in several categories Tuesday based on discussions with national series directors and NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications managers.

The race saw Australian Marcos Ambrose, who had a history of heartbreaking losses in Montreal, win an incident filled event after having to start from the back row because he had missed qualifying

Ambrose had arrived at the track moments before the start after a frantic trip by plane, helicopter and boat with Carl Edwards and some other drivers who were pulling double duty that weekend with a Sprint Cup event in Michigan.

He won despite having two local favorites, Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Tagliani, starting on the front row. Villeneuve led for 29 laps before retiring after a bump with Ambrose, who took the lead from Tagliani on Lap 65. It was also the final race before retirement for Patrick Carpentier of Joliette, Que., who was spun out by Steve Wallace on the 56th lap.

Series champion Rick Stenhouse was named Top Driver, Reed Sorenson was Comeback Driver of the Year, RAB Racing was named Top Team and Timmy Hill got Top Breakthrough Performer.