BRP is proud to announce the latest addition to its family of drivers. Blaise Parent, largely regarded as the top endurance racer in France, has signed on to take the wheel of the high-performance Can-AmTM DS 450TM EFI. Lauded for his instincts as a driver, his incredible judgment skills and his years of experience on the open terrain, Parent’s victory history includes an impressive 5 wins at the prestigious Enduro du Touquet, including one solo win, making him a very welcome addition to the Can-Am team.
Interview with Blaise Parent
On the eve of his debut competition in a DS 450, Parent, known in racing circles as the “Prince of the Sand,” explains that he is up for the challenge. “I’m pumped,” he said. “To get behind the wheel of a new vehicle and to discover it with a new team; working together to help it become all that it can be a challenge that I’m definitely excited about. I’m ready to take it on with Can-Am and with my mechanic Cédric Mahe.”
As for the DS 450 itself, Parent says that its performance abilities are a big draw. “It’s a very competitive quad, thanks to its Rotax® 450 engine, its lightweight design and its technological components.”
The vehicle’s numerous victories on courses in the United States are also a plus. “The DS 450’s previous wins are encouraging. All that’s left is to fine-tune it for a sand terrain and a more endurance-heavy course.” The first race will see Parent get behind the wheel of a completely new vehicle. “We’ve only tested it a few times so far,” he admitted. “The suspension and the exhaust have been modified but we’ve decided to keep the original engine.”
Parent may be new to BRP but that hasn’t stopped him from planning ahead. In 2008 alone, he plans to take his DS 450 to, in his words, “Hossegor and Touquet for a solo run. And maybe a podium too!” His five wins at Touquet have surely been a confidence booster but he remains level headed when it comes to the rigorous course. “I take a good look at my competition. This is a challenging course for even the most experienced driver and the toughest quad. Winning is good but above all, I want to have fun out there. Racing is my job but it’s also my passion.”
Blaise Parent at a Glance
Last Name: PARENT
First Name: Blaise
Nickname: Prince of the Sand
Birth Date: 05/03/1979
Country: France
Hobbies: Jet, quad, moto, 4x4
History: 8 consecutive podiums at Touquet : 5 victories and one solo win. Other wins include: Fort Mahon, Beach cross Berck, Hossegor
The Can-Am DS 450: A Closer Look
BRP caused quite a stir when it announced it was adding to its roster of quads. The newest member, the DS 450, is an ultra competitive sporting vehicle that is quickly becoming known as a driver’s dream. With state-of-the-art mechanics, the DS is the lightest four-wheeler in its class and with a top-notch suspension backed by a Rotax 450 engine; it leaves its competition in the dust.
Need proof? Look no further than the DS 450’s results in the American World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS). Epic Racing driver Josh Frederick took home his first victory after his first outing at the event, thanks to the DS 450. He went on to take the podium at both the Open Pro ATV and the Pro ATV, while his teammate, Jeremy Schell finished third at both the Open Pro ATV and the Pro ATV. At the WPSA ATV Pro Tour, teammates Chris Borich and Scott Kilby finished first and second, respectively in the Quad Terrain Challenge, making for a sweet victory for their team, Can-Am X and for BRP, which won the constructor’s championship for the second year in a row at the event.
This is quite a feat, according to Del Bohlman, product, media relations and racing manager, Can-Am ATV, BRP, “These victories have allowed us to prove that the DS 450 is really the standard-bearer among quads in its category.”
For more information on the 2008 Can-Am ATV line-up, please visit brp.com
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More Information:
Philippe Normand
Product Manager
BRP International
Tel: +1.450.532.6410
philippe.normand@brp.com
Antoine Valla
Senior Advisor, Communication & Events
BRP International
+41 21 318 78 83
antoine.valla@brp.com