MONTREAL, QC, March 5, 2026 — What began on local tracks and in student engineering garages has grown into a national achievement. Apex Racer, a Quebec-based endurance karting team, is now ranked first in Canada in the Sodi World Series endurance standings and will represent the country at the prestigious Circuit de karting du Mans on May 22, 2026, in a 24-hour endurance race.
The Sodi World Series is the world’s largest rental karting competition, bringing together thousands of drivers and teams who compete year-round on accredited tracks across the globe. In the endurance category, teams accumulate points through long-distance races held at local circuits.
Only 50 out of 20,000 Teams Qualify
Reaching the world finals is not just an achievement—it is the absolute elite level of the discipline. Only the 50 best teams in the world qualify each year out of more than twenty thousand teams, making it the most selective stage in global rental karting endurance. In 2026, those top teams will gather at the legendary karting complex in Le Mans for a single, high-intensity showdown on one of motorsport’s most iconic grounds.
For the four drivers behind the team — Simon Laflamme, Kevin Andriamaharo, Kristopher-Ryan Bissonnette and Jonathan Paquette — the journey has been anything but conventional.
Each member brings a distinct background and skill set.
Simon Laflamme, hailing from Boucherville, first discovered karting on local tracks in Quebec. What began as weekend sessions close to home quickly evolved into a relentless pursuit of performance. Known for his consistency and race management skills, Simon built his reputation through discipline and steady progression in the Quebec karting scene.
Kevin Andriamaharo, originally from Madagascar, began karting as a hobby on tracks in his home country. After moving to Montreal, he immersed himself in Quebec’s competitive karting world, sharpening his race craft and adaptability. His international background and natural feel for endurance strategy make him a versatile and composed driver under pressure.
Kristopher Ryan Bissonnette brings valuable dual-discipline experience, having experience in both cars and karting. His broader motorsport background gives him a technical understanding of vehicle dynamics and race strategy that proves crucial in long-format competition. Kristopher’s smooth driving style and mechanical sensitivity are key assets over extended stints.
Jonathan Paquette adds an engineering edge to the team. Having driven in Formula Student competitions during his engineering studies, he combines analytical precision with on-track performance. His ability to translate technical feedback into tangible performance gains strengthens the team’s overall package.
Quebec karting community
All four drivers met through Quebec’s tight-knit karting community. Rivalries turned into respect, and respect evolved into a shared ambition. Recognizing their complementary strengths and common work ethic, they decided to join forces for endurance racing — a discipline that rewards unity as much as speed.
At Le Mans, they won’t just represent Canada — they’ll represent the spirit of Quebec karting: resilient, passionate, and relentlessly competitive.
Together, their different paths converged into a shared ambition: to build something greater than themselves.
Today, each of these drivers is recognized within Canada’s endurance karting community for their consistency, discipline and sportsmanship. Collectively, Apex Racer has become a respected reference in Quebec’s endurance karting scene — not only for results, but for its professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement.
From Passion Project to National Leaders
Endurance karting demands more than speed. It requires strategy, mechanical sensitivity, mental resilience and seamless teamwork over hours — sometimes an entire day — of competition. Climbing to the top of the Canadian rankings in the Sodi World Series standings reflects years of preparation, sacrifice and quiet determination.
Now, the opportunity to compete in France marks a defining chapter in their story. Racing a full 24 hours at Le Mans is both a physical and emotional test — and a chance to carry the Canadian and Quebec flags onto an international stage.
The team is quick to emphasize gratitude over glory.
“We’re proud, but above all, we’re thankful — for our families, our supporters and the local motorsport community that believed in us. We’re going to France because of them.” says Kevin.
Community Fundraiser to Help Fuel the Dream
To finance travel and competition expenses, Apex Racer is hosting a benefit concert on March 28 featuring Montreal’s Boogie Wonder Band. The event promises an energetic, inclusive evening designed to bring the community together behind a shared dream.
The event can be found online under the title “Apex présente Boogie Wonder Band – 28 mars 2026”, with tickets available through the Quebec ticketing platform Point de vente. The evening promises to be energetic, inclusive and community-driven — a celebration bringing supporters together behind a shared goal.
Supporters can also follow the team’s journey and updates on Facebook under Apex Racer équipe de karting.
Proceeds will directly support the team’s participation in the international race.
Beyond fundraising, Apex Racer hopes its story resonates with young athletes and all who want to join the world of racing across Quebec and Canada — proof that there is no single path to success in motorsport, and that passion combined with perseverance can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
From local karting leagues to engineering labs, from amateur grids to national rankings, Apex Racer’s journey is a testament to collaboration, humility and belief.
As they prepare for the start line in France, the team carries with it more than racing helmets — it carries the support of a community and the dream of inspiring the next generation.
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