Canadian teen Raphaël Lessard signs with Kyle Busch Motorsports

After an up-and-down season in 2017 driving a late model in the United States, the 2018 campaign is already off to an improved start.

Lessard will move over to Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2018 and drive a late model for the former NASCAR Cup champion, and will also remain a development driver for Toyota TRD.

He will compete in 19-20 races driving a Super Late Model beginning in late January. Specific details and events will be announced after the first of the year.

"This is fantastic news, it's definitely the best Christmas present I could have hoped for," said Lessard. "I thank my parents, Jack Irving and Toyota TRD, sponsors and our investors group. Without them none of this would be possible. My parents are making so many sacrifices for me. In addition to saying thank you to them, I think I will have to go shopping with my sisters and find two gifts that will make them happy. "

Lessard has already amassed an impressive resume since he was signed by Toyota in 2016 to join their driver development program.

In 2016 he earned the CARS Tour title in the Super Late Model category with four wins and nine top-10 finishes in 10 races. The 2017 season was a bit more trying for the 16 year-old driver. He made 17 starts in various series and events and scored 15 top-10 finishes.

The first race with KBM for Lessard will be on January 28 when he competes in the ARCA / CRA Super Series Speedfest 200 at Crisp Motorsports Park in Cordele, Georgia.